Equality and human rights mainstreaming action plan
Brings together 61 equality and human rights mainstreaming actions from across the Scottish Government in one accessible plan, supporting equality, diversity and inclusion in policy and practice.
Actions: Improving capacity
Action 52:
In early 2026 we will review the Centre of Expertise in DG Economy, and commence a programme to establish Centres of Expertise across the organisation.
Source: NACWG Second Focus of Scrutiny Recommendations
Action 53:
In 2026 and beyond, we will take forward work to improve the Mainstreaming Toolkit based on user feedback, good practice and stakeholder input. This will ensure that the Toolkit continues to be an effective source of support for the Scottish Government, wider public sector and our stakeholders.
Source: Equality and Human Rights Mainstreaming Toolkit
Action 54:
We will work with the Equality and Human Rights Budget Advisory Group (EHRBAG) to review its current remit and establish clear Terms of Reference by 2026.
As part of this review, any unresolved actions from the group’s recommendations made in 2021 will be revisited and discussed with the group to determine appropriate next steps.
[In 2021, EHRBAG put forward a list of recommendations, which the government accepted, to improve how equality and human rights considerations are incorporated into core government processes. Over the past year, we have agreed with the group to pause unresolved actions and instead focus on a set of priority actions (listed below as Actions 55 – 58) while further consideration is given to the group’s terms of reference.]
Source : EHRBAG Ministerial Commitment
Action 55:
By 2026, we will pilot budget tagging for each statutory duty for a select set of Level 4 budget lines, with a view to test the feasibility and impact of this approach and, if successful, roll this out more widely in the future.
Source: EHRBAG Ministerial Commitment
Action 56:
For the first time, we will undertake a strategic integrated impact assessment of the 2026/27 Budget, both in terms of process and publication, which considers all impact assessments in the round ahead of decisions being taken.
Source: EHRBAG Ministerial Commitment
Action 57:
We will undertake work on budget tagging, by early 2026. This will build upon the gender pilot work with the OECD last year, covering cross-cutting policy areas which focuses on improving outcomes for women, such as child poverty.
Source: EHRBAG Ministerial Commitment
Action 58:
In early 2026, we will publish an evaluation of the budget tagging and impact assessment pilot approaches to the Budget.
Source: EHRBAG Ministerial Commitment
Action 59:
We will continue to promote and run the internal Analytical Community of Practice for Equality Variables, which aims to support those analysts progressing the use of, and engagement with, equality variables and protected characteristics data/evidence.
Source: Equality Outcome 1 - Equality Evidence
Action 60:
We will establish a set of resources to support Scottish Government staff designing or delivering participatory work.
Pilot programme of participation community representatives is due to be launched in early 2026.
Source: Outcome 2 - Lived Experience & Participation
Action 61:
We will continue to implement Fair Work First criteria in public sector grants and contracts – including provision of flexible and family friendly working practices and actions to address workplace inequality.
We will undertake an evaluation of Fair Work First in 2025/26 to understand how effective the policy has been in meeting its aims. Lessons learned will be assessed and will help inform future Fair Work First policy.
Source: Programme for Government 2025-26