Judicial Factors (Scotland) Bill: equality impact assessment

Stage 4: Decision making and monitoring

Identifying and establishing any required mitigating action

Have positive or negative impacts been identified for any of the equality groups?

Overall, the Bill introduces a statutory framework which sets out clearly the essential features of the office of judicial factor. This will be a positive impact for all individuals and bodes coming into contact with the office.

In the case of children under the age of 16, where a judicial factor is appointed to hold and manage their property, the Bill will bring clarity as to the appropriate processes to be followed and as to the functions of judicial factors. It will also be more user-friendly, resulting in all those coming into contact with it having better understanding of it.

Is the policy directly or indirectly discriminatory under the Equality Act 2010?

No

If the policy is indirectly discriminatory, how is it justified under the relevant legislation?

Not applicable

If not justified, what mitigating action will be undertaken?

Not applicable

Describing how Equality Impact analysis has shaped the policy making process

The EQIA process has confirmed that the proposed Bill has no impact on any of the protected characteristics.

Given that some positive and no negative impacts have been identified, no direct changes have been made to the policy as a result of this EQIA.

There are no direct implications for finance as a result of this EQIA.

Monitoring and Review

If the Bill is passed by Parliament, the Scottish Government will monitor its impact in practice.