Assessing the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Cluster (SAIC): equality impact assessment
Equality impact assessment (EQIA) for the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Cluster, examining how the initiative supports innovation, resilience and inclusive access for aquaculture businesses while identifying no direct impacts on protected groups.
Methodology:
Evidence sources: sector reports, labour market data, aquaculture statistics and SG publications
Data analysis: assessment of business size, location and sector characteristics to identify structural barriers
Risk identification: evaluation of potential barriers affecting access to SAIC resources such as geographic location, business capacity and awareness of opportunities.
Mitigation assessment: consideration of proportionate adjustments such as accessible guidance and virtual engagement,
Engagement: no formal consultation has taken place however informal engagement with industry stakeholders informed design and access considerations.
Evidence gaps addressed: Lack of disaggregated workforce data by protected characteristics or socio-economic status.
The assessment involved reviewing sector evidence, analysing business characteristics, identifying potential structural barriers, and considering mitigations such as accessible guidance and virtual engagement. Informal engagement with stakeholders informed design considerations. Data gaps were identified, particularly the lack of disaggregated workforce information for micro and small enterprises.
Contact
Email: ceu@gov.scot