Care Home Services (Visits to and by Care Home Residents) (Scotland) Regulations 2026: equality impact assessment
An equality impact assessment undertaken to consider and assess the impacts of the Care Home Services (Visits to and by Care Home Residents) (Scotland) Regulations 2026.
The Scope of the EQIA
The Equality Impact Assessment assessed the following protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, i.e. age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, and religion or belief against the three PSED needs:
- Eliminating unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisatiomn;
- Advancing equality of opportunity
- Fostering good relations.
As explained above, the assessment combined analysis of national published statistics, responses to an online consultation survey, and qualitative evidence from stakeholder engagement. Evidence was gathered through an online survey, including organisational responses.
The online survey asked for views on each section of the consultation. Over 200 responses were received. The consultation showed strong broad support for the draft regulations, with high levels of agreement across all survey questions and strong endorsement from care home residents, relatives, staff and organisations. Respondents welcomed the purpose of Anne’s Law and recognised the importance of visiting and maintaining meaningful relationships for people living in care homes.
Recognising that an online survey might not be the most accessible method for everyone to give their views, a programme of face-to-face engagement has also taken place. Scottish Government officials visited care homes across the country and spoke with care home residents, their families and friends, care home managers and other staff, including care, nursing and activities staff.