Equality Outcomes and Mainstreaming Report 2015

A Statement from the Permanent Secretary

The Scottish Government is an organisation that is committed to public service, focused on improving outcomes for the people of Scotland and aspiring to be an exemplar in all that it does.

Our investment in the development and wellbeing of our workforce is a key component of the distinctly Scottish approach to public service. Underpinning this approach is a belief that everyone has a right to equality of opportunity and should be able to fulfil his or her potential free from the barriers that limit aspiration.

I am pleased that we are offering more opportunities to young Modern Apprentices. I welcome the increase in the proportion of women being appointed to Scotland's public boards and to senior executive positions. This reflects the hard work being undertaken across government and the wider public sector. I am also pleased that we are maintaining our focus and efforts on becoming a more diverse and representative workforce. We will be doing all we can in the period ahead to make further progress.

I welcome the emphasis we are putting on widening partnership and collaboration and to listening to the voices of those who have the lived experience of inequality and disadvantage. In all that we do on this agenda, we are the better and more effective for working together - across government, with our partners and alongside our communities.

Sir Peter Housden
Permanent Secretary of the Scottish Government