Disability Equality Scheme 2008-2011

FINANCE AND SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

PORTFOLIO RESPONSIBILITIES

The Finance and Sustainable Growth portfolio is responsible for managing Scotland's budget effectively and delivering the right mix of policies to ensure increasing, sustainable growth in the Scottish economy.

It contributes substantively to our Purpose - to focus government and public services on creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth - and is a critical driver of our wealthier and fairer Strategic Objective - to enable businesses and people to increase their wealth and more people to share fairly in that wealth. A fairer Scotland will, in turn, help reduce inequalities in areas such as educational attainment and health, helping Scotland become smarter and healthier. By investing to increase growth in Scotland's high-potential renewable energy sector, the portfolio also contributes to a greener Scotland.

The Finance and Sustainable Growth portfolio has responsibility for:

delivering better value in the Scottish budget to ensure we get the best possible return for frontline public services and taxpayers;
supporting public service reform to deliver better quality, user-focused services and smaller, simpler and more efficient government;
delivering and maintaining the right infrastructure for business success - through investment in transport, investment in Scottish Water and modernising the planning system;
refocusing the enterprise networks towards a shared goal of delivering increasing, sustainable economic growth and promoting Scotland's tourism industry;
contributing to tackling climate change and improving energy efficiency; and
further developing an innovative, sustainable and inclusive third sector.

PROMOTING DISABILITY EQUALITY

We know that around 20% of the population are disabled people. We have an ageing population and the incidence of disability is likely to increase. To meet targets and objectives our policies will need to tackle inequality and deliver outcomes for all of Scotland's people.

Disabled people have told us that access to public services can be difficult. Access to the built environment remains a significant issue for many disabled people. Inequalities still exist between disabled and non-disabled travellers and we know that a considerable majority of disabled people would like to travel more than they currently do. There are barriers which prevent disabled people playing a full role in society and in their communities, as business people, entrepreneurs, volunteers or councillors.

We will take action to promote equality of opportunity for disabled people by:

ensuring implementation of the Government's Economic Strategy in a way that promotes disability equality
issuing joint guidance on single outcome agreements produced by the Scottish Government, COSLA, the Improvement Service, SOLACE and Audit Scotland in February 2008, which includes advice on equalities
improving awareness of, and access to, business support and innovation grant schemes
improving information about public services through the One Scotland Portal
working to make the third sector more financially viable
requiring design and/or access statements to accompany certain planning applications
continually reviewing the Scottish Buildings Standards in consultation with disabled people
promoting accessibility standards for accommodation through our sponsorship of VisitScotland
maintaining the concessionary fares scheme for older and disabled people
consulting on standards for wheelchair accessible taxis
delivering a programme for improving access to train stations

DISABILITY EQUALITY ACTION PLAN

Name of Directorate or Agency

Enterprise, Economy and Tourism Directorate

Directorate or Agency Responsibilities.

The EET Directorate is responsible for the following policy areas:

Business Growth and Innovation
Energy and Telecommunications;
Enterprise and Industry;
Sponsorship of Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise;
European Structural Funds;
Innovation and Investment Grants; and
Sponsorship of Visitscotland, Tourism policy and Whisky Legislation

Statement of Directorate/Agency Commitment to the Promotion of Disability Equality and how this helps to deliver Government's national purpose and outcomes.

The EET Directorate is fully committed to the promotion of disability equality. The National Performance Framework commits the Scottish Government to ".. have tackled the significant inequalities of Scottish society". The EET Directorate will contribute towards this outcome under the Economic Growth and Sustainability indicators by ensuring staff are aware of need to ensure equalities duties are met when developing policy. Where appropriate EQIA assessments will be undertaken. The Directorate will also ensure its agencies are aware of equality duties and have equality strategies and EQIA where appropriate.

What is known about the experiences of, and issues for, disabled people within the Directorate/Agency Responsibilities

Figures on disability in the Household Survey of Entrepreneurship (2003) show that disabled people are not any less likely to be Thinkers, Doers or Avoiders than those who are not disabled. This differs from England, where those with a disability are significantly less likely to be Doers (8% compared with 14 %) and more likely to be Avoiders (82% compared with 76%). Disabled people in England, however, are not any more or less likely to be Thinkers (11% of disabled compared with 10% of non-disabled people).

The Annual Survey of Small Businesses in Scotland reports on the number of businesses that have partners or directors with long standing illnesses. The most recent published survey is for 2005 (2006 is due later this month). This shows that 9% of small businesses without employees are run by a partner/director with a long standing disability/illness or infirmity. The comparable figure for small businesses (10-49 employees) was 6% and for medium businesses (50-250 employees was 4%.

Disability Equality Action Plan

Key actions which are designed to address disability issues identified from evidence and involvement.

Policy	Action	By whom	By when	Expected Outcome
To undertake sponsorship activities, including financial and performance monitoring of Scottish Enterprise ( SE) and Highlands and Islands ( HIE) and ensure the requirements placed on them are fulfilled in respect of corporate governance and statutory obligations.	To ensure that the enterprise networks are operating within a framework that enables them to meet their statutory equalities duties as effectively as possible.	Victoria Fraser, Enterprise Networks Division	Ongoing	Both Networks have committed to embedding diversity in all their work and have Equality Monitoring Schemes and Equality Action Plans in place see below. Work is ongoing to ensure that Equality Impact Assessments are conducted on all major policies and programmes. SE and HIE will produce annual Equality reports. Scottish Enterprise - Equal Opportunities Annual Report 2007 ( www.scottish-enterprise.com/publications/eop_annual_report_2007.pdf). This highlights their ongoing work and further evidence is available on their website with published equality impact assessments covering disability issues: http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/sedotcom_home/about_se/equalopportunities/impact-assesments.htm?siblingtoggle=1 Highlands and Islands Enterprise - Disability Equality Scheme Annual Review 2006-07 ( www.hie.co.uk/HIE-equality-documents/HIE_disability_equality_scheme_annual_review_2006-07.pdf) Highlands and Islands Enterprise - Equality Scheme Action Plan, revised in December 2007 and which links to the development of Operating Plans from April 2008 ( www.hie.co.uk/HIE-equality-documents/HIE_equality_scheme_action_plan_december_2007.pdf) Amongst other activity HIE is working with the Highland Employer Coalition to promote employment of disadvantages groups including disabled people.
To develop policy and manage delivery of all European Structural Funds across Scotland, supporting the Scottish Government's and the European Union's aims of boosting economic growth and improving productivity while reducing economic and social disparities.	Equal Opportunities has been integrated as a horizontal theme into the 4 Scottish Structural Funds programmes for 2007-2013. This will include integrating consideration of all equality strands disability, gender, race, age, sexual orientation and religion/belief. The new on-line computer system for applicants for Structural Funds has taken full account of the needs of individuals with disabilities.	European Structural Funds	Throughout lifetime of Programmes which run from 2007-2013. Programmes launched by Minister on 1 October 2007. Shadow round run April 2007 to March 2007. First main round run from April 2007.	Reduce inequalities in the workplace. Increase opportunities for groups who may be disadvantaged in the workplace.
The sponsorship of VisitScotland in promoting tourism within Scotland	As part of its work with tourism businesses of all kinds, VisitScotland runs an Accessibility scheme. VisitScotland seeks to actively promote the provision of appropriate facilities for disabled people wherever possible, in accordance with best practice, consumer expectations and the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act ( DDA).	Tourism and Whisky Legislation	Ongoing.	All providers of accommodation and tourism attractions have to comply with the DDA and may opt to highlight the accessibility of their properties by using the VisitScotland Accessibility scheme. Disabled people are more aware of accessible accommodation and make more use of facilities

Policy

Action

By whom

By when

Expected Outcome

To undertake sponsorship activities, including financial and performance monitoring of Scottish Enterprise ( SE) and Highlands and Islands ( HIE) and ensure the requirements placed on them are fulfilled in respect of corporate governance and statutory obligations.

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

Victoria Fraser, Enterprise Networks Division

Ongoing

Both Networks have committed to embedding diversity in all their work and have Equality Monitoring Schemes and Equality Action Plans in place see below.

Work is ongoing to ensure that Equality Impact Assessments are conducted on all major policies and programmes.

SE and HIE will produce annual Equality reports. Scottish Enterprise - Equal Opportunities Annual Report 2007 ( www.scottish-enterprise.com/publications/eop_annual_report_2007.pdf). This highlights their ongoing work and further evidence is available on their website with published equality impact assessments covering disability issues:

http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/sedotcom_home/about_se/equalopportunities/impact-assesments.htm?siblingtoggle=1

Highlands and Islands Enterprise - Disability Equality Scheme Annual Review 2006-07 ( www.hie.co.uk/HIE-equality-documents/HIE_disability_equality_scheme_annual_review_2006-07.pdf)

Highlands and Islands Enterprise - Equality Scheme Action Plan, revised in December 2007 and which links to the development of Operating Plans from April 2008 ( www.hie.co.uk/HIE-equality-documents/HIE_equality_scheme_action_plan_december_2007.pdf)

Amongst other activity HIE is working with the Highland Employer Coalition to promote employment of disadvantages groups including disabled people.

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

Equal Opportunities has been integrated as a horizontal theme into the 4 Scottish Structural Funds programmes for 2007-2013. This will include integrating consideration of all equality strands disability, gender, race, age, sexual orientation and religion/belief.

The new on-line computer system for applicants for Structural Funds has taken full account of the needs of individuals with disabilities.

European Structural Funds

Throughout lifetime of Programmes which run from 2007-2013.

Programmes launched by Minister on 1 October 2007. Shadow round run April 2007 to March 2007. First main round run from April 2007.

Reduce inequalities in the workplace.

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

The sponsorship of VisitScotland in promoting tourism within Scotland

As part of its work with tourism businesses of all kinds, VisitScotland runs an Accessibility scheme. VisitScotland seeks to actively promote the provision of appropriate facilities for disabled people wherever possible, in accordance with best practice, consumer expectations and the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act ( DDA).

Tourism and Whisky Legislation

Ongoing.

All providers of accommodation and tourism attractions have to comply with the DDA and may opt to highlight the accessibility of their properties by using the VisitScotland Accessibility scheme.

Disabled people are more aware of accessible accommodation and make more use of facilities

Key actions within the Directorate/Agency areas of responsibility where disability equality is being mainstreamed.

Policy	Action	By whom	By when	Expected Outcome
To support business growth, productivity and innovation.	We will promote equality of opportunity by ensuring marketing literature is available in a variety of accessible formats and is distributed to a wide range of organisations, associations and events. In particular, will look to target events or groups where particular equality strands (such as gender, age or race) are represented. Questions covering equality issues will be incorporated into future Customer Surveys. These surveys are undertaken on a regular basis and include both successful and unsuccessful applicants.	Innovation and Investment Grants Division	Ongoing	Increased awareness and equitable access for all eligible firms to business support and innovation support grant schemes.
To mainstream the tasks of the Enterprise and Business Team into the wider work of Scottish Enterprise.	Raise the awareness of business in Scotland to their responsibilities under equalities legislation and to provide support and advice as required. The Scottish Government provided £1m towards the Enterprise in Business project, which began in 2006/07 to raise awareness.	Victoria Fraser, Enterprise Networks Division	2006/07-2008/09	An interim evaluation will take in 2008/09

Policy

Action

By whom

By when

Expected Outcome

To support business growth, productivity and innovation.

We will promote equality of opportunity by ensuring marketing literature is available in a variety of accessible formats and is distributed to a wide range of organisations, associations and events. In particular, will look to target events or groups where particular equality strands (such as gender, age or race) are represented.

Questions covering equality issues will be incorporated into future Customer Surveys. These surveys are undertaken on a regular basis and include both successful and unsuccessful applicants.

Innovation and Investment Grants Division

Ongoing

Increased awareness and equitable access for all eligible firms to business support and innovation support grant schemes.

To mainstream the tasks of the Enterprise and Business Team into the wider work of Scottish Enterprise.

Raise the awareness of business in Scotland to their responsibilities under equalities legislation and to provide support and advice as required. The Scottish Government provided £1m towards the Enterprise in Business project, which began in 2006/07 to raise awareness.

Victoria Fraser,

Enterprise Networks

Division

2006/07-2008/09

An interim evaluation will take in 2008/09

DISABILITY EQUALITY ACTION PLAN

Name of Directorate or Agency

Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals

Directorate or Agency Responsibilities.

The Directorate is responsible for dealing with planning and related appeals in Scotland.

The Directorate is committed to improving the delivery of our services. To achieve this we are working with partners within government and the wider community to ensure that the entire decision making process in respect of appeals and called-in applications are accessible to all.

Statement of Directorate/Agency Commitment to the Promotion of Disability Equality and how this helps to deliver Government's national purpose and outcomes.

Our commitment to disability equality is to remove barriers and discrimination that disabled people face which can prevent access to the public service we provide.

What is known about the experiences of, and issues for, disabled people within the Directorate/Agency Responsibilities

We have taken feedback from disabled people and representative groups, and used this to build sustainable mechanisms which can ensure that the views of disabled people can be represented in the planning process.

As such all documentation submitted can be made available in different formats such as Braille and audio tapes where required.

Disability Equality Action Plan

Key actions which are designed to address disability issues identified from evidence and involvement.

Policy	Action	By whom	By when	Expected Outcome
Access to Services including Online website	Ensure Planning and Environmental Appeal website is accessible for disabled people.	IT liaison section and Web team	Review and update regularly	Disabled people can access information on the Scottish Government's website.
Access to Services including Online website	Update the Planning and Environmental Appeal website to specify appeal forms and planning information is available in different formats.	IT liaison and ISIS	In line with IT projects and new legislation	Disabled people can access planning information via Braille, audio tapes, different languages, BSL etc
Disabled access	Review questionnaire issued to providers of accommodation for Public Local Inquiries to ensure disabled access	Admin Team	TBA	Ensure, wherever possible, that buildings used for Public Local Inquiries meeting are accessible for all
Performance Appraisal	All staff to be made aware of diversity issues within our business delivery and to have reference to our commitments within their appraisal objectives.	All staff	April 2008	Increased staff awareness and disability equality in delivery of business objectives.
Training of frontline staff on disability equality.	Training for staff on using the loop system within office, and how to greet Deaf staff/visitors and even awareness of British Sign language.	All frontline staff disability aware and able to ensure good customer service for disabled staff and visitors	. TBA	Staff trained to use the loop system within office, and front line staff, know how to meet and greet Deaf/disabled staff/visitors.

Key actions within the Directorate/Agency areas of responsibility where disability equality is being mainstreamed.

Policy	Action	By whom	By when	Expected Outcome
Web access	Ensure Scottish Government website is accessible for disabled people.	Web team/ IT Liaison team	Review and update regularly	Disabled people can access information on the Government's website.
Accommodation	Improve main signage within building	Facilities and Estates Services	Ongoing	Main signage meets needs of disabled people.
Accommodation	Improve access, in particular front door entrance to building and lift.	Facilities and Estates Services	Ongoing	Access to building meets needs of disabled people.
Recruitment	Ensure recruitment is a fair and open process to all.	Management Team	Ongoing	Barrier free recruitment increased applications from disabled people

DISABILITY EQUALITY ACTION PLAN

Name of Directorate or Agency

Directorate for the Built Environment

Directorate or Agency Responsibilities.

This new Directorate covers the Government's role in relation to the built environment, primarily Town and Country Planning, Building Standards and Architecture Policy. Its role is to ensure that the national framework for development in Scotland: supports sustainable economic growth; is responsive to national and local needs; respects and enhances the environment in which it takes place; and provides people in Scotland with high quality places and facilities in which to live, work, travel and recreate. Our aim is to encourage a positive approach to delivering development - an approach that promotes quality, efficiency and sustainability in the design and construction of our homes, workplaces and public spaces; and which places that development within the context of local, regional and national growth.

Statement of Directorate/Agency Commitment to the Promotion of Disability Equality and how this helps to deliver Government's national purpose and outcomes.

One of the Scottish Government's National Objectives, as set out in the Scottish Budget Spending Review 2007, is for "living in well designed, sustainable places where we are able to access the amenities and services we need". The Directorate is committed to the delivery of an inclusive built environment, a key component in ensuring communities are more sustainable. The accessibility of both the physical environment and the procedures used to deliver that environment continue to be addressed whenever policy is developed or implemented.

What is known about the experiences of, and issues for, disabled people within the Directorate/Agency Responsibilities

The primary information sources on the experiences of, and issues for, disabled people have come out of their involvement in recent consultations on changes to both the building standards and planning systems.

Understanding of these issues has paralleled development of building standards and guidance addressing the usability of buildings. Since introduction in 1985, there have been several reviews of access standards, culminating in the most recent improvements in May 2007. Current building standards are based upon an inclusive approach to building design, requiring safe, convenient and unassisted access for all people.

Since 2002, there have been a number of consultations focussing on improving public engagement in the planning system. Responses to these consultations and the involvement of bodies representing disabled people on the provisions contained in the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 suggests that the interests include: a general theme of improved information accessible in a range of formats; the provision of suitable access to the built environment and enhanced involvement of, and consultation with, disabled people. We have been keen to build on this evidence and have sought to seek further views of disabled people and representative bodies throughout the consultation process.

The Directorate is in contact with a number of organisations representing disabled people and is presently widening its contact base to ensure better, continuous, low-level stakeholder involvement in matters relating to the development of the built environment. It is also involved, with many disability organisations and disabled individuals, in British Standards Institution ( BSI) committees which develop national ( UK) advisory documents and codes of practice which promote good practice in access to the built environment.

Disability Equality Action Plan

Key actions which are designed to address disability issues identified from evidence and involvement.

Policy	Action	By whom	By when	Expected Outcome
The requirement for design and / or access statements to accompany certain planning applications	The preparation of appropriate secondary legislation and accompanying guidance.	Planning Modernisation and Co-ordination Division	January 2009	Developers will be required to set out how design and access issues have been considered for relevant developments
Enhanced involvement of disabled people in the land use planning process	Through the provision of appropriate guidance to planning authorities we will encourage the early involvement of disabled people in town and country planning.	Planning Modernisation and Co-ordination Division	January 2009	The enhanced involvement of disabled people in the making of place
Monitoring the effectiveness of present, improved standards and guidance on access	Review of the effectiveness of 2007 building standards for accessibility through discussion with stakeholders, including disability organisations	Building Standards Division	Ongoing, until May 2010	Information to inform future reviews of building standards, to further enhance effectiveness of legislation.
Increased involvement of organisations representing the interests of disabled people in the development of building standards and associated matters.	Increased discussion with stakeholders, including disability organisations, on access and other topics addressed by building standards.	Building Standards Division	March 2009, then ongoing	Better information on how the needs of building users are, and might further be, addressed by Building Standards.

Key actions within the Directorate/Agency areas of responsibility where disability equality is being mainstreamed.

Policy	Action	By whom	By when	Expected Outcome
Enhanced community engagement in the planning process	The preparation of appropriate secondary legislation and accompanying guidance.	Planning Modernisation and Co-ordination Division	January 2009	Increased engagement with communities in the planning process
Advice to planning authorities on equalities issues	Linked to the equalities duty in the Planning etc, (Scotland) Act 2006, a consideration of the need and the scope for any advice / guidance on equalities issues with a particular emphasis on land use planning	Planning Modernisation and Co-ordination Division	May 2008	Government view as to whether there is scope for such advice to planning authorities
The preparation of an easy read guide to the planning system	The provision of information on the modernised planning system using plain English and in accessible formats	Planning Modernisation and Co-ordination Division	January 2009	Improved access to information on the planning process
Continued delivery of building standards that promote an inclusive approach to design	Review of policy and procedures, engagement with stakeholders including disability organisations; research and implementation of improved standards and guidance.	Building Standards Division	Ongoing	Building standards that remain fit for purpose and address the needs of Scotland's population.

DISABILITY EQUALITY ACTION PLAN

Name of Directorate or Agency

Public Service Reform

Directorate or Agency Responsibilities.

Efficient Government Unit

Increased efficiency is an essential component of the drive to deliver better public services.

We are in year 1 of a 3 year efficiency programme to deliver efficiency gains which can be reinvested in improving public services.

Public Service Delivery

Single Outcome Agreements ( SOAs)

Best Value

Community Planning

Community Councils

Accounts Commission

The introduction of SOAs with local authorities is essential for the alignment of local outcomes with the National Outcomes and Purpose. Best Value and Community Planning underpin the outcome agreement approach. Community Councils also have a part to play due to their role as facilitators of community engagement. .

Each council is expected to agree a SOA with the Scottish Government which sets out their contribution to the Government's 15 national outcomes

Transformational Technologies

One Scotland Portal In consultation events, disabled people have said that more information is needed about public services including public notices and access to information on lifelong learning, rights, justice and health. Accessibility guidelines have been followed for web-site development Usability and accessibility is being taken forward by a third party, including testing by disabled people. An equality impact assessment has been carried out prior to the development of the portal.

Statement of Directorate/Agency Commitment to the Promotion of Disability Equality and how this helps to deliver Government's national purpose and outcomes.

Efficient Government Unit

Improved efficiency is one of the ways by which the public sector can release funds which can be reinvested in providing better public services. While the Efficient Government Unit is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of the programme and for monitoring progress towards the targets set, individual public sector organisations (including SE directorates and agencies)are responsible for identifying and delivering efficiencies.

We remain committed to improving public service delivery for all users and ensuring that no one group, including disabled people, is adversely affected.

Public Sector Delivery

SOAs - the Scottish Government's stated Purpose is to focus the Government and public services on creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth. The Concordat agreed between the SG and COSLA sets out the new relationship between SG and local government and accepts that although the SG will set policy direction, it will stand back from micro-managing service delivery. SOAs are a major part of the Concordat and free up local authorities and their partners to meet the varying local needs across Scotland. Local authorities are expected to set out their contribution to each National Outcome - outcome 7 states 'we have tackled the significant inequalities in Scottish society'.

Joint Guidance produced by SG, COSLA, the Improvement Service, SOLACE and Audit Scotland was issued in February 2007. Under the section on scope, councils are advised to set out their duties in relation to equalities.

We are working on the equality impact assessment on Single Outcome Agreements as an ongoing process and in line with that are developing guidance to staff on how best to fulfil the equality duties in relation to Single Outcome Agreements.

Best Value - equalities is one of the 10 characteristics covered by statutory guidance for local authorities and one of the 9 in non-statutory guidance for other public service organisations. We held 3 equalities events in Autumn 2007 to disseminate information and advice to public services bodies. Further work on raising awareness of the equalities characteristic under Best Value is unlikely in the short term.

Community Planning - equalities is covered in the statutory guidance for community planning and specific guidance on equalities was produced by CoSLA. Community Planning Partnerships have requested and are being provided with support on equalities by specialists, funded by Communities Scotland; this is being extended to cover Single Outcome Agreements.

Community Councils - issues arising from the consultation on the Model Community Council Scheme to take place in April will help to inform the approach to equalities within Community Councils. Advice on equalities, in the form of "best practice" guidance will be issued to Community Councils in due course.

What is known about the experiences of, and issues for, disabled people within the Directorate/Agency Responsibilities

Disabled people have told us that access to public services can be difficult. And we understand that access is not just about the built environment. Access to information is important and attitudinal barriers can also prevent access to services.

Disability Equality Action Plan

Key actions which are designed to address disability issues identified from evidence and involvement.

Policy	Action	By whom	By when	Expected Outcome
Efficient Government Unit
	Portfolio Managers to remind Project Managers that while the Efficient Government Programme itself will have no adverse impact on any user group, individual efficiency projects might, so project managers should consider the need to carry out Equality Impact Assessments ( EIAs) for every efficiency project to ensure that all user groups are treated equally and that no specific user group will be adversely affected.	Portfolio Managers (Reminder) Project Managers (Consideration of/completion of EIAs)	During all routine meetings with individual project managers	Completion of EIAs to be considered for every efficiency project
Public Service Delivery
Introduction of single outcome agreements with Councils	We are working on the equality impact assessment on Single Outcome Agreements as an ongoing process and in line with that are developing guidance to staff on how best to fulfil the equality duties in relation to Single Outcome Agreements.	Public Service Delivery Division	End April 2008	Equalities embedded into Director led discussions with LAs to ensure councils understand their duties under equalities legislation and under the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003

Key actions within the Directorate/Agency areas of responsibility where disability equality is being mainstreamed.

Policy	Action	By whom	By when	Expected Outcome
Transformational Technologies
One Scotland single information portal	Within a new portal providing a signposting service to sources of information and advice, collating information relevant to disabled people, in consultation with disabled groups.	Transformational Technologies division	March 2009	Disabled people and advice services are better able to access information about public services in Scotland.
Third Sector
Ensuring the third sector has an effective voice and campaigning role	Range of actions in the Third Sector Development Programme including strategic partnerships with key national bodies, development of local third sector networks and work to make the third sector more financially sustainable	Third Sector Division	March 2011	A more sustainable third sector offering a more effective voice for the people it represents
Scottish Investment Fund	A £30m fund investing in third sector organisations to contribute to the sustainable economic growth of Scotland - many third sector organisations will deal with people with disabilities	Third Sector Division	March 2011	More financially sustainable third sector organisations with enhanced capacity and capability to contribute to Scotland's economic growth
Action Plan for an Enterprising Third Sector	Development of an action plan promoting enterprise in the third sector	Third Sector Division	March 2011	A more enterprising third sector with enhanced capacity and capability to contribute to Scotland's economic growth

DISABILITY EQUALITY ACTION PLAN

Name of Directorate or Agency

FINANCE DIRECTORATE

Directorate or Agency Responsibilities.

Work corporately across the Scottish Government to secure sustainable outcomes within the budget authorised by the Scottish Parliament;

Lead the Government's financial strategy, reporting, accounting processes, and internal audit service; and

Support the Government's infrastructure investment programme, securing quality and value for money - within a Best Value regime - and, where appropriate, utilising innovative partnering solutions.

Statement of Directorate/Agency Commitment to the Promotion of Disability Equality and how this helps to deliver Government's national purpose and outcomes.

A Wealthier and Fairer Scotland is at the heart of everything we want to achieve for this country. We are aiming to achieve this by providing the funding to increase sustainable economic growth. In order to achieve this outcome the Finance Directorate is committed to the promotion of disability equality.

While we have a robust processes for ensuring policies incorporate equality related and have a culture of which we can be proud we will continue to consider all new policies, including reviews and changes to existing policies, to ensure that we recognise people's different needs, situations and goals and remove the barriers that limit what people can do and can be.

We will actively engage with our partners and stakeholders in order to know about the experiences of, and issues for, disabled people within the Directorate.

We will undertake key actions which are designed to address disability issues identified from evidence and involvement. We will continue to take key actions within the within the Finance Directorate to ensure that disability equality is being mainstreamed.

What is known about the experiences of, and issues for, disabled people within the Directorate/Agency responsibilities

We know that around 20% of the population are disabled people. We have an ageing population and the incidence of disability is likely to increase.

We also know that disabled people are significantly more likely to live in poverty than non-disabled people (68% of disabled people have an annual income of less than £10,000).

Disability Equality Action Plan

Key actions which are designed to address disability issues identified from evidence and involvement.

Policy	Action	By whom	By when	Expected Outcome
Public Sector Pay Policy	The 2008-09 Public Sector Pay Policy (published on 11 April) notes that bodies subject to the Policy should take into account the Solidarity target in the Scottish Government's Economic Strategy "to increase overall income and the proportion of income earned by the three lowest deciles as a group by 2017" by specifically considering their lowest paid groups of staff.	Finance Pay Policy Team	2008-09	Bodies subject to the Pay Policy will consider any low pay issues and address them in their 2008-09 pay remit.

DISABILITY EQUALITY ACTION PLAN

Name of Directorate or Agency

SCOTTISH PROCUREMENT DIRECTORATE

Directorate Responsibilities.

Work corporately across the wider Scottish public sector to secure improved, sustainable, procurement (of goods, works and services) performance, delivering value for money improvements, improved capability and standards to support delivery of better public services and sustainable economic development.

Lead the Government's strategy for procurement, implementing the recommendations of the 2006 McClelland report and resulting procurement reform programme. Lead the policy and legislative framework within which public procurement must be conducted. Ensure that guidance drives and supports best practice in procurement.

Deliver national and central Government family collaborative contracts and ensure that the central Government family's procurement activity delivers vfm and conforms to best practice.

Also to ensure that public procurement in Scotland meets the highest possible standards of ethics, propriety and regularity.

Statement of Directorate/Agency Commitment to the Promotion of Disability Equality and how this helps to deliver Government's national purpose and outcomes.

The Scottish Procurement Directorate ( SPD) is committed to the promotion of disability equality. SPD is also committed to ensuring that burdens on business are, wherever possible, minimised and that public procurement procedures do not unfairly disadvantage SMEs. Public procurement must also be conducted within a detailed legal framework which requires that procurement procedures focus on information relevant to ability to perform the particular contract in question. The legal framework which applies to procurement can be regarded as a kind of equal opportunities policy aimed at suppliers (by law, all suppliers must be treated fairly, equitably and proportionately).

SPD has published guidance for purchasers on the ways in which social issues, including equality issues, can be incorporated into procurement procedures.

SPD standard terms and conditions of contract require contractors to comply with all equalities legislation.

Those tendering for higher value contracts are required to disclose any adverse rulings, judgements relating to the conduct of their business and are warned that failure to comply with applicable legislation may result in them being excluded from competition.

We will also actively engage with our partners and stakeholders in order to know about the experiences of, and issues for, disabled people within the Directorate and who may be affected by contracts we award.

What is known about the experiences of, and issues for, disabled people within the Directorate/Agency responsibilities

We are aware that supported businesses are those where more than 50% of the workers are disabled people who are unable to take up work in the open labour market.

SCOTTISH PROCUREMENT DIRECTORATE Disability Equality Action Plan

Key actions which are designed to address disability issues identified from evidence and involvement.

Policy	Action	By whom	By when	Expected Outcome
Procurement	We are working with industry representative bodies, seeking to maximise the opportunities that may exist to restrict participation in a competitive tendering exercise to companies which meet the definition of a "supported business" (a supported business is a business where more than 50% of the workers are disabled persons who by reason of the nature or severity of their disability are unable to take up work in the open labour market)	Scottish Procurement Directorate	March 2008 and ongoing	Supported businesses being awarded public contracts through competitive tendering processes which are consistent with EU procurement legislation.

DISABILITY EQUALITY ACTION PLAN

Name of Directorate or Agency

Economic Strategy Directorate

Directorate or Agency Responsibilities.

To deliver the Government's Purpose through the implementation of the Government Economic Strategy across the Scottish Government.

Statement of Directorate/Agency Commitment to the Promotion of Disability Equality and how this helps to deliver Government's national purpose and outcomes.

A key element of the Government Economic Strategy is equity, including ensuring that there are opportunities for all to contribute to Scotland's sustainable economic growth. This includes access to public services. Part of the work of this Directorate is to seek to ensure that this approach is delivered across the Scottish Government.

What is known about the experiences of, and issues for, disabled people within the Directorate/Agency Responsibilities

We know that around 20% of the population are disabled people. We have an ageing population and the incidence of disability is likely to increase. We also know that the employment rate for disabled people of working age in Scotland is 47.4%, in comparison to an employment rate of 82.7% for those with no disability. Employer perceptions contribute to the difficulties that disabled people face.

The Government Economic Strategy highlights that an equality impact assessment will be undertaken for each policy area across six strands, including disability, to ensure that they are appropriate, to mitigate against any potential negative impacts and to ensure our policies are robust and effective.

This will not be undertaken by this Directorate, but with policy areas who are taking forward specific elements of the Strategy.

Disability Equality Action Plan

Key actions which are designed to address disability issues identified from evidence and involvement.

Policy	Action	By whom	By when	Expected Outcome
Ensure implementation of the Government's Economic Strategy.	We will be proactive in informing all Directorates with responsibility for delivering the elements of the Government's Economic Strategy of the importance of the public sector equality duties and the need to promote disability equality in delivering the Strategy.	ESD	Ongoing	Disabled people are able to contribute to and share in Scotland's sustainable economic growth.

DISABILITY EQUALITY ACTION PLAN

Name of Directorate or Agency

Scottish Development International

Directorate or Agency Responsibilities.

Scottish Development International is the arm of the Scottish Government responsible for delivery of the government's international economic development agenda. As such, it is responsible for co-ordinating and driving the promotion of Scotland as a prime location for inward investors and for developing opportunities for Scottish-based businesses to internationalise. These activities primarily support the "Wealthier and Fairer" strategic objective, but also contribute to the wider objectives, e.g. through supporting renewable energy projects, by increasing workforce participation, creating better employment opportunities and making Scotland an attractive place to do business.

Statement of Directorate/Agency Commitment to the Promotion of Disability Equality and how this helps to deliver Government's national purpose and outcomes.

Scottish Development International is fully committed to the promotion of disability equality both within its own workforce and through the programmes/projects it helps to deliver.

What is known about the experiences of, and issues for, disabled people within the Directorate/Agency Responsibilities

Scottish Development International is fully aware of the need to ensure that its activities support the needs of disabled people. All support is provided on a non-discriminatory basis to those projects that contribute most effectively to the government's purpose and strategic objectives.

Disability Equality Action Plan

Key actions which are designed to address disability issues identified from evidence and involvement.

Policy	Action	By whom	By when	Expected Outcome
Providing support for disabled staff.	Review SDI's internal support systems for disabled staff in terms of both work-place environment and career development opportunities.	Martin Reid	31 March 2009	An evidence-based support system for disabled staff.
Provide opportunities for disabled people to support and contribute to the economy.	Actively consider disability equality opportunities when developing projects.	All team project managers	31 March 2009	Clearly identified opportunities for disabled people to become engaged in SDI projects.

Key actions within the Directorate/Agency areas of responsibility where disability equality is being mainstreamed.

Policy	Action	By whom	By when	Expected Outcome
SDI's main activity is to support the development of the Scottish economy through either the attraction of foreign direct investment (fdi) or through supporting the internationalisation of Scottish companies.	Ensure that in delivering these objectives there are no impediments to the full and active participation of both staff and project partners who may have a disability in the context of the DDA 2005	Martin Reid	31 March 2009	Disability cannot be identified as a constraint in taking a full and active part in supporting SDI's objectives.

DISABILITY EQUALITY ACTION PLAN

Name of Directorate or Agency

Climate Change and Water Industry Directorate

Directorate or Agency Responsibilities.

Climate Change and Water Industry Directorate is responsible for climate change policy, and for the ownership of Scottish Water.

This work contributes to the Government's 5 strategic objectives, and in particular, contributes towards a Greener Scotland and a Wealthier and Fairer Scotland.

Statement of Directorate/Agency Commitment to the Promotion of Disability Equality and how this helps to deliver Government's national purpose and outcomes.

Climate Change and Water Industry Directorate is committed to tackling inequality and disadvantage faced by disabled people. In particular the Directorate will ensure that EQIAs are prepared as part of all policy development.

What is known about the experiences of, and issues for, disabled people within the Directorate/Agency Responsibilities

We know that around 20% of the population are disabled people. We have an ageing population and the incidence of disability is likely to increase.

Each individual, whether in a private or public capacity, will be affected by policy on climate change and will benefit from this policy to a greater or lesser degree.

Disability Equality Action Plan

Key actions which are designed to address disability issues identified from evidence and involvement.

Policy	Action	By whom	By when	Expected Outcome
Climate Change	Question included in consultation paper for Scottish Climate Change Bill asking whether equality groups will be affected by the proposals in the proposed Bill	Climate Change Division	Ongoing	To gather evidence of any specific issues for disabled or other disadvantaged groups.
	Equality groups invited to take part in stakeholder/consultation events on proposed Climate Change Bill	Climate Change Division	Ongoing	To gather evidence of any specific issues for disabled or other disadvantaged groups.
	Equality Impact Assessment to be prepared for Scottish Climate Change Bill	Climate Change Division	During course of 2008	to determine the extent of differential impact upon relevant groups, and in turn whether that impact is adverse

Key actions within the Directorate/Agency areas of responsibility where disability equality is being mainstreamed.

Policy	Action	By whom	By when	Expected Outcome
Climate Change	Ensure venues where stakeholder/consultation events take place (such as recent ones on Climate Change Bill) are accessible to disabled groups	Climate Change Division	Ongoing	Allow people with disabilities to attend and participate
Climate change	To ensure that equality issues (including disability) are kept in mind, introduce standing item on equality, to Division meetings, on quarterly basis.	Climate Change Division	Ongoing	Equality is borne in mind as staff go about every day duties.

DISABILITY EQUALITY ACTION PLAN

Name of Directorate or Agency

Transport Directorate

Directorate or Agency Responsibilities.

Contributing towards the Government's strategic outcomes - including the promotion of sustainable economic growth and strong and safer communities - through a safe, integrated and efficient transport network.

Statement of Directorate/Agency Commitment to the Promotion of Disability Equality and how this helps to deliver Government's national purpose and outcomes.

Through Scotland's National Transport Strategy we aim to achieve improved quality, accessibility and affordability of public transport. By improving the transport choices available to people - including disabled people - we improve accessibility to jobs, public services and a range of other activities. In general terms, we do this by, amongst other things, connecting remote and disadvantaged communities, improving the public transport offering, and increasing the quality of the experience of the transport network for people, including improving safety for passengers and staff travelling on public transport. More particularly, a number of our activities (see the Action Plan that follows) focus explicitly on the transport related needs of disabled people.

What is known about the experiences of, and issues for, disabled people within the Directorate/Agency Responsibilities

Research on Improved Public Transport for Disabled People, highlights that key inequalities still exist between disabled and non-disabled travellers and that a considerable majority of disabled people would like to travel more than they currently do. The barriers facing disabled people when travelling are numerous, ranging from negotiating the physical environment to personal safety issues to the need for reliable travel information through the whole journey. We know that the incidence of disability increases with age and therefore demographics suggest that difficulties with transport will affect a larger proportion of the population in future.

Disability Equality Action Plan

Key actions which are designed to address disability issues identified from evidence and involvement.

Policy	Action	By whom	By when	Expected Outcome
A to B safely Some small scale studies found children with learning difficulties to be disproportionately represented in road accidents. The study found four key areas where it is believed that this group of young people could face additional road safety risks: a limited awareness of surroundings and concepts of danger a limited ability to cope with changing situations some difficulties in putting theory into practice	This is a new, interactive, multi-media road safety education resource for young people with mild to moderate additional learning needs. It is an online resource, for which support materials are available in hard copy.	Road Safety Scotland, Bus, Freight and Roads Division	Ongoing	Better road safety for young people with mild to moderate additional learning needs
Code of Practice "Access to Air Travel for Disabled Persons and Persons with Reduced Mobility"	UK wide consultation from early April 2008 on revised draft Code of Practice concerning the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility when travelling by air. This will provide guidance to the air transport industry to help it to meet new obligations contained in European Regulation ( EC) No 1107/2006.	Department for Transport in consultation/partnership with the Scottish Government and other UK Devolved Administrations.	After the consultation period, the final version of the Code will be published by 26 July when the European Regulation comes fully into force.	Improvements in air travel for disabled people.
Procurement and Management of lifeline Ferry Services in Scotland i.e Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service, Northern Isles, Gourock-Dunoon and Campbeltown-Ballycastle	Ensure that the Public Service Contract for each ferry service tendered complies with the relevant disability legislation in relation to disabled people and to consider the needs of disabled travellers. This includes consideration of the needs of visually and hearing impaired people. The operator must take into account the needs of disabled people when providing information, timetables and booking reservations systems. The operator must demonstrate that they have taken into account any relevant aspects of the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee ( DPTAC) Guidance and the relevant requirements of the DDA	Scottish Government	Both the contracts for Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service and Northern Isles have already been awarded using these criteria. Gourock-Dunoon and Campbeltown-Ballycastle if they are tendered will also feature these criteria	Services demonstrate DDA compliance and disabled people have improved service.
Sponsorship of David MacBrayne Ltd	In the role of the assessor to the Board of David MacBrayne Ltd to ensure that the ferry operating companies supplying the ferry services comply with all of the relevant disability legislation and to additionally work proactively to meet the needs of the disabled community. The operator will comply with the contract conditions which are specified above.	CalMac Ferries Ltd, and Northlink Ferries Ltd	Already in operation
Sponsorship of Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited ( CMAL)	CMAL are bound to comply with all disability legislation regarding their piers, harbours and vessels. covering access to and use of land and water facilities by all members of the public including the very young, elderly, incapacitated through illness or injury and the disabled.	CMAL	Already complying
Active Travel	All grant recipients are aware of disability and equality legislation in their programme delivery and are proactive in full inclusion policies e.g. access to volunteers for tandem rides; inclusion of children/adults with disabilities in school and workplace travel plans; street audits are DDA compliant.	Sustainable Transport Team in partnership with Sustrans, Cycling Scotland, Living Streets and other smaller community grant recipients.	Ongoing	More active travel choices for people with disabilities.

Key actions within the Directorate/Agency areas of responsibility where disability equality is being mainstreamed.

Policy	Action	By whom	By when	Expected Outcome
The Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Scheme for Older & Disabled People The Scheme was introduced on 1 April 2006. It is delivered by Transport Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government. There are approximately 1.1 million National Entitlement Cardholders. Within that total, about 162,000 people under age 60 qualify on disability grounds. Over 914,000 (85%) cardholders are over age 60. They qualify on age alone and people with a disability within this sub-total are not separately identified.	Transport Scotland have commissioned an evaluation of the scheme. Amongst other things, the evaluation will identify whether people included in the sample have a disability, their reasons for using a National Entitlement Card and their opinion of the scheme. There will be a major review of the scheme during 2008-09. Amongst other things, this will look at eligibility criteria. The review will also include an equality impact assessment and consider whether eligibility criteria changes need to be made.	Bus, Freight & Roads from 1 April 2008 in conjunction with Transport Scotland.	The final report is due by 31 August.	Eligible disabled people are benefiting appropriately.
Road Safety Strategy for Scotland	Consultation document issued to groups including Disability Rights Commission.	Road Safety Team and Road Safety Scotland, Bus, Freight and Roads Division	Strategy by October 2008, delivery will then be ongoing to 2017.	A road safety strategy which is inclusive for all, taking into account any specific needs of disabled people in relation to road safety identified from consultation and research
Develop standards for wheelchair accessible taxis	UK wide consultation from August to November 2008 to identify in detail the regulatory and non-regulatory options for taking forward a commitment to deliver more accessible taxis.	Department for Transport in consultation/partnership with the Scottish Government and other UK Devolved Administrations	Following the consultation an agreed way forward is expected around January 2009.	Agreement on the technical standards for accessible taxis and the preferred delivery option.
Assessing Regional Transport Partnerships ( RTPs) strategies ( RTSs against equality impact assessment guidance	Seeking to ensure Regional Transport Partnerships ( RTPs) undertake equality impact assessments as part of their RTS development and how transport will encourage equal opportunities locally	Local Authority and Partnership Liaison team in association with other Scottish Government stakeholders	Subject to delivery of agreed drafts for Ministerial approval - expected in Spring 2008	The needs of disabled people are identified and addressed.
Amalgamate MACS and PTUC	Seeking to enhance the PTUC board with 3 additional members who have a knowledge and understanding of accessibility and mobility matters. This will ensure the travel needs of disabled people are strengthened by this new integrated body	Transport Strategy	A PTUC amendment order will increase the number of members of the PTUC from 12 to 15. A MACS Regulations Revocation order will revoke the current MACS legislation. Both orders are planned to come into effect from 1 July 2008	A body that will represent the interests of all public transport users in Scotland. It will reinforce positively the ability of disabled persons to bring accessibility and mobility issues directly to Ministers' attention

DISABILITY EQUALITY ACTION PLAN

Name of Directorate or Agency

Transport Scotland

Directorate or Agency Responsibilities.

Transport Scotland, established in January 2006, is the national transport agency for Scotland. Transport Scotland plays a key part in improving and expanding Scotland's public transport infrastructure and in promoting transport integration. The Agency is responsible for the rail and trunk road networks and oversees their operation and management. The Agency also supports the delivery of the programme of current and future major infrastructure projects for road and rail; has established and is running the Scotland-wide free bus scheme for older and disabled people; and oversees the provision of impartial travel information services and supports the increased provision of integrated tickets.

Statement of Directorate/Agency Commitment to the Promotion of Disability Equality and how this helps to deliver Government's national purpose and outcomes.

Transport Scotland will continue to promote the advancement of disability equality by ensuring that our mainstream policy initiatives and programmes take cognisance of the needs of disabled individuals. We will ensure that disabled people are involved in the development and implementation of policy and programme initiatives and that the delivery of such initiatives are targeted to ensure disabled people are aware of and can take full advantage of opportunities available. The key policy areas below have nearly all been developed with input and involvement from disabled people through their appropriate representative groups.

What is known about the experiences of, and issues for, disabled people within the Directorate/Agency Responsibilities

Transport Scotland established both the Scottish Rail Accessibility Forum ( SRAF) and Roads for All Forum ( RFA) in 2006 in order to work with disabled organisations and to make sure that the agency's work takes accessibility issues into account.

The SRAF has been established to bring together representatives of the Scottish rail industry and disability representative organisations in Scotland to discuss and advise Transport Scotland on: new standards and requirements being proposed by the Department for Transport; ways that the rail sector in Scotland is able to support disabled people to use its services and how Transport Scotland can promote this; and the continuing roll-out of the GB-wide Access for All funding stream including the selection of stations for future development.

The Roads for All Forum has an overseeing role for the implementation of the Trunk Road Disability Equality Scheme and Action Plan.

Both groups have met regularly on a quarterly basis since autumn of 2006. The Mobility Access Committee Scotland ( MACS) has been involved in both of these groups and has also provided additional advice where necessary. Both forums have had an important influence on the work of Transport Scotland.

Disability equality impact assessment is a mechanism for the thorough and systematic analysis of a policy or practice to determine the consequences for disability equality.

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 is being used in relation to policies and practices contributing to the strategic objective of improving and expanding Scotland's public transport infrastructure and in promoting transport integration.

Transport Scotland is responsible for developing and maintaining and using the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance ( STAG) for evaluating transport projects. The EQIA process has now been integrated into this process so that there is a recognised way of ensuring that equalities issues are addressed for all potential new transport investment.

We will consider all new policies, including revisions 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.

We will also look at and prioritise our existing policies and practices for impact assessment. To inform this, we will use the outcome of the 'get involved' events which were held in autumn 2006 and the recommendations of the Disability Working Group report (November 2006). We will also work with Analytical Services colleagues to examine the evidence in relation to existing policies and disability and use the outcome of this to support our impact assessment priorities.

Responsibility for considering priorities and ensuring that impact assessment is undertaken will be at Transport Scotland Board level. The Scottish Government's Equality Unit will continually look at how the impact assessment process can be improved and how staff from across directorates, including Transport Scotland, can best be supported.

Disability Equality Action Plan

Key actions which are designed to address disability issues identified from evidence and involvement.

Policy	Action	By whom	By when	Expected Outcome
Establish and manage Scotland-wide free bus scheme for older and disabled people	Established scheme and currently operating it. Will jointly monitor its operation with the Scottish Government's Transport Directorate.	Concessionary Fares Unit	Ongoing	Increased uptake by disabled people of the free bus scheme. Improving access and integration.
Review the national concessionary travel scheme	Carry out a full review on all aspects of Scotland-Wide Free Bus Travel for Older and Disabled People	Concessionary Fares Unit	End 2009
Scottish Trunk Road Disability Equality Scheme & Action Plan	Publish and implement the Trunk Road Action Plan	MTRIPS: Standards Traffic & Environment Branch	Ongoing (2006 - 2009)	Three year action plan to address disabled access to trunk roads.
Roads for All Forum	Continue to hold regular meetings of the Roads for All Forum, which includes stakeholders from both the roads sector and disabled groups.	MTRIPS: Standards Traffic & Environment Branch	On-going	Improved Scottish Trunk Road Action Plan.
Railways for All Strategy (DfT) & Roll-out of Access for All Funding Stream (Transport Scotland)	Roll-out of the Access for All funding stream including managing the process for the selection of stations for future access development.	Strategy & Investment Directorate	On-going	Improved rail station access for disabled people, the elderly, and people with luggage.
Establishment of a Scottish Rail Accessibility Forum and associated programme of work.	The Scottish Rail Accessibility Forum has been established to bring together representatives of the Scottish rail industry and disability representative organisations in Scotland to discuss and advise Transport Scotland on disability related issues.	Strategy & Investment Directorate	End 2006 and then on-going	The rail sector in Scotland will be able to better support disabled people to use its services and Transport Scotland will be able to advise Dept for Transport on issues of concern.
Code of Practice on Train and Station Services for Disabled Passengers	Consulting, along with Dept for Transport, on a revised Code of Practice, aligning it with the new Technical Specification for Interoperability for Persons of Reduced Mobility.	Strategy & Investment Directorate	Summer 2008	Consistent standards across the rail sector will help disabled people access the rail network.
Through the Franchise Agreement we oblige First Scotrail to undertake a range of activities with respect to station accessibility.	Oversee the First ScotRail Franchise agreement which includes: the minor works fund of £250,000 per annum for small scale alterations or additions to improve the accessibility of stations for disabled people; maintain website information on accessibility at stations to act as a guide to disabled passengers; review its Disabled Persons Protection Policy annually and in accordance with the guidelines.	Rail Delivery	On-going	Improved quality of train accessibility and use by disabled people.
Ensure new rail projects are of benefit to all	Ensure that all new rail projects meet current standards for accessibility and look for opportunities to improve access and facilities for disabled people as part of other work.	Rail Delivery	On-going	Improved quality of new facilities, and increased use of the rail network by disabled people.

Key actions within the Directorate/Agency areas of responsibility where disability equality is being mainstreamed.

Policy	Action	By whom	By when	Expected Outcome
Ensure that the policies we develop and/or the services we provide pay due regard to the need to eliminate any unlawful discrimination against disabled people.	Make sure all staff are trained in disability equality All policy teams to use equality impact assessment tool as part of policy proofing stage All policy teams to engage with disabled individuals in policy planning stage (as appropriate)	All directorates	Annual review	No case of alleged discrimination' More positive feedback from disabled people.
Ensure that the policies we develop and/or the services we provide are able to pay due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity between disabled and non-disabled persons.	Embed a question in all new consultations (where appropriate) about equality. Incorporate impact assessment tools in option appraisals for ministers and look to see if the accessibility section in the current Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance needs to be enhanced Continue to and expand collection of data relating to the use of our networks by disabled people. Consider the needs of disabled people when identifying how to allocate funding for transport projects.	All directorates TEAR	Annual Review	More disabled people using the services we provided.
Ensure that the policies we develop and/or the services we provide are able to pay due regard to the need to eliminate any harassment of disabled people, related to their disability.	Make sure all staff are trained in disability equality All teams to incorporate impact assessment tool in early option appraisals with a specific view to highlighting potential areas of discrimination	Chief Executive All Directors	Annual Review	Increased uptake of our services by disabled people and increased levels of customer satisfaction.
Arrangements we will put in place to promote positive attitudes towards disabled people will include:	All policy teams to involve (where possible) disabled people in stakeholder representation and liaison. Positively encourage the appointment of disabled people to public positions and as representatives on advisory groups.	All Directorates Communications Transport Scotland	Annual Review	More positive attitudes generally to disabled people.
We will encourage the participation of disabled people in public life by:	Positive encouragement for the appointment of disabled people to apply for public positions and as representatives on advisory groups.	Chief Executive Directors	Annual Review	Increased number of disabled people in public appointments or on advisory groups.
Action we will take to meet disabled people's needs, even if this requires more favourable treatment:	Consider the needs of disabled people when identifying how to allocate funding for transport projects.	All Directorates	Annual review	Increased uptake of transport and our services by disabled people and increased levels of customer satisfaction.
To ensure that disabled people are involved in the development of your department's policies and activities.	All policy development and implementation teams to ensure (where possible) disabled people are actively involved in part of the planning phase as well as consultation phase.	All Directorates	Annual Review	Policy teams successfully reporting the involvement of disabled people in policy development and implementation.
To ensure that we are able to report on progress on an annual basis?	Progress against the above will be reported annually to the Transport Scotland Board and each Directorate may undertake more frequent audits. The activities in the Disability Equality Scheme will be included in the next three year corporate plan. 2008/9 - 2010/11	All Directorates	Annual Review 2008	Embedded process to ensure thorough monitoring and reporting on activity.

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