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ENVIRONMENT AND RURAL AFFAIRS
PORTFOLIO RESPONSIBILITIES
The Rural Affairs and Environment portfolio is responsible for government policy, development and delivery of programmes addressing rural, marine, food and environmental issues.
The Rural Affairs and the Environment portfolio has responsibility for:
- maintaining clean air and safe drinking water;
- protecting communities from flooding, climate change and other environmental challenges;
- minimising the amount of waste produced by society, maximising recycling and ensuring the proper disposal of what remains;
- keeping rivers, lochs and beaches pollution free to acceptable levels;
- securing for the future well managed landscapes and biodiversity which people can enjoy and businesses can capitalise on;
- underpinning competitive agriculture, fisheries and forestry businesses, and encouraging other rural development that is essential for the health and wealth of local economies and communities; and
- ensuring that all domestic and farm animals in Scotland are well treated and healthy, and that contingency plans are in place for the effective management in Scotland of animal disease outbreaks.
These programmes will ensure that our natural resources are used and managed for current and future generations as a valuable asset - a natural infrastructure that Scotland's farming, fishing and forestry businesses can thrive in and which underpins tourism, recreation and food industries.
Our processes to secure proper waste management, clean air and safe drinking water are important for a healthier Scotland, as is our investment in access to the countryside and green space in our communities.
Through our sponsored bodies and main research providers, our investment in regulatory science and strategic research makes a significant contribution to a smarter Scotland.
PROMOTING DISABILITY EQUALITY
We know that around 20% of the population are disabled people. To meet targets and objectives our policies will need to reach all of Scotland's people - everyone, including disabled people, can play their part in improving the quality of the environment.
Access to information can be difficult for some disabled people, for example information about waste recycling and environmental issues. And access to Scotland's built and natural environment can present problems. The isolation of some rural communities can exacerbate disabled people's exclusion from services or transport.
We will take action to promote equality of opportunity for disabled people by:
- ensuring Scottish Rural Development Programme guidance fully reflects requirements of disability equality
- ensuring all core path planning takes into account access for disabled people
- undertaking an equality impact assessment as part of the review of the National Waste Plan
- ensuring accessibility of the Greener Scotland Communications Strategy
- building access for disabled people into our Greener Capacity Building programme
DISABILITY EQUALITY ACTION PLAN
Name of Directorate or Agency
Rural Directorate
Directorate or Agency Responsibilities.
In Rural Directorate we are working to improve the well-being of rural Scotland, and in particular to manage the transition from European subsidies for production to broader-based rural development which aims for competitive farming businesses, well managed and maintained rural landscapes, flourishing biodiversity and thriving rural communities. We also promote animal health and welfare, and seek to prevent or, if necessary, contain outbreaks of serious animal disease such as Foot and Mouth Disease.
Statement of Directorate/Agency Commitment to the Promotion of Disability Equality and how this helps to deliver Government's national purpose and outcomes.
Rural Directorate are firmly committed to the promotion of disability equality and the involvement of disabled people. This commitment is central to the core outcome of providing a fairer Scotland for everyone
Although much Rural policy is mainstreamed, the Directorate has a duty to ensure that the rural voice is heard in other policy Directorates. This includes the voice of disabled people in rural areas, whose needs may differ from the disabled in urban environments.
What is known about the experiences of, and issues for, disabled people within the Directorate/Agency Responsibilities
The experience of and issues for disabled people vary considerably across the divisional responsibilities of the Directorate:
Rural Communities / Agriculture & Rural Development
- Listening to the voice of disabled people in rural areas.
Animal Health & Welfare / Veterinary
- Interaction with assistance dogs, riding for the disabled.
Landscapes & Habitats
- Provision of equal access and assisted access to the natural 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 |
|---|
Animal Health and Welfare | Implementation of new animal health and welfare legislation | Animal Health and Welfare Division | Ongoing | Secondary legislation which takes account of the needs of people who are blind and deaf and other people who use "assistance" dogs. |
Access to natural areas | Ensure all core path planning takes into account access for disabled people. ( SRDP provisions already take into account disabled access needs). | Landscapes and Habitats | Ongoing | Greater disabled access to natural areas. |
Communication with stakeholder groups | Facilitate teleconferencing and videoconferencing. | Rural Communities | Ongoing | Greater opportunity for rural disabled stakeholder groups to contact Scottish Government and express their views. |
W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) Compliance | Ensure that the new online National Rural Network (Scotland) takes into account W3C guidance on access for those with disabilities, as with the existing Rural Communities Gateway Website. | Rural Communities | c. December 2008 | Wider dissemination of information and greater participation, resulting in a more effective network. |
Delivery of Grants | Ensure Accessible documentation and application etc., processes. | Rural Communities / Rural Development | Ongoing | Opportunity to apply for grants and funding |
Promotion of disability awareness | Provide further training for policy staff on disability equality awareness. | All | Ongoing | Greater disability equality proofing of rural policy. |
Key actions within the Directorate/Agency areas of responsibility where disability equality is being mainstreamed.
Policy | Action | By whom | By when | Expected Outcome |
|---|
Delivery of publications | Ensure all published documentation is accessible. | All | Ongoing | Access for all to Scottish Government publications |
Scottish Regional Development Programme Guidance | Ensure guidance issued to RPACS / LAGS fully reflects requirements of disability equality. | Rural Communities / Rural Development | Ongoing | SRDP grants delivered with consideration given to the concerns of the rural disabled. |
Events Management | Ensure all venues and facilities for events sponsored or arranged by the directorate are fully accessible. | All | Ongoing | Full access to all functions for disabled people. |
DISABILITY EQUALITY ACTION PLAN
Name of Directorate or Agency
Marine Directorate
Directorate or Agency Responsibilities.
Marine Directorate works with Scottish Ministers to ensure prosperous food and fisheries industries and a high status marine environment, thereby continuing to contribute to Scotland's economy and communities within the context of integrated and increasingly devolved management arrangements.
Statement of Directorate/Agency Commitment to the Promotion of Disability Equality and how this helps to deliver Government's national purpose and outcomes.
Although marine and food-related policies are broadly based in terms of focus and intended outcome, Marine Directorate is firmly committed to ensuring disability equality through the use of EQIA and the involvement of disabled people wherever possible. This commitment will contribute to the core outcomes of providing a (1) wealthier and fairer and (2) safer and stronger Scotland with opportunities for all.
What is known about the experiences of, and issues for, disabled people within the Directorate/Agency Responsibilities
The experience of and issues for disabled people varies very considerably across the Directorate with some Divisions essentially unaffected and others in process of considering or pursuing action on disability equality:
Sea Fisheries Divisions covering both conservation and management
- In view of the policies dealt with, no experience of disabled people and no related issues identified. Matter kept under review.
Marine Management Division
- None as yet but to be pursued in context of forthcoming consultation on Marine Bill. See next section for proposed action.
Aquaculture and Freshwater Fisheries Division
- Encouragement of all appropriate access to sport fishing which has involved consultation with disabled interests as part of development of Strategic Framework for Scottish Freshwater Fisheries. See next section for outstanding action.
- On aquaculture policy, no recent experience but to be pursued in context of forthcoming consultation on Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture. See next section for proposed action.
- General awareness of needs of the disabled in terms of application process for financial assistance under grant schemes managed by Division - the European Fisheries Fund ( EFF)/Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance ( FIFG) and Fishing Harbours Assistance Scheme.
Food Industry Division
- On national food policy, none as yet but to be pursued in context of further action on its ongoing development. See next section for proposed action.
- General awareness of needs of the disabled in terms of application process for financial assistance under grant scheme managed by Division - the Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation Grant Scheme.
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 |
|---|
Fresh water fisheries | To develop final Strategic Framework for Scottish Freshwater Fisheries. | Aquaculture and Freshwater Fisheries Division | Final version of Framework ready by September 2008 | Framework will take account of disabled interests. |
Aquaculture | To ensure disabled interests are included in stakeholder and public consultation and that their views are given due consideration in drafting framework document. | Aquaculture and Freshwater Fisheries Division | Consultation commences during 2007. | Framework will take account of disabled interests. |
Marine Bill | To ensure disabled interests are included in stakeholder and public consultation and that their views are given due consideration in framing draft legislation. | Marine Management | Consultation commences during 2007. | Proposed legislation on marine matters takes account of disabled interests. |
Food | To ensure disabled interests are included in public consultation and that their views are given due consideration in developing national food policy. | Food Industry Division | Ongoing | National food policy takes account of disabled interests. |
Key actions within the Directorate/Agency areas of responsibility where disability equality is being mainstreamed.
Policy | Action | By whom | By when | Expected Outcome |
|---|
Availability of publications | Ensure all published material is fully accessible. | All | Ongoing | Access for all to publications issued by the Directorate. |
Delivery of Grants | To ensure continued provision of accessible documentation and application etc., processes. | Aquaculture and Freshwater Fisheries and Food Industry Divisions | Ongoing | Full opportunity to apply for grants and funding |
DISABILITY EQUALITY ACTION PLAN
Name of Directorate or Agency
Greener Scotland Directorate ( GSD)
Directorate or Agency Responsibilities.
Delivery of the Scottish Government's Greener Strategic Objective - To improve Scotland's natural and built environment and the sustainable use and enjoyment of it.
Statement of Directorate/Agency Commitment to the Promotion of Disability Equality and how this helps to deliver Government's national purpose and outcomes.
Greener Scotland Directorate are fully committed to addressing inequality and diversity issues and to improve the quality of life for the People of Scotland.
What is known about the experiences of, and issues for, disabled people within the Directorate/Agency Responsibilities
General experience and knowledge of Disability policies and their effect on disabled people. The work of GSD is cross cutting and covers all of the Strategic Objectives. The ownership of many of the policies we try to influence is held by other Directorates and will be reported separately as part of their submissions.
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 |
|---|
Environmental Volunteering | Advise service providers to ensure that disabled people can participate fully. | GSD | Ongoing | Facilities open to disabled people. Increase in numbers of disabled people volunteering. Continuing via the annual review of the Scottish Government ( SG) Volunteering Strategy conducted by SG and the sector. In particular, assessing any increases in the volunteering opportunities for disabled people under the heading of "Inclusive Volunteering". |
Key actions within the Directorate/Agency areas of responsibility where disability equality is being mainstreamed.
Policy | Action | By whom | By when | Expected Outcome |
|---|
Events Management | Ensure all venues and facilities for events sponsored or arranged by the Directorate are fully accessible. | GSD | Ongoing | Full access to all functions for disabled people |
Training and development | To ensure that disability and equality issues are considered , when preparing training and development plans for GSD staff and to ensure that disability and equality policies form part of the agenda at Divisional meetings. | GSD | Ongoing | To ensure GSD staff are fully aware of SG equality policies. |
Delivery of Grants & Grant aided projects | Ensure Accessible documentation and application processes. | GSD | Ongoing | Opportunity to apply for grants and funding |
Greener Scotland Communications strategy | Ensure website development and all Greener Communications work proofed for plain English and accessibility requirements | GSD | Ongoing | Clearer, more accessible website giving better information on environmentally-responsible action including which take into account appropriate disability issues. |
Greener Capacity Building | Including toolkits, guidance, seminars, conferences, training sessions | GSD | Ongoing | Ensuring full access to all functions for disabled people. All venues and facilities for events arranged by the directorate are fully accessible Ensuring that guidance and toolkits can be made available in multiple formats as necessary. Video conferences for those unable to travel for an event. Broadcasting via SGTV or DVD. |
DISABILITY EQUALITY ACTION PLAN
Name of Directorate or Agency
Rural & Environment Research & Analysis
Directorate or Agency Responsibilities.
The work of RERAD is about building a platform of knowledge to strengthen the way in which the policies developed across Rural, Environment and Marine Directorates and contribute to the objectives of the Scottish Government. Our specialists use their skills to frame relevant questions, commission research projects and programmes, and analyse data and knowledge to provide evidence and advice for policy use by Cabinet Secretaries, Ministers and policy-makers.
Statement of Directorate/Agency Commitment to the Promotion of Disability Equality and how this helps to deliver Government's national purpose and outcomes.
Rural & Environment Research & Analysis Directorate are committed to disability equality. We assist in the development of EQIA's across the RAE portfolio and provide directorates with data in order to assist in the integration and promotion of disability equality through their policy.
What is known about the experiences of, and issues for, disabled people within the Directorate/Agency Responsibilities
The experiences of and issues for disabled people within the responsibilities of Rural & Environment Research & Analysis Directorate are reflected through our data gathering in which we must ensure we include all demographic sets, including disabled people.
DISABILITY EQUALITY ACTION PLAN
Name of Directorate or Agency
Rural Payments & Inspections Directorate
Directorate or Agency Responsibilities.
Responsible for implementation and delivery of grants, subsidies and other government policies to the agricultural industry as well as the development and support of the Information Technology Systems to enable the delivery of the schemes. Provide professional agricultural advice and information to Scottish Ministers, the general public and other colleagues in 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.
RPID is committed to tackling inequality and disadvantage faced by disabled people both for staff and customers. Representatives have already met with colleagues from the Equality Unit to seek advice on using the EQIA toolkit to consider equality issues in the development of policy implementation.
What is known about the experiences of, and issues for, disabled people within the Directorate/Agency Responsibilities
All customers are treated in accordance with the EU and domestic legislation which is followed in carrying out our work.
Disability Equality Action Plan
Key actions within the Directorate/Agency areas of responsibility where disability equality is being mainstreamed.
Policy | Action | By whom | By when | Expected Outcome |
|---|
Scottish Rural Development Programme - implementation and delivery of policy | Conduct an Equality Impact (to include disability equality) Assessment of the policy implementation. | SRPD Programme (Donald Bailey) | Annually | SRDP policy implementation fully considers disability requirements. |
DISABILITY EQUALITY ACTION PLAN
Name of Directorate or Agency
Environmental Quality Directorate
Directorate or Agency Responsibilities.
Environmental Quality Directorate develops and oversees the implementation of policy on air quality, environmental and neighbourhood noise, nuisance, flood management, coast protection and reservoir safety, the water environment, soils, waste (including radioactive waste), prevention and control of pollution from industrial plants and chemicals, and tackling problems of contaminated land. The Directorate also sponsors SEPA, and supports the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland.
This work contributes to the Government's 5 strategic objectives, and in particular, contributes towards a Greener Scotland and a Safer and Stronger Scotland.
Statement of Directorate/Agency Commitment to the Promotion of Disability Equality and how this helps to deliver Government's national purpose and outcomes.
Environmental Quality 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
Disabled people, depending on the nature of their disabilities, can have problems with putting recyclate and residual waste out for collection. People with visual impairments and learning difficulties may experience problems in getting information on waste services operated by their local authority.
SEPA as a major public sector employer needs to have appropriate polices in relation to the disabled.
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 |
|---|
Waste policy | Undertake an equality impact assessment as part of the review of the National Waste Plan | Head of Waste Strategy Team | Spring 2009 | Identification of future actions that required to be taken or confirmation that no action necessary |
Waste policy | Check that web sites of waste delivery bodies ( i.e. bodies that are funded by the SG but independent of them) are compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act | Head of Waste Delivery Body Team | Autumn 2008 | Confirmation that web sites compliant or agreement to make changes to make them compliant |
Environment Policy | Check that SEPA have appropriate disability equality policies | SEPA sponsorship team | Spring 2008 | Reassurance that sound policies have been adopted and implemented. |
Key actions within the Directorate/Agency areas of responsibility where disability equality is being mainstreamed.
Policy | Action | By whom | By when | Expected Outcome |
|---|
All areas | Ensure venues where stakeholder/consultation events take place are accessible to disabled groups | All Divisions in Directorate | Ongoing | Allow people with disabilities to attend and participate |
All areas | To ensure that disability equality issues are kept in mind, introduce a standing item on equality to Divisional meetings on a quarterly basis. | All Divisions in Directorate | Ongoing | Equality is borne in mind as staff go about every day duties. |
DISABILITY EQUALITY ACTION PLAN
Name of Directorate or Agency
SCOTTISH FISHERIES PROTECTION AGENCY ( SFPA)
Directorate or Agency Responsibilities.
The aim of the Agency is to contribute to the conservation of fish stocks by enforcing UK, EU and International laws and regulations at sea within British Fishery Limits around Scotland and in Scottish ports and as required in international waters.
Statement of Directorate/Agency Commitment to the Promotion of Disability Equality and how this helps to deliver Government's national purpose and outcomes.
Everyone will be treated fairly and impartially with humanity, respect and dignity and be free from discrimination on grounds of their disability. Where reasonably practicable, everyone will have equal access to all facilities provided and opportunities offered by the SFPA regardless of their disability. SFPA is committed to introducing equality impact assessments in relation to their internal policies.
What is known about the experiences of, and issues for, disabled people within the Directorate/Agency Responsibilities
Access to fishery protection vessels ( FPVs) and some of the Agency's inspectorate coastal offices can be restrictive for people with physical disabilities. The Action Plan includes provision for addressing access issues in relation to coastal offices. Arrangements in relation to FPVs are governed by Maritime Regulations.
Disability Equality Action Plan
Key actions which are designed to address disability issues identified from evidence and involvement.
Area of Responsibility | Action | By whom | By when | Expected Outcome |
|---|
Procurement | Ensure new Fishery Office in Anstruther is fully DDA compliant. | Corporate Services | 2008 | To meet legislation and to ensure accessibility to staff and customers. |
Communication and consultation | Set up SFPA Disability Consultation Group. | HR | 2009 | To ensure views and needs of people with disabilities are taken into account when developing/reviewing policies and other internal practices. |
Key actions within the Directorate/Agency areas of responsibility where disability equality is being mainstreamed.
Area of Responsibility | Action | By whom | By when | Expected Outcome |
|---|
Resourcing | Ensure recruitment literature is available in alternative formats on request and that recruitment web-site is easily accessible for disabled people. | HR | 2008 | To provide equal access to recruitment information to all potential applicants. |
Ensure all job descriptions and person specifications do not discriminate against disabled applicants. | HR | 2008 | As above |
Include monitoring question on exit evaluation forms. | HR | 2008 | To evaluate the reasons why disabled people leave the Agency and consider whether any amendments need to be made to services or functions highlighted in responses. |
Continue to ask staff to self-declare disabilities. | HR | Ongoing | To maintain information on staff with disabilities. |
Learning and Development | Monitor L&D management information for involvement of disabled people in further education and external training (where known). | HR | Ongoing | Ensure disabled staff has equal access to funding for further education/external training. |
Promote disability equality issues through in-house newsletters. | HR | Annually | To ensure awareness is raised amongst staff. |
Communication and Consultation | SFPA publications to be available in alternative formats and reflect disability where possible. | Corporate Services | Ongoing | To provide equal access to SFPA information and services. |
Website and Intranet sites to meet accessibility standards and review periodically. | Corporate Services/ HR | Ongoing | To ensure information is accessible to users. |
Procurement | Ensure disability equality is embedded into tender specification and contract process. | Corporate Services | 2009 | Tender specifications to make clear how contractors promote disability equality. |
Ensure any estate development/upgrading takes into account disability access. | Corporate Services | When appropriate | Compliance with the DDA. |
Policies and Services | Establish, maintain and monitor systems for equality impact assessments in relation to internal policies. | HR | 2010 | To ensure negative effect of policies and services on disabled staff and stakeholders is minimised. |
Health and Safety | Publicise availability of workplace assessments to access reasonable adjustments. | HR/H&S | Annually and when people join | To raise staff awareness. |
DISABILITY EQUALITY ACTION PLAN
Name of Directorate or Agency
Fisheries Research Services
Directorate or Agency Responsibilities.
FRS provides scientific support and advice across a range of government policy interests in:
- aquaculture
- aquatic environment
- fish health
- marine and freshwater fisheries
Statement of Directorate/Agency Commitment to the Promotion of Disability Equality and how this helps to deliver Government's national purpose and outcomes.
The general duty to promote disability equality will be considered in planning, policy making, service delivery and employment. Efforts will be focussed on removing any identified barriers to allowing the full engagement of disabled people with our services.
What is known about the experiences of, and issues for, disabled people within the Directorate/Agency Responsibilities
Currently little is known about the impact of our work on disabled people in terms of delivery of day-to-day services. More information is available in relation to employment matters, where efforts are made to ensure that anyone applying for employment who is already disabled is offered appropriate assistance, or where adjustments are made to retain staff within the workplace who become disabled.
As most of our work is directly related to providing scientific advice to the Government, some areas of our work offer little opportunity for interaction directly with the public. However, consultation takes place with stakeholder groups such as fish farmers, the fishing industry, other Government and academic institutes, individuals in relation to the issuing of FEPA licences and major companies such as oil and gas organisations. More work requires to be done to identify any particular needs related to disability equality with our stakeholders and other interested parties.
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 |
|---|
Stakeholder consultation | We will ensure that all meetings with stakeholders are held in venues which are suitable for all attendees. | Director of Science | April 2008 and ongoing | All meetings to be held in suitable venues |
Employment monitoring | We will improve monitoring and recording of employment data relating to disability issues by asking staff to complete the equality monitoring section of e-HR and by ensuring that data is collected for all recruitment processes. | Head of HR | May 2008 and ongoing | Ability to accurately record data to assist in recruitment, retention and staff development |
Recruitment | We will encourage applications from disabled people for job opportunities within FRS through participation in jobcentre plus's disability symbol scheme. | Head of HR | April 2008 and ongoing | Increase in applications from disabled people. |
Communication | We will enable disabled people to communicate effectively at all reception and contact points considering the installation of loop systems and by training our reception staff. | Deputy Chief Executive | June 2008 | Improved access to services |
Communication | We will improve accessibility of FRS website, intranet and email systems to comply with recognised standards. | Head of ICT/Communications | December 2009 | Improved internal and external communications and accessibility of information |
Communication | We will agree a corporate standard for all internal and external communications in line with the Scottish Accessible Information Standards. | Communications | July 2009 | Improved internal and external communications and accessibility of information |
Communication | We will ensure all publications are available in large print and other alternative formats on request. We will advertise this on all of our publications. | Communications | July 2009 | Improved internal and external communications and accessibility of information |
Key actions within the Directorate/Agency areas of responsibility where disability equality is being mainstreamed.
Policy | Action | By whom | By when | Expected Outcome |
|---|
Recruitment | Proactive removal of any identified barriers during all employment processes. | Head of HR | April 2008 and ongoing | A fair and equal chance for disabled people to access employment with FRS |
Recruitment | Ensure that those involved in recruitment are appropriately trained and maintain their skills by delivering disability equality training and increasing awareness. | Head of HR | April 2008 and ongoing | A fair and equal chance for disabled people to access employment with FRS |
Recruitment | Ensure that any necessary adjustment or assistance is put in place for selection processes. | Head of HR | April 2008 and ongoing | A fair and equal chance for disabled people to access employment with FRS |
HR | Provide staff and managers with sufficient information to ensure any negative effects for disabled people in relation to the working environment are minimised. | Head of HR | April 2008 and ongoing | Encourage the retention of staff who become disabled during employment creating an inclusive culture and greater job satisfaction for disabled staff |
Flexible working | Develop and promote methods of support to address the needs of disabled staff or carer responsibilities by dealing appropriately with individual cases, accessing external assistance where required. We will promote opportunities for flexible working and raise awareness of potential sources of help. | Head of HR | April 2008 and ongoing | Encourage the retention of staff who become disabled during employment or who have carer responsibilities, creating an inclusive culture and greater job satisfaction |
In consultation with our local Access Panel, identify accessibility issues with FRS buildings and develop consistent standard solutions. | Facilities Management | December 2009 | Improved physical access to FRS buildings |
Training and development | Ensure that training materials are available in alternative formats on request. | Development Adviser | June 2008 and ongoing | Improved participation of staff with disabilities in training activities |
THE FIRST MINISTER
PORTFOLIO RESPONSIBILITIES
The First Minister's portfolio is responsible for:
- policy on Europe and external affairs, including the relationship between the Scottish and UK Governments, where the primary aim is to promote Scotland's interests and identity at home and abroad;
- maximising opportunities for, and participation in, high quality cultural events and the promotion of Gaelic;
- communicating our message to the people of Scotland and developing the evidence base for strategic policy decisions by supporting research, analytical and statistical services;
- promoting and protecting Scotland's historic environment; and
- preserving and making available Scotland's national archives.
Along with our work on constitutional and parliamentary issues, the First Minister's portfolio supports business units across the Scottish Government in delivering the five Strategic Objectives.
Historic Scotland and the National Archives of Scotland are Scottish Government Agencies of the portfolio.
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