ALLIANCE responds to call for views on Public Sector Equality Duty
- Area of Work: Policy and Research, Scottish Sensory Hub
- Type: News Item
- Published: 26th February 2025
The ALLIANCE responds to the Equality, Human Rights, and Civil Justice Committee's inquiry into the the Public Sector Equality Duty.
The Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE) welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Equality, Human Rights, and Civil Justice Committee inquiry into the operation of the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) in Scotland.
We have previously raised concerns with ministers about a lack of consistent implementation of the PSED, the importance of inclusive communication, and the need for real progress towards improving equal access to services and human rights within Scotland.
In its current form, the PSED in Scotland is not delivering on its aims to improve outcomes for people with protected characteristics. While laudable in intention, the gap between policy and practice remains substantial. In particular, the ALLIANCE is concerned by the limited oversight and consequences if listed authorities do not comply with the legislation.
There is a need to develop wider, systemic culture change in relation to the PSED, and resources at a national level to support public bodies to achieve this. A wider culture shift is needed for listed authorities to prioritise and focus on the purpose of the PSED at all levels, including leadership level. Additionally, the relationship between human rights and equality should be strengthened in the PSED, if it is to deliver on outcomes for people with protected characteristics.
Due to the unreasonably short window for this call for evidence of three weeks, we have not been able to engage members to respond on the operation of the PSED in its entirety as we would have wished. We would ask that the Committee provides a longer period in which to respond to future Calls for Views.
For that reason, our response focuses primarily on inclusive communication within the PSED. Inclusive communication is a crucial part of enabling people to access their human rights.
Read our full response below.
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