Minimum Income Guarantee Expert Group work and potential trial in Scotland: intersectional analysis

Methodology

This commission was a fast-paced review delivered within an 8-week period. The research included a desk-based search of relevant expertise and UK-based publications on intersectional analysis and a Minimum Income Guarantee (which was limited). This supports the development of further recommendations and a baseline for understanding how intersectionality has been applied, if at all, in similar policy spaces.

Seven Expert Group members were interviewed and asked about their experiences on the group, the extent to which intersectionality had been considered, and how recommendations and a future trial should embed an intersectional lens. Two experts involved in the Basic Income Pilot for Care Leavers in Wales were also interviewed to provide insight into any intersectional analysis conducted in the Welsh model, as well as providing some context on ongoing their evaluation process.

An online workshop was facilitated which included four members from the Experts by Experience Panel, three participants who are involved in the evaluation of the Welsh model, two external Scotland based anti-poverty experts and eight members of the Expert Group or wider subgroups.

Analysis and recommendations in this paper are developed through the above methodology as well as the specific expertise on intersectional analysis and policy-design of the consultants.

This report is part of a three-year period of work to develop recommendations to the Scottish Government, below is a timeline to understand what this process has included to date:

• First meeting of the Minimum Income Guarantee Expert Group - August 2021
• Duration of phase one - August 2021 – February 2023
• Interim report publication - March 2023
• Duration of phase two - April 2023 – February 2025
• Intersectionality review completion date - November 2024
• Final Report submitted to the Scottish Government - 2025