Diversity Strategy Advice

Background

Education Scotland is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government, tasked with improving the quality of the country's education system. The Agency is not a “listed authority” with reference to Schedule 19 to the Equality Act 2010 and therefore is not obliged to comply with the Scottish Public Sector Specific Duties which include the obligations to publish Mainstreaming Reports, Equality Outcomes and staff data.

We were asked to facilitate engagement with senior leaders to embed and plan a Diversity and Inclusion strategy. .

Approach

It was clear from the outset that the Agency was intent on going beyond compliance and embedding practice to enhance the experience and attainment of protected groups in education. This was reflected in the organisational strategy which includes embedding inclusion, equity and empowerment. Much of our advice was based on greater prominence of the strategic focus and increasing confidence.  

Process

We reviewed the organisation’s strategic outcomes and developed exercises to link operational planning with strategy. We compared internal benchmarks with external indicators, and gathered examples of good practice to disseminate. A Rapid Assessment Practice Framework was used to plan for future strategic action to advance equality.