Alcohol and drugs strategic plan: equality impact assessment summary

Recommendations and Conclusion

The EqIA impact analysis highlighted key areas for ongoing consideration, which include:

• Importance of the human-rights based approach: The EqIA process reinforced the importance of the Plan’s overarching human rights-based approach. The Charter of Rights, which promotes dignity, respect and personal agency for all people affected by alcohol and drugs across diverse equality groups, is grounded in the UN Panel Principles that support prevention against inequality and discrimination in all forms. Sustaining the Plan’s commitment to embedding the Charter of Rights throughout its implementation will be essential for ensuring that non-discrimination and equality remain central to the delivery of the Plan’s outcomes.
• Considerations for implementation: The EqIA process has identified several areas where there may be risks of indirect discrimination at a service level, as well as opportunities to take targeted actions that could enhance the inclusivity of services and support and tailor policy to address inequalities. These considerations sit beyond the scope of the high-level Plan and will require more detailed attention during the delivery phase. This includes work undertaken by local areas (such as ADPs and service providers) and by national partners including Public Health Scotland (PHS), Healthcare Improvement Scotland and third sector organisations. Steps will be taken to ensure that the findings from the EqIA are shared effectively so they can meaningfully inform this planning.
• Data gaps: The EqIA evidence gathering process has highlighted notable gaps in data relating to equality groups and their experiences of alcohol- and drug-related harms. These gaps span several protected characteristics, including race, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, pregnancy and maternity, and marriage or civil partnership. The wider context of alcohol and drug use makes comprehensive data collection particularly challenging, given the high levels of stigma and the illicit nature of some behaviours - challenges that may be even more pronounced within certain communities. The Plan includes a core commitment to strengthening the use of data and service feedback to identify inequalities, support informed decision making and drive continuous improvements in equity and outcomes. This approach aligns with broader Scottish Government efforts to enhance equality data and evidence.^[61]