Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) status and Stonewall statistics: FOI release

Information requested

1. Stonewall attempted to have EHRC stripped of its A status. Does the Scottish Government support Stonewall's challenge of the EHRCs A status?

2. I would like to know how much money the Scottish Government paid to Stonewall in 2021, 2022 and 2023?

3. I would like to know who took the decision for it to be appropriate for the Scottish Government to be under Stonewall's influence, and on what basis?

4. Lastly, I would like to know if the Scottish Government has undertaken any similar political activism like it has in being a member of Stonewall in support of gender critical views and the importance of single sex spaces, services and sports.

Response

With regards to question 1, the Scottish Government was not involved in the review of the EHRC’s National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) status. The EHRC is independent of Government; therefore we have no role in the review process. Similarly, the Scottish Government is not involved in the operational decisions of Stonewall, including the decision to challenge the EHRC’s NHRI status.

With regards to question 2 most of the information you have requested is in the public domain and can be found at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/equality-and-human-rights-fund-projectsfunded/ . Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you. If, however, you do not have internet access to obtain this information from the website(s) listed, then please contact me again and I will send you a paper copy.

Information on additional payments issued to Stonewall Scotland (Stonewall Equality Limited) between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2023 have been attached.

Regarding question 3, in line with the civil service code, decisions are made based on objectivity and impartiality and are not under the influence of any third parties. As an employer, Scottish Government subscribe to various corporate memberships based on need from our internal data as part of meeting our legal obligations under the Public Sector Equality Duty to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations across all protected characteristics. In this instance, Stonewall membership supports our obligations in relation to protected characteristics including gender reassignment and sexual orientation.

Regarding question 4, Civil servants do not engage in any political activism as impartiality is a core requirement of the civil service code. As an employer, Scottish Government subscribe to corporate memberships with various organisations that have expertise across a range of protected
characteristics. This includes membership of the Employers Network of Equality and Inclusion (ENEI) which has expertise across a broad range of protected characteristics including sex and religion or belief. Memberships are subscribed to based on need from our internal data as part of meeting our legal obligations under the Public Sector Equality Duty to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations across all protected characteristics.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.

FOI 202400413319 - Information released - Attachment

File type

Excel document

File size

14.5 kB