The Scottish Executive is determined that Scotland in the 21st century will be more tolerant, just and inclusive. That means we have to tackle the inequalities in our society and the underlying attitudes which sustain them. The Executive believes that its work on equality of opportunity is therefore central to all its activities.
The Scottish Executive is committed to putting equality of opportunity at the heart of all policy making as well as service design and implementation. That commitment is underlined by the establishment of a new Equality Unit, which will support work across the Executive and more widely on promoting equal opportunities for all.
Having established the Unit, the Executive needs to devise an equality strategy to turn that commitment into a reality. For the strategy to be effective it must reflect the needs of all parts of Scottish society and those most affected must shape it.
To this end the Executive is conducting this consultation. We urge you to participate fully and we look forward to receiving your response.
JACKIE BAILLIE, MSP