Equality outcomes 2025-2029

Reviewing our progress

We are legally required to report on progress made to achieve our equality outcomes every 2 years (Reg 4(4) of the Specific Duties Regulations). Our next progress update will be made in 2027.

This milestone will represent the mid-point of progress in delivering our outcomes. It will be an important opportunity to transparently provide a review of the progress made, to evaluate the effectiveness of actions, and identify areas for improvement.

In addition to the 2027 report, we will monitor and review progress internally at regular intervals.

This will ensure that we can monitor the delivery of actions; assess how effectively they are driving meaningful system change in which the outcomes are intended to support; and that we can take corrective actions, as necessary.

In addition to the actions under each outcome identified above, we will consider what further contributing action may be required. We will identify how we will measure, monitor and report on progress towards achieving the outcomes we have set.

We will identify mechanisms to provide robust oversight, encourage cross-organisational collaboration, and ensure our equality outcomes deliver real, measurable change in how we make policy and decisions, which ultimately will advance equality in Scotland.

We will publish further information on our approach to monitoring and evaluating progress in achieving the outcomes. We plan to do this as part of the requirement to publish PSED improvement proposals by December 2025, as required by Regulation 12 of the Specific Duties. As part of this process, we will draw on lived experience to ensure our approach reflects the realities and needs of those affected.

Next Steps

To ensure the successful implementation and integration of the 2025–2029 equality outcomes, a set of additional contributing actions will be identified for each outcome. Efforts will focus on raising awareness and engagement across all levels of the Scottish Government, ensuring that the equality outcomes are embedded in day-to-day work and aligned with the NPF. This will include targeted communication campaigns, regular updates through internal channels, and integration into training and development programmes.

Building on this, a series of interactive learning sessions will provide colleagues with deeper insight into the equality outcomes and their alignment with our strategic priorities. These sessions will emphasise the role of different portfolios in embedding the outcomes within their areas of work, fostering shared responsibility and collaboration across government.