Offshore wind - skills priorities and action plan: equality impact assessment (EQIA)

Executive Summary

Scotland’s Offshore Wind Skills Priorities and Action Plan (hereafter referred to as “the Plan”) is intended to support the training of the skilled workforce the offshore wind sector will need to deliver the significant potential pipeline of projects, building on existing provision. It does this by outlining some initial practical actions to be taken forward by industry and partners, establishing a shared set of objectives and priority job roles, and by pointing to a larger programme of work going forward.

This Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) has considered the potential impacts of the Plan on people with protected characteristics. The EQIA assesses the potential equality impacts on offshore wind and related sectors, arising from the development of the Plan. It draws on available evidence and engagement with the Offshore Wind Skills Short-Life Working Group (SLWG).

The assessment indicates that the Plan will likely have broadly positive impacts for people with protected characteristics. However, some groups with protected characteristics (e.g. age, sex) may potentially experience additional benefits from targeted interventions. Evidence also indicates that people with protected characteristics may face barriers in accessing offshore wind related education, training or employment due to lack of experience, awareness, or other systemic barriers including discrimination. The Plan includes initial actions which could help to address these issues. Equalities considerations will be monitored throughout the implementation of actions set out in the Plan.