Scotland's Population Health Framework: Equality Impact Assessment

The Scope of the EQIA

Under the Equality Act 2010 (Scotland) public authorities must carry out an Equalities Impact Assessment (EQIA) as well as a general duty for listed public authorities to promote equality by advancing equality of opportunity, eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and foster good community relations between person who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. To achieve this, the Scottish Government promotes a mainstreaming approach to equality to ensure that the impact of policies, programmes and legislation on groups of people who share a protected characteristic are assessed by all areas and at all levels.

Whilst the Framework has been developed at a population level, setting out broad principles, priorities and strategic direction, we acknowledge that different communities and groups may experience its impacts in varying ways and are committed to ensure that it is targeted in a manner that achieves the greatest outcome to those most in need. As part of this, we are committed to further impact assessments to be carried out at key stages of implementation and development of every individual action within the Framework to ensure that our policies and initiatives continue to address inequalities effectively. These assessments will help to refine our future approach and ensure that we are responsive to emerging challenges and evidence.