The Scottish Government

Best Value in Public Services ( BVPS). Refreshed guidance was issued in May 2006 to public service organisations, which explains Best Value and what bodies need to do to achieve it. The duty of Best Value includes having regard to equal opportunities requirements.

Awareness-raising of BVPS using telephone survey and possible event for senior officials in public service organisations to highlight the 9 characteristics of Best Value (including the one on equalities). The telephone survey indicated that training is required on BVPS. Training for representatives of public service organisations on the equalities characteristic is being taken forward in consultation with the Scottish Executive Equality Unit.

Best Value & Performance Team

November 2007

High level buy-in and commitment from leaders of public service organisations to Best Value which includes disability equality under the equalities characteristic.

The Best Value consultants' report (April 2007) identified one of the priorities for more detailed attention as Equal Opportunities. Three _ day equalities events have been jointly arranged with the Equality Unit to which public service organisations have been invited. Further work on capacity building will be considered alongside other priority workstreams on Outcome Agreements and the Performance Framework.

Training day organised for CCAD by Capability Scotland to inform staff of duties relating to disability legislation and to raise awareness 19 ^th June 2007

Public Bodies Policy

Update guidance to Sponsor Teams on Non-Departmental Public Bodies ( NDPBs) equality duties. This forms part of a wider review of sponsorship guidance. We will engage with relevant internal and external contacts to ensure appropriate coverage of disability equality issues. In any action with regard to Public Appointments will be taken in conjunction with the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland's equality strategy.

Public Bodies Policy Team

Ongoing

Ensure Executive sponsor teams communicate consistent information to NDPBs about their equality responsibilities.

NDPBs and their Sponsor Teams have been made aware of new requirements via the NDPB and Public Service Reform Liaison Group, seminars and circular updates.

Public Service Reform "Transforming Public Services - the next phase of reform"

The values underpinning our commitment to reform of public services are that reformed services must all promote social justice and equality and build for the future.

We will ensure, hen taking forward reform, hat these values are central to the redesigned delivery of public services.

Public Service Reform team

Ongoing

Public services which are high quality, innovative, efficient, productive, joined up, accountable and user focused and which are organised around the needs and aspirations of service users and citizens, not the convenience of the service provider.

E enablement of DPEA will allow greater involvement and transparency of process.

Scottish Public Pensions Agency

Administration of National Health Scheme and Scottish Teachers Superannuation Scheme Pensions

SPPA

Ongoing

Equal access for all. In house facilities available for disabled customers (access, loop hearing system)

Ensure Web page remains user friendly

Update to follow.

The Executive is committed to Closing the Opportunity Gap ( CtOG) for the most disadvantaged people and communities in Scotland.

Equality proof CtOG target delivery plans.

Social Inclusion

Ongoing

Better understanding of disability becomes built in to CtOG delivery and disability equality can be measured.

An Equality Impact Assessment of the delivery plan was undertaken by each of the CtOG target owners and the key findings were reported to the Cabinet Delivery Group on Closing the Opportunity Gap ( CtOGDG). Target owners were charged by the CtOGDG with following up on any issues identified.

Publishing the National Transport Strategy ( NTS)

To develop a National Transport Strategy for Scotland.

Transport Group and Transport Scotland

End of 2006

The NTS includes a strategic outcome to improve quality, accessibility and affordability of public transport.

A NTS delivery plan and suit of indicators are currently being developed.

Concessionary travel for older and disabled people.

It was estimated that there were approximately 1.2m people eligible to access Scotland-Wide Free Bus Travel. At 31 October 2006 957,200 had been issued with National Entitlement Cards giving them access to the concession. This represents 80% uptake.

We introduced Scotland-wide free bus travel on 1 April 2006 for older and disabled people. We will continue to monitor the impact of the scheme, including the experiences of disabled people. We are in the process of establishing a survey capability. It is hoped that this capability will be in place early in 2007. One of the functions of this survey capability will be to ensure that the requisite monitoring and data collection and evaluation is done; including providing the analysis required to ensure we are meeting the Disability Duty.

Aviation, Ports and International Division in conjunction with Transport Scotland and relevant Analytical Services teams

Over the first 2 years of operation - and ongoing.

Transport Scotland continues to work with the Local Authorities to ensure that the target population are aware of the Scheme and know how to access the Scheme. This is done by placing the appropriate literature and application forms in areas such as Post Offices, Local Council Offices and One Stop Shops. Once the infrastructure for the Citizens Account is in place it will be possible to directly target individuals who are eligible for the concession

The national concessionary travel scheme for Older and Disabled people was launched in April 2006 and we continue to monitor the uptake. 820,000 cards were transferred from the local authority schemes and the scheme has increased so that there are now just over 1 million cardholders.

We continue to promote the scheme via the Transport Scotland website, by speaking to groups and organisations, and via the local authorities and SPT.

Electronic Ticketing Machines ( ETM's) are currently being rolled out on buses throughout Scotland, on an operator by operator basis.

Bus Route Development Grant

Accessibility is one of the key aims of the scheme by providing funding for improved bus services which will feature increases in frequency, quality, capacity and accessibility of vehicles ( e.g. low floor).

Growth in passenger journeys will be monitored. There is also a research project underway to assess the overall effectiveness of the scheme, which is due to report early 2007.

Bus and Taxi Policy Branch of Bus, Freight, and Roads Division and ASD.

Projects will be required to submit quarterly monitoring reports.

Funding will only be paid if the projected improved or additional services are delivered. Projects feature an increased number of bus services which are accessible to disabled people. In total 22.5 million additional bus passenger journeys should be achieved over a 3-year period, by the end of 2009, if projects run to plan.

As at March 2007 50 BRDG projects had been approved to a value of £27m over 3 years. If the projects run as planned should add an additional 24.3 million accessible passengers journeys. 27 projects are currently underway and on average projects are performing around 10% above original expectations. Research has confirmed that the scheme is an effective and cost-effective method of developing new and enhanced bus services. Other benefits including modal shift, more frequent and accessible services and stimulation of partnership working leading to a positive change of culture in the provision of bus services were also identified.

Establishing statutory regional transport partnerships ( RTP).

The Transport (Scotland) Act 2005 requires all Regional Transport Partnerships ( RTP) to include, as an integral part of the development of their Regional Transport Strategies ( RTS), provision about how transport as a whole will encourage equal opportunities.

Regional Transport Partnerships.

RTPs were established on 1 December 2005. They have a legislative duty to forward their Regional Transport Strategies to the Minister by 01 April 2007 (see below).

RTPs will be subject to the Disability General Duty from 4 December 2006 and will be consulted about other equality duties. The RTPs will address particular social inclusion/equality issues through their Regional Transport Strategies (see below).

RTPs were established on 1 December 2005. They have each produced Regional Transport Strategies which are currently with Scottish Ministers.

RTPs are subject to the Disability Equality Duty and have been consulted about other equality duties. The RTPs address particular social inclusion/equality issues through their Regional Transport Strategies (see below).

Assessing the RTPs' regional transport strategies ( RTS) against statutory SE guidance

The regional transport strategy guidance issued to all Regional Transport Partnerships suggests they should undertake an equality impact assessment as part of the development of their RTS. The draft RTSs to be scrutinised and feedback offered.

Local Authority and Partnership Liaison Team in conjunction with Transport Scotland (Strategy and Investment)) and other Scottish Executive stakeholders.

Draft Regional Transport Strategies due October-December 2006.

Final RTS due 31 March 2007.

That Regional Transport Strategies will address particular social inclusion/equality issues in meeting regional transport needs. Local Authority & Partnership Liaison Team monitor receipt of various documents relating to the strategies in line with the guidance timetable.

Regional Transport Strategies are currently with Scottish Ministers.

Encouraging local authorities to draw up local transport strategies in line with non-statutory SE guidance.

The Local Transport Strategies ( LTS) guidance issued to all LAs` suggests they should give particular consideration to assessing and meeting the needs of different groups of people including disabled people and carers, children and young people and the different needs of men and women.

The local authorities. The LAs forward draft strategies to Local Authority & Partnership Liaison Team for comments

32 revised LTSs due between August 2006 and April 2007.

LTSs will address particular social inclusion/equality issues in meeting local transport needs. Local Authority and Partnership Liaison Team will review the strategies against the guidance.

The 32 authorities are currently revising their LTSs.

Establishing a Public Transport Users Committee for Scotland.

Set up a new advisory NDPB, the Public Transport Users Committee ( PTUC). Establish a joint Secretariat with the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland Ensure it has close working relationships with MACS. Public advertising of membership.

Transport Strategy Division/ MACS.

PTUC will be legally established on 1 January 2007 and fully up and running, staffed and with all 12 appointees in place by 1 April 2007.

Independent advice to Ministers on all transport accessibility issues.

PTUC was established on 1 January 2007 and is fully up and running. The Committee consists of 12 members, including a Convenor, all public appointees. The PTUC operates under the name Passengers' View Scotland ( PVS).

To support business growth, productivity and innovation.

We will review marketing activity and media for innovation and investment grants to ensure that:

• Information about the schemes is as widely available as is reasonably possible.
• it encourages applications from all eligible businesses - no matter what the particular needs of the individuals involved. This will build on work already carried out when the RSA website was developed (see case study).

We will consider the range of information collected as part of grant application processes to ensure that, as appropriate and bearing in mind the need to minimise burdens on business, it captures information to inform equality proofed policy in this area.

Regional Selective Assistance Division and Business Growth and Innovation Division

Review to be completed by end of 2007

Analytical Services Division to provide advice in the course of 2007

In the course of 2007:

Subject to outcome of review, refreshed marketing material to be in place

If identified as necessary and appropriate, application forms revised.

Measurable, equitable access to business support and innovation support schemes.

Update to follow.

To undertake sponsorship, including financial and performance monitoring of Scottish Enterprise ( SE) and Highlands & Islands Enterprise ( HIE), the main economic development agencies in Scotland.

To ensure that the enterprise networks are operating within a framework which enables them to meet their equalities duties as effectively as possible.

Enterprise Networks Division

Both Networks have committed to embedding diversity in all their work and will conduct equality impact assessments on all major policies and programmes.

To ensure that the main economic development agencies are operating within a framework which enables them to meet their equalities duties as effectively as possible.

Update to follow.

To promote a strong energy sector in Scotland, with increasing capacity in clean, renewable energy, and focusing on energy efficiency.

We will equality impact assess our policy responsibilities to identify any disability/gender equality issues that should be addressed.

Energy and Telecommunications Division.

Energy efficiency and renewable energy programmes will be equality impact assessed by late Autumn 2007. Responses from all key stakeholders have now been received. Equality clauses will be inserted in grant offers and contracts will be reviewed, and revised as necessary, as new grants are made or grants renewed at the end of this financial year (April 07 onwards).

Following discussions with the Energy Saving Trust, we have decided that our priority for attention should be the provision of advice and support (including grant funding) for householders. As well as considering what changes are required to existing promotional literature, we are also keen to identify the uptake of support for this group.

Update to follow.

To develop policy and manage delivery of all European Structural Funds across Scotland, supporting the Executive's and the European Union's aims of boosting economic growth and improving productivity while reducing economic and social disparities.

Equal opportunities to be integrated as a horizontal theme in new Structural Funds programmes for 2007-2013. This will include integrating consideration of all equality strands (disability, gender, race, age, sexual orientation and religion/belief).

Detailed consultation on future programmes which specifically asks whether equality focus is sufficient.

Equality opportunity workshops held to identify how programmes can help to promote equal opportunities. Attended by various equality groups.

European Structural Funds Division

Throughout lifetime of Programmes which run from 2007-2013.

Reduce inequalities in the workplace.

Increase opportunities for groups who may be disadvantaged in the workplace.

Programmes launched by Minister on 1 October 2007

To deliver the Executive's broadband strategy - bringing affordable and pervasive access to the technology - and to provide advice to Ministers on telecoms matters relating to Scotland.

We will ensure that any strands of the Executive's broadband strategy which may require to be equality impact assessed are assessed as appropriate and ensure that future policy/activity within the strategy does not exclude any equality groups.

Energy and Telecommunications Division

Annual review

Disabled people not disadvantaged by - or unable to benefit from - our method of rollout of the broadband strategy.

Update to follow.

1. What arrangements will you put in place to ensure that the policies you develop and/or the services you provide pay due regard to the need to eliminate any unlawful discrimination against disabled people?

We will:

• ensure sure all staff are aware of the disability duty and are trained in disability equality;
• enable all policy teams to use the equality impact assessment tool as part of policy proofing stage; and
• advise and support policy teams to engage with disabled people in policy planning stage, as appropriate.

All Divisions

Ongoing, however we will report on progress (staff training; EQIAs undertaken; policies developed) in update to this action plan in December 2007.

Satisfaction from our stakeholders that the disability duty is being observed in a meaningful and effective manner; with necessary information in place to demonstrate that on an ongoing basis.

The Scottish Government has developed an Equality Impact Assessment ( EQIA) toolkit which can be used across 6 equality strands. The toolkit is supported by guidance and by a programme of briefing sessions, training and ongoing support from the Scottish Government's Equality Unit for individual impact assessments.

EQIA will be used in relation to policies and practices contributing to our strategic objectives.

We will consider all new policies, including reviews of and changes to existing policies, to establish whether disability equality impact assessment is necessary. In line with our toolkit, this will cover any policy which impacts on people.

Ensure that all staff understand their responsibilities towards disabled colleagues, stakeholders and customers and the implications for policies / services.

Ensure that website information is fully accessible to all (the SE website has an international A rating and meets UK accessibility standards).

Cascading through Directors.

Media and Communications team

December 2006

Ongoing

Policies/services take account of disabled people.

2. What arrangements will you put in place to ensure that the policies you develop and/or the services you provide are able to pay due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity between disabled and non-disabled persons?

We will:

• embed a question in all new consultations (where appropriate) about equality;
• enable all policy teams to use the equality impact assessment tool as part of policy proofing stage;
• incorporate impact assessment tools in option appraisals for Ministers;
• ensure, where possible that mainstream provision is inclusive of the needs of disabled people rather than making adjustments as an add on provision; and
• continue to expand collection of data relating to participation of disabled people in our provision.

All Divisions

Ongoing, however we will report on progress in update to this action plan in December 2007.

Satisfaction from our stakeholders that the disability duty is being observed in a meaningful and effective manner; with necessary information in place to demonstrate that on an ongoing basis.

The Scottish Government has developed an Equality Impact Assessment ( EQIA) toolkit which can be used across 6 equality strands. The toolkit is supported by guidance and by a programme of briefing sessions, training and ongoing support from the Scottish Government's Equality Unit for individual impact assessments.

EQIA will be used in relation to policies and practices contributing to our strategic objectives.

We will consider all new policies, including reviews of and changes to existing policies, to establish whether disability equality impact assessment is necessary. In line with our toolkit, this will cover any policy which impacts on people.

Our Business Plans commit us to "Delivering professional policy". This includes ensuring that policy development, and the Spending Review, complies with equality policies and supports the delivery of policy using the 'policy cycle' toolkit - including impact assessing all new policy proposals - and including a question about disability impact in all relevant consultations.

The Business Plan commits us to "Putting the People of Scotland First". This applies to all stakeholders, included disabled people. We aim to:

• understand what stakeholders are trying to achieve;
• understand constraints facing stakeholders;
• involve stakeholders at an early stage in developing policy;
• share information openly;
• keep stakeholders informed about how thinking is developing.

Division Heads and team leaders

Ongoing

Policies / services take account of the needs, views and experiences of disabled people.

The Scottish Government has developed an Equality Impact Assessment ( EQIA) toolkit which can be used across 6 equality strands. The toolkit is supported by guidance and by a programme of briefing sessions, training and ongoing support from the Scottish Government's Equality Unit for individual impact assessments.

EQIA will be used in relation to policies and practices contributing to our strategic objectives.

We will consider all new policies, including reviews of and changes to existing policies, to establish whether disability equality impact assessment is necessary. In line with our toolkit, this will cover any policy which impacts on people.

3. What arrangements will you put in place to ensure that the policies you develop and/or the services you provide are able to pay due regard to the need to eliminate any harassment of disabled people, related to their disability?

We will:

• ensure sure all staff are aware of the disability duty and are trained in disability equality;
• ensure all teams incorporate impact assessment tool in early option appraisals with a specific view to highlighting potential areas of discrimination; and
• include a specific question around evidence of discrimination within all policy evaluations.

All Divisions

Ongoing, however we will report on progress in update to this action plan in December 2007.

Satisfaction from our stakeholders that the disability duty is being observed in a meaningful and effective manner; with necessary information in place to demonstrate that on an ongoing basis.

The Scottish Government has developed an Equality Impact Assessment ( EQIA) toolkit which can be used across 6 equality strands. The toolkit is supported by guidance and by a programme of briefing sessions, training and ongoing support from the Scottish Government's Equality Unit for individual impact assessments.

EQIA will be used in relation to policies and practices contributing to our strategic objectives.

We will consider all new policies, including reviews of and changes to existing policies, to establish whether disability equality impact assessment is necessary. In line with our toolkit, this will cover any policy which impacts on people.

By working with Divisions commissioning marketing and public information awareness campaigns.

Marketing in conjunction with relevant Division

Ongoing

Better public awareness

Update to follow.

4. What arrangements will you put in place to promote positive attitudes towards disabled people?

We will:

• support all policy teams to involve, where appropriate, disabled people in stakeholder representation and liaison;
• implement a programme of diversity training to encourage all staff to be more aware of how their attitudes and behaviours can have an unequal impact on disabled people;
• positively encourage the appointment of disabled people to public positions and as representatives on advisory groups; and
• encourage all policy implementation teams to consider positive promotion of attitudes to disability in their communications strategies, including for Ministerial public statements.

All Divisions

Ongoing, however we will report on progress in update to this action plan in December 2007.

Satisfaction from our stakeholders that the disability duty is being observed in a meaningful and effective manner; with necessary information in place to demonstrate that on an ongoing basis.

The Scottish Government has developed an Equality Impact Assessment ( EQIA) toolkit which can be used across 6 equality strands. The toolkit is supported by guidance and by a programme of briefing sessions, training and ongoing support from the Scottish Government's Equality Unit for individual impact assessments.

EQIA will be used in relation to policies and practices contributing to our strategic objectives.

We will consider all new policies, including reviews of and changes to existing policies, to establish whether disability equality impact assessment is necessary. In line with our toolkit, this will cover any policy which impacts on people.

Ensure Directorates are fully aware of the need for disability equality.

We will make commissioning Departments aware of the Department of Work and Pensions guidance (published in 2004) that 1 in 5 images of people in advertising/marketing campaigns feature or depict disability.

Learning and Development sub-group of the Departmental Management Board.

Media and Communications team.

April 2007

Ongoing

Supported staff.

The Marketing Unit work across Government Directorates, one of the duties of this team is to inform clients of the Department of Work and Pensions guidance, that 1 in 5 images of people in advertising/marketing campaigns feature or depict disability.

Since September last year new projects for Children's Hearings and the Vote Scotland Campaign have depicted disabilities

5. What action will you take to encourage the participation of disabled people in public life?

We will positively encourage the appointment of disabled people to apply for public positions and as representatives on advisory groups.

All Divisions.

Ongoing, however we will report on progress in update to this action plan in December 2007.

Increased number of disabled people in public appointments or on advisory groups.

We will support flexible working.

Through advising on campaigns such as Children's hearings and the councillor recruitment campaign which are open to all to apply, including disabled people.

We will include a question about equality impact in all relevant consultations.

Division Heads and team leaders

Marketing with commissioning department

Division Heads and team leaders.

Ongoing

Ongoing

December 2006

Supported staff.

Better public awareness of opportunities for participation in public life.

Policies/services take account of disabled people.

Range of flexible working patterns used by staff.

6. How will you ensure that disabled people are involved in the development of your department's policies and activities?

We will:

• support all policy teams to involve, where appropriate, disabled people in stakeholder representation and liaison; and
• ensure all policy development and implementation teams, where appropriate, involved disabled people as part of the planning phase as well as consultation phase.

All Divisions.

Ongoing, however we will report on progress in update to this action plan in December 2007

Satisfaction from our stakeholders that the disability duty is being observed in a meaningful and effective manner; with necessary information in place to demonstrate that on an ongoing basis.

The Scottish Government has developed an Equality Impact Assessment ( EQIA) toolkit which can be used across 6 equality strands. The toolkit is supported by guidance and by a programme of briefing sessions, training and ongoing support from the Scottish Government's Equality Unit for individual impact assessments.

EQIA will be used in relation to policies and practices contributing to our strategic objectives.

We will consider all new policies, including reviews of and changes to existing policies, to establish whether disability equality impact assessment is necessary. In line with our toolkit, this will cover any policy which impacts on people.

Policy development will be taken forward in consultation with partners e.g. Convention of Scottish Local Authorities ( COSLA), Society of Local Authority Chief Executives, Community Planning Partnerships, public bodies, the Improvement Service and relevant Scottish Government policy divisions e.g. the Equality Unit.

SPPA plans to explore whether there is a desire to form an internal disability forum.

Best Value team

SPPA

On-going

April 2007

Policies/services take account of disabled people.

Promote the SPPA's support of disabled staff.

7. What arrangements will you put in place to ensure that we are able to report on progress on an annual basis?

We will work with our Analytical Services Division to ensure that, where they do not already exist, the necessary baseline information is established and that appropriate monitoring milestones, and means of meeting these are built in to this process.

All Divisions.

Ongoing, however we will report on progress in update to this action plan in December 2007

Satisfaction from our stakeholders that the disability duty is being observed in a meaningful and effective manner; with necessary information in place to demonstrate that on an ongoing basis.

See chapter 3 above.

This will be through an annual report to the Directors General.

Directors and Divisional Heads.

April 2007

Evidence of improved services/policies/

processes which take account of disabled people