Diversity and inclusion employer strategy for Scottish Government

Shaping the strategy

Our strategy has been shaped by diverse backgrounds, diverse talent and diverse experience of delivering previous disability, race and socio-economic diversity (SED) plans.

Diverse background

Lived experiences have given us greater insight and understanding of staff from equality groups. With their expectations then shaping the changes we want to see.

Diverse talent

Action owners working collectively, bringing together their different expertise to identify actions and solutions which are most likely deliver the changes we want to see. Creating a synergy in our actions and shared and individual ownership from the outset.

Diverse experience

Broadening our approach should not dilute impact for any group. To ensure this we are taking the underlying principles of previous Disability, Race and SED plans into our single strategy:

• an anti-racist approach to tackle racial inequality and redistribute power
• a social model of disability approach to identify environmental, attitudinal, communication and systemic barriers
• an intersectional approach to socio economic diversity

Profile piece: diversity staff network support framework

Enabling voice

Diversity staff networks provide peer support and make connections that build the sense of belonging, a core aspect of inclusion.

The Scottish Government has a long history of supporting diversity staff networks. Introduced in 2022, the network support framework offers corporate support along with an Executive Team Ally and a Senior Civil Servant (SCS) Champion.

Designated diversity staff networks represent the collective interests of their network members in corporate engagements.

Helping us make our best and most inclusive employer policies and services. Raising awareness of issues and challenges relating to employee experience in the workplace. And recognised for the valuable role they play in driving positive change.

"Active and engaged diversity staff networks are a hallmark of progressive, inclusive organisations."

Lesley Fraser, Executive Team Ally for Diversity and Inclusion