Equality Impact Assessment for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) system in Tier 4 of Agricultural Reform Programme

Executive summary

In the autumn of 2026 the Scottish Government is consulting on a CPD system as part of Tier 4 of the Agricultural Reform Programme. The consultation asks a series of questions about proposals for a system, including approaches that could be undertaken and policies. Scottish Ministers have not taken any decisions on the introduction of the CPD system, its approach and policies. The consultation will provide further evidence to inform any decisions that they make on such a system in due course.

This Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) has been carried out to identify potential impacts resulting from the introduction of the policy of a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) system in Scottish agriculture. It is important to note that the protected characteristics are not independent of each other and that some people may be affected by complex and interconnected issues related to disadvantage at any one time. It is also recognised that this intersectionality also applies to those experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage, as highlighted in the Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment and those living in island communities.

The Scottish Government has considered the CPD system against the needs of the general equality duty set out in section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation, advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not, and foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. The Scottish Government has also considered whether the measures could constitute direct and/or indirect discrimination.

Specifically, the EQIA considers impacts on equalities groups based on three tests it is required to address:

• Does the policy eliminate discrimination for each of the nine protected characteristics? Is not the discrimination justifiable? Can it be mitigated?
• Does this policy advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not?
• Does this policy foster good community relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not?

The CPD (Continuing Professional Development) system could provide specific occupational groups within agriculture and crofting with a framework to undertake CPD and participate in a range of CPD activities. CPD relates to any type of learning that is undertaken that increases knowledge, understanding and experiences of a subject area or role. The immediate objective of establishing a CPD system would be to encourage and facilitate personal and professional development and improvement in practices in agriculture, land management and other associated vocational fields.

CPD forms part of Tier 4 (“complementary support”) of the Agricultural Reform Programme. Whilst it is a standalone Tier, it also underpins and helps to support the other Tiers. As with the other support in Tier 4, it could help to contribute to the five strategic outcomes of the Agricultural Reform Programme. It could help to support a Just Transition in respect of skills, knowledge exchange, wellbeing and mental health and access to services. It could have downstream benefits for the four outcomes in the Programme:

• High Quality Food Production
• Thriving Agricultural Businesses
• Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
• Nature Restoration.

It could also help meet short, medium and long-term outcomes of the Agricultural Reform Programme. It could help to contribute towards the outcomes in the Vision for Scottish Agriculture. In particular this relates to skills and co-operative approaches to optimise collaboration and knowledge exchange.

The CPD system is in essence a framework to support personal and professional development. While a CPD system has requirements that are to be met by an individual, they also have some flexibility in how they can undertake aspects of their personal and professional development to meet their needs.

The proposals are anticipated to have an overall positive impact. This is not expected to differ between different equalities groups and each of the nine protected characteristics. The CPD system could help bring about the national outcomes that the Scottish Government wishes to see in terms of having a globally competitive, entrepreneurial, inclusive and sustainable economy; communities that are inclusive, empowered, resilient and safe; thriving and innovative businesses, with quality jobs and fair work for everyone; educated, skilled and able to contribute to society; and respect, protect and fulfil human rights and live free from discrimination.

The EQIA has been developed based on consultation, stakeholder engagement and consideration of available research. It would be kept under review as the CPD system is developed, implemented and reviewed and an impact assessment would be carried out for future regulations.