Whole Family Support Third Sector Delivery Fund: Equality Impact Assessment

Executive summary

The Whole Family Support Third Sector Delivery Fund provides funding to third sector organisations with proven experience of delivering whole family support to families experiencing or at risk of child poverty. The EQIA assessed the likely impacts of the Fund across all protected characteristics and considered the three needs of the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED): eliminating discrimination, advancing equality of opportunity and fostering good relations.

Evidence demonstrates that several protected characteristic groups are disproportionately affected by poverty, particularly younger mothers, disabled people, minority ethnic families, women, pregnant women and families with very young children. The EQIA therefore identified significant opportunities for the Fund to advance equality of opportunity and reduce disadvantages experienced by these groups through targeted and accessible support.

The assessment informed the design of the Fund, including assessment criteria requiring applicants to demonstrate positive impacts for priority family groups, expectations around inclusive delivery, and commitments to ongoing equality monitoring. Any evidence gaps will be addressed through ongoing monitoring, evaluation and engagement with funded organisations.

The Fund supports 10 third sector partnerships to tackle child poverty through upscaling financial, practical or emotional support to families across Scotland. This supports National Performance Framework outcomes of:

• Children and Young People – We grow up loved, safe and respected so that we realise our full potential.
• Communities – We live in communities that are inclusive, empowered, resilient and safe.
• Education – We are well educated, skilled and able to contribute to society.
• Health – We are healthy and active.