Public participation dynamic purchasing system (DPS): equality impact assessment

Recommendations and conclusion

EQIA analysis at the DPS level considered the DPS to have a positive impact on all protected characterises for advancing equality of opportunity and eliminating discrimination. As highlighted in our key findings, it was not possible to as clearly determine the extent to which the DPS would be able to promote good relations among and between those with and without protected characterises. This is because much of the detail of this work will take place at the commissioning level. The function of the DPS is to facilitate these commissions.

To mitigate against any potentially negative impacts in our duty to foster good relations, it was recommended that the DPS buyers guide will include information on how Scottish Government staff can build the requirement to support conducive participant relationships and interactions into the scope and design of commissions.

The DPS Manager will be responsible for continuous improvement and monitoring of the DPS and its function. The DPS Manager will gather data on equality impacts using evidence from work commissioned through the DPS once operational. This will be primarily through information shared through the DPS evidence bank.

It is the intention of the DPS Manager to hold a voluntary annual review of the DPS. This will seek to involve internal teams and suppliers registered to the DPS to capture where improvements could be made. This review can ensure an assessment of how the needs of individuals with protected characteristics have been addressed, guided by the EQIA analysis.

It is likely any feedback will involve strengthening guidance in the buyers guide as this is a key tool available to the DPS Manager.