Non–binary equality action plan 2023-2028: progress report 2024
The report provides detail on the progress made during 2024, our first year of this five-year plan. It outlines some of our key achievements, and describes what we said we would do, what we have done, and what our next steps are.
Participation in Decision-Making
Commitment 1
Meaningfully include marginalised people in decision-making by making processes accessible, including through financially compensating individuals for their time and contributions, and by prioritising the participation of people who are marginalised in multiple ways.
Action 1.1
What we said we would do
We will develop guidance and a process for paying participant expenses and compensating participants for their time when taking part in projects.
What we have done so far
Guidance has been published on the Scottish Government website. Challenges remain regarding impact of cash research payments on individuals claiming social security, due to Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) classification of these payments as ‘income’.
Next steps
We will continue working with DWP to agree a clear position on the issue of research payments that supports the involvement of a wide range of participants, including non-binary people.
Timescale
Short-term
Status
Complete
Action 1.2
What we said we would do
We will seek to influence Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) with the aim that payment for involvement in participatory projects does not negatively impact those who are claiming DWP benefits.
What we have done so far
While the payments guidance has been published on the Scottish Government website, this notes that only voucher payments can be made to individuals in receipt of DWP benefits. This is a level of clarity that was not previously available. Challenges remain regarding impact of cash research payments on individuals claiming social security, due to DWP's classification of these payments as 'income'. At present, it is unlikely that DWP’s position regarding cash research payments will change.
Next steps
We will focus our efforts on ensuring maximum clarity on voucher payments, so that these can be easily issued to anyone, including non-binary people, claiming DWP benefits with no risk of negative impacts. It is hoped an approach can be agreed by Spring 2025
Timescale
Short-term
Status
In progress
Action 1.3
What we said we would do
We will continue to improve the Scottish Government’s Participation Framework, starting with a focus on improving its coverage of inclusive practice.
What we have done so far
This year we have made updates to the Participation Handbook. These updates are based on outputs from equalities focused workshops run last year, with stakeholders and members of the public, who were asked what they would like to see improved with regards to equalities and inclusive practice. The guidance focuses on the needs and priorities of multiply marginalised groups, acknowledging those who face the greatest inequalities also face the greatest barriers to participating in decision and policy making processes, including non-binary people’s inclusion in decision making.
Next steps
We will periodically review the Participation Handbook, with a focus on inclusive practice. This will likely coincide with developments in Scottish Government approaches to public participation, for example the upcoming establishment of a Participation Framework Agreement to support the commissioning of high-quality public participation. This aims to improve access to and experiences of public participation for a range of groups and communities, including non-binary people.
Timescale
Short-term
Status
Complete
Contact
Email: lgbtipolicy@gov.scot
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