External Review of ASH Scotland 2014

8 Equality and Diversity

Addressing inequalities through ASH Scotland's work

8.1 Reducing tobacco use and its impact amongst poorer and more marginalised groups is one of ASH Scotland's five strategic objectives. Reducing tobacco use amongst these groups is critical to achieving overall reductions at the population level as there are higher rates of smoking and tobacco related disease amongst more deprived groups and particular sub-groups (e.g. those with mental health conditions). For the same reasons, it is also fundamental to the Scottish Tobacco Control Strategy which states that:

"We will not achieve our ambition of a tobacco-free Scotland without addressing the stark socio-economic inequalities in smoking prevalence rates."

8.2 ASH Scotland contributes to reducing inequalities through a number of different activities. A key strength is the evidence it analyses and publishes on tobacco use and harm, local initiatives and partnerships, targeting cessation services to disadvantaged groups, and promoting information on the impact of tobacco use to disadvantaged communities. ASH Scotland has contributed significantly to the current national Strategy's clear focus on inequality through consistent policy work over many years, providing strong evidence and working with SCOT and others to publish information on tobacco use and health inequalities. Much of this work is carried out in partnership with NHS Health Scotland, which leads on policy and practice to reduce health inequalities more widely.

8.3 In addition to the range of work outlined earlier in the report, there is close work through the STCA to engage with local communities. REFRESH also contributed to addressing inequalities and there has been engagement with local authorities and COSLA, which has resulted in work on and with deprived communities and groups. This is consistent with ASH Scotland's approach of tackling inequalities through collaboration with local organisations.

8.4 External stakeholders see ASH Scotland as treating inequalities as a priority. One commented that, "it's clear they do take equalities seriously; in projects they focus upon engagement with different sectors to ensure diversity", and others noted that the organisation has engaged with representatives from a variety of disadvantaged groups including BME groups, people with mental health problems and the LGBT community. The Scottish Government interviews indicated that the Government values ASH Scotland's work in presenting reports and data on tobacco use and inequality, in relation to material deprivation as well as for BME groups, women, young people and children. As noted earlier, there were stakeholder observations that ASH Scotland is not necessarily best placed to engage directly with community groups, but rather that they are seen to collaborate effectively with organisations working with people on the ground. Opportunities for collaborating on inequalities, however, are limited by the extent to which other organisations will or can engage, and will require consistent work over time to develop relationships and increase reach to the wide range of organisations that can help deliver activities on the ground. Funding for inequalities work may be harder to access. Two recent funding applications to the Scottish Government, NHS Boards and to two independent foundations for inequalities related work (for developing an outcomes STAR methodology and to establish a smokers' panel) did not succeed.

8.5 Without a step change in smoking reduction in deprived communities and marginalised groups, it will be difficult to achieve the target of a tobacco free Scotland in 2034. ASH Scotland recognises the need to increase work in this area, and it is a priority for the 2015 - 2018 strategic plan, and also recognises that this is likely to mean developing new skills and ways of working. This may include developing new partnerships to secure funding, and identifying clear priority areas where there will be greatest impact and benefit from social change. Work on inequalities will need to be aligned with ASH Scotland's review of how it works most effectively at local levels.

Equality and diversity as an employer

8.6 ASH Scotland takes equality and diversity seriously as an employer. There is a clear commitment to equality and diversity in: the HR handbook; recruitment methods (a range of external advertisements are required); and with regard to maternity, paternity and adoption leave as well as carer's leave. A potentially generous support for learning exists (dependent on SMT agreement and funds available). The 2014 staff survey shows that staff agree that differences (e.g. gender, race, educational background, childcare responsibilities, and disability) are respected at ASH Scotland.