ALTERNATIVE OR APPROPRIATE FORMAT

Where information is provided in a way that is easily available to different groups. For example, a blind person may require information in Braille or on a tape.

BEST VALUE

A government initiative which encourages Local Authorities to examine how they provide services to the public and how they can improve the quality, quantity and cost of all services.

CROSS CUTTING

Policies which affect more than one of the Scottish Executive departments or external interests, for example social inclusion.

DIFFERENTIAL IMPACT

Where policy or practice has a different effect on different groups of people.

DIRECT DISCRIMINATION

Where one group of people is treated less favourably than others in circumstances which are the same or not materially different.

DISAGGREGATED DATA

Where information is provided separately for different groups such as women and men, or different ethnic groups or different types of disability etc.

DIVERSITY

Recognising and valuing that society is made up of many different groups with different interests, skills, talents, needs etc.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

SCOTLAND ACT DEFINITION

The prevention, elimination or regulation of discrimination between people because of their sex or marital status, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, language or social origin, or because of other personal attributes including beliefs or opinions such as religious beliefs or political opinions.

EQUALITY GROUP/INTEREST

A term used to describe a range of different groups with an interest in promoting equality and/or having experience of discrimination or inequality

EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY

Where the focus is on ensuring that different groups have the same chances and opportunities.

EQUALITY OF OUTCOME

Where the focus is on ensuring that policy outcomes have an equal impact for different groups or ensure the same outcomes for different groups.

EQUALITY PERSPECTIVE

Recognising that there are differences amongst groups and so the needs of all groups must be considered in developing policy and making decisions about resources.

EQUALITY PROOFING

Ensuring that all policy, decisions etc have taken full account of the needs of different equality groups and considered the possible impact of policies on the different groups.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Considering the difference or effect that a policy/decision or action has in practice.

INDIRECT DISCRIMINATION

Where a requirement or condition appears to be neutral but in fact has a negative or disproportionate effect on a particular equality group.

INSTITUTIONALISED DISCRIMINATION

The collective failure of an organisation to provide an appropriate and professional service to people in different equality groups. It can be seen or detected in processes, attitudes and behaviours which amount to discrimination through unwitting prejudice, ignorance, thoughtlessness and stereotyping which disadvantage equality groups.

MAINSTREAMING

Making sure an equality perspective is part of the everyday work of government, involving policy makers across all government departments, as well as equality specialists and external partners.

NEW FUTURES FUND

The New Futures Fund is a government initiative which aims to support projects to help young unemployed people from disadvantaged backgrounds find work.

POLICY APPRAISAL

Where policy is examined to see if and how it is working and whether it needs to be changed.

POSITIVE ACTION

Taking into account that a particular group has experienced disadvantage and so action is needed to support/enable the disadvantaged group. This can be seen as achieving a level playing field.

POSITIVE DISCRIMINATION

The provision of additional assistance or favourable treatment for one particular equality group. This is not legal under UK anti-discrimination law.

PROGRAMME FOR GOVERNMENT

Sets out the Scottish Executive's commitments and priorities and how it intends to achieve them.

PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS

The government is reforming how people become members of public bodies. These are national or regional public bodies which operate independently of the Scottish Executive, but for which Ministers are ultimately responsible.

REASONABLE ADJUSTMENT

Where any physical features, arrangements or method of service delivery substantially disadvantages a disabled person compared to a non-disabled person, reasonable adjustment refers to the steps it is reasonable to take to prevent that disadvantage.

RESERVED POWERS

Those powers which remain under the control of the UK government after devolution.

SOCIAL EXCLUSION

Where individuals or groups are not able to participate fully in society because of unemployment, low skill levels, poverty, bad health, poor housing or other factors. Social Inclusion is about removing the barriers and factors which lead to exclusion so people can participate.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

A major government programme in which the government sets out its responsibility to tackle the root causes of poverty and injustice and to challenge systems that promote injustice and stop people playing a full role in their families, their communities and Scotland. This includes tackling the barriers of prejudice, discrimination and disadvantage.