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2. WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
2.1 The Scottish Executive is the devolved government for Scotland and was established in 1999, following the first elections to the Scottish Parliament. We are responsible for most of the issues of day-to-day concern to the people of Scotland, including health, education, justice, rural affairs, and transport.
2.2 We manage an annual budget of more than £27 billion in the financial year 2005-2006 which is due to rise to over £30 billion in 2007-2008.
2.3 The Executive's current plans and priorities are set out in "A Partnership For A Better Scotland: Partnership Agreement" ( http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/government/pfbs-01.asp#1).
A Partnership For A Better Scotland: Partnership Agreement
2.4 In September 2003, following the Scottish Parliamentary elections in May 2003, Scottish Ministers set out their priorities for Scotland during this Parliamentary session. They made it clear that they want a Scotland where everyone can enjoy a decent quality of life, that they will tackle the social, educational and economic barriers that create inequality, and act decisively to confront the evils of racism. To this end, they made a commitment to
- act against racist abuse and attacks
- encourage the integration of refugees into local communities
- continue to assist public bodies to improve quality of life for local communities
The Scottish Executive Administration
2.5 Executive civil servants are accountable to Scottish Ministers, who are themselves accountable to the Scottish Parliament.
2.6 The administration works to the following aim, vision and values:
AIM
To work with Scottish Ministers to improve the well being of Scotland and its people.
VISION
The vision is of an organisation which:
- earns respect and trust
- promotes Scottish interests
- is open and in touch
- works together
- works with and learns from others
- ensures high quality services
- makes the best use of resources
- values its people
VALUES
- integrity and honesty
- objectivity
- political impartiality
- fairness
2.7 This Race Equality Scheme has been prepared with the Aim, Vision and Values firmly in mind.
The Equality Unit
2.8 The Unit was established in 1999 to assist Ministers in the delivery of their commitment to promote equality of opportunity for all. Its remit is:
- To provide a point of reference and advice on equality within the Executive
- To assist the mainstreaming of equality throughout the Executive
- To promote equal opportunities within and outwith the Executive
2.9 The mainstreaming of equality into policy development, service design and delivery is at the heart of our equal opportunities agenda ( i.e. where policy areas consider the impact of their policies/programmes etc on particular equality groups at the very start of the process). A key role for the Unit is to develop and support work on mainstreaming equality.
2.10 Teams in the Unit cover:
- Race (including Gypsies/Travellers), Religion/Faith, Refugee Integration, and Asylum Issues
- Disability and Sexual Orientation
- Gender and Multiple Discrimination
- Age Discrimination and Older People
- Violence Against Women
- Mainstreaming Equality
The Human Resources ( HR) Policy Team
2.11 Human Resources ( HR) Policy Team encompasses the former Equal Opportunities and Diversity Unit and is located with the Scottish Executive's Human Resources Division. The Team has lead responsibility for providing advice and guidance on the Executive's employee policies on equal opportunities and diversity and also for implementing the Executive's Diversity Strategy.
2.12 As well as providing advice and guidance on employee policy issues, the Team also oversees the Executive's staff childcare strategy, implements reasonable adjustments for disabled staff, undertakes any appropriate outreach and awareness-raising activity (both internal and external) and supports the Executive's five staff networks which are:
- Part Time
- Disability
- Race Equality (formerly Multicultural)
- Carers
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender
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