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: Strengthening leadership
Action 1:
We will establish a governance framework to underpin the delivery of the Mainstreaming Action Plan. This framework will be published in Summer 2026, ensuring senior-level ownership and visible leadership. By embedding accountability at the highest levels, we will drive sustained momentum and ensure that the Action Plan remains a priority throughout its delivery.
Source : Mainstreaming Action Plan
Action 2:
We will take focused action to improve the wider public sector’s understanding of and engagement with the fostering good relations element of the general equality duty. We will also take focused action to improve the evidence base relating to activity intended to foster good relations.
In 2025 we will initiate scoping for this commitment. In 2026, as part of this work we will test with listed authorities whether our first Community of Practice should focus on this element of the PSED. By 2027, we also propose to convene a knowledge exchange event for devolved governments to share learning and good practice. Further information on the action we will take forward in this space is set out in the Regulation 12 Report published alongside this document. By 2027 we will report on the progress in delivering the Regulation 12 proposals.
Source: PSED Regulation 12 Report
Action 3:
Over the next two to three years, we will take targeted action to strengthen the mechanisms for accountability of Scottish Government senior leaders in their support of Scottish Ministers, who are the duty-bearers in relation to PSED and the Scottish Specific Duties. We will undertake an internal review of the Scottish Government’s accountability and decision-making arrangements for senior decision-makers, in their role of supporting Scottish Ministers, to understand where there may be opportunities for improvement in both how decisions are made, and the transparency of decision making and accountability. We will undertake this review with the advice of our Stakeholder Reference Group, who will advise on the timelines for taking agreed actions. We will also take a wider range of action in this space, which is set out in the Regulation 12 Report, which was published alongside this document. By 2027 we will report on the progress in delivering the Regulation 12 proposals.
Source: PSED Regulation 12 Report
Action 4:
As part of our PSED improvement programme, we will use powers under Regulation 11 of the Equality Act (Specific Duties) (Scotland) Regulations 2012 to draw listed authorities’ attention to certain matters that may enable better performance of the PSED. The first use will be in December 2025.
Source: Ministerial Commitment
Action 5:
We will publish the Scottish Government’s first equality strategy for women and girls by the end of March 2026. The strategy will be co-designed with the National Advisory Council on Women and Girls and the Empowering Women Panel, a diverse group of women and girls.
Source: NACWG Second Focus of Scrutiny Recommendations
Action 6:
In March 2026, we will publish the Infection Prevention and Control Strategic Vision and Priorities Statement, taking a human rights-based approach to its development.
Source: Infection Prevention and Control Strategic Priorities Statement