Scottish Welfare Fund statutory guidance amendments - April 2026: equality impact assessment

Stage 5 - Authorisation of EQIA

Please confirm that:

• This Equality Impact Assessment has informed the development of this policy:

Yes

Opportunities to promote equality in respect of age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation have been considered, i.e.:

• Eliminating unlawful discrimination, harassment, victimisation.
• Removing or minimising any barriers and/or disadvantages.
• Taking steps which assist with promoting equality and meeting people’s different needs.
• Encouraging participation (e.g., in public life)
• Fostering good relations, tackling prejudice and promoting understanding.

Yes

If the Marriage and Civil Partnership protected characteristic applies to this policy, the Equality Impact Assessment has also assessed against the duty to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation in respect of this protected characteristic:

Not applicable

Declaration

I am satisfied with the equality impact assessment that has been undertaken for the Scottish Welfare Fund: Statutory Guidance updates April 2026 and give my authorisation for the results of this assessment to be published on the Scottish Government’s website.

Name: Dougie McLaren

Position: Deputy Director

Authorisation date: 24 February 2026