Sustainable digital public services delivery plan 2025 - 2028: impact assessments

2. Fairer Scotland Duty Summary

2.1 Summary of Aims and Expected Outcomes of Strategy, Proposal, Programme or Policy

The refreshed Digital Strategy for Scotland sets out our vision for digital alongside a set of subject-specific delivery plans.

In delivering our vision we want to see a Scotland where:

• Our people can connect to digital opportunities Everyone has the chance to thrive in the digital world – whether it’s staying connected with friends and family, pursuing education, or accessing essential services. We are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind; every individual should be empowered to seize all available digital opportunities and enjoy the benefits they bring.
• Our businesses create economic growth There is a vibrant tech ecosystem, where businesses work with academia, the public sector and each other to start, scale and expand internationally. We attract investment because we have the right people and ideas.
• Our public sector delivers improved public services Digital innovation transforms Scotland’s public services, making them smarter, faster, and fairer. By placing efficiency, high-quality customer service, and the prevention at the core, we can transform how our nation delivers public services and achieves better outcomes for everyone. At the same time, robust cyber security ensures everyone can trust and embrace digital services, confident their information is protected.

The refreshed Strategy has been produced in response to the evolving context in which digital is delivered. It is a joint effort with Local Government (represented by COSLA and the Digital Office for Scottish Local Government). The Vision is co-owned, co-designed and will be co-delivered.

The refreshed Strategy takes a federated approach and is a change in implementation from the previous Strategy, which was published in 2021, rather than a significant shift in content.

The refreshed Strategy consists of an overarching Vision, which is a short and focused articulation setting out at a high level what our digital ambitions are across government.

Nested underneath the Vision is a set of supporting delivery plans. The delivery plans will aim to address the barriers to digital participation which affect low-income households, older adults, people with disabilities, and those living in rural or remote areas. These will begin with a delivery plan focusing on Digital Public Services which was published on 18 November 2025.

It will be necessary for relevant portfolio areas to undertake individual Fairer Scotland Duty Assessments and EQIAs as and when any new policies and delivery plans in the strategy are pursued.

2.2 Summary of Assessment Findings

To reduce this digital divide, the refreshed Strategy outlines a number of actions that will be taken by the Scottish Government. For example, we will continue to:

• focus on digital exclusion and on ensuring that moving services online reduces inequalities and is done so to promote inclusivity. To do so, we will continue to build on existing Digital Inclusivity programmes and work with third sector organisations to provide training and support to those that need it.
• build public trust in the use of data and assure all citizens that their data is being used safely and efficiently for public benefit.
• ensure that all services are accessible and inclusive. The needs of those with a disability will be considered in the designing and implementing of new digital services, and face-to-face services will continue to be provided.

Based on the evidence gathered, the assessment process has not identified any significant negative equality impacts stemming from the refreshed Strategy or associated delivery plans. Moreover, it is expected that policies contained within and stemming from the refreshed Strategy and associated delivery plans will have a positive effect on a number of individuals with certain protected characteristics.

Sign Off Name: Geoff Huggins

Job Title: Chief Digital Officer