Equality outcomes 2025-2029

Forewords

Kaukab Stewart MSP, Minister for Equalities

As Minister for Equalities, I am unwavering in my commitment to embed equality into every part of our government’s work, integrating equality routinely into our processes and decisions. Given changes we see around the world, now more than ever, we must do all we can to make Scotland fairer and more inclusive, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Setting equality outcomes is a critical part of fulfilling this vision, driving us to achieve meaningful change. Despite significant progress in advancing equality in Scotland over recent years, there is clear and compelling evidence that inequality persists. The Scottish Government holds both a legal and moral obligation to use equality outcomes as a lever to advance equality and improve the lives of the people of Scotland. I am determined that over the next four years, these outcomes will help deliver meaningful change for the most disadvantaged people of Scotland.

The outcomes published here will contribute to much-needed system change that so many stakeholders tell us is needed, and to which the evidence points. This document describes the new approach we are deliberately taking to maximise the impact of equality outcomes; focused on enablers of change. By working to achieve these by 2029, we will continue to build a Scotland that is truly fair and inclusive for all.

Lesley Fraser, Director-General Corporate, Scottish Government

Diverse experience, skills, thinking and background are essential to delivering better policies, services and advice for Ministers. This ambition is central to our work as civil servants, where we come together with a shared purpose: to improve the lives of the people of Scotland.

As an organisation, we aim to be dynamic, diverse, and connected—qualities that enable us to deliver on Ministers’ priorities effectively. Our core values of integrity, inclusion, collaboration, innovation, and kindness underpin everything we do and are fundamental to enabling a workplace culture that allows us to fulfil our potential and deliver at our best. The progress we have made, as outlined in our Mainstreaming Report, is a testament to the hard work and dedication of colleagues across the organisation. However, we recognise that there is still more to do. Tackling inequalities and embedding equality, inclusion, and human rights into our work requires sustained focus and action. This report sets out our new equality outcomes for the next four years and the steps we will take to achieve them. These outcomes reflect our continued commitment to mainstreaming equality, both in the policies we deliver and in how we work together as an organisation. By living our values and focusing on this agenda, we will ensure that the Scottish Government is not only a force for change but also an exemplar employer for equality and inclusion.