Scotland's careers strategy - moving forward: equality impact assessment

Recommendations and Conclusions

Scotland's Careers Strategy: Moving Forward commits that every individual in Scotland will have access to free impartial CIAG services and support, at the point at which they need them. This includes both digital and face to face services. With advancing technology, accessibility and reach of services will be considered. This will include consideration of how face to face support could be provided online through approaches using video interfaces. This could be through, but not exclusively; online instant messaging services, video conferencing and bi-lingual or BSL video calls. Consideration will be given to the importance of smart phone optimisation, social media, use of analytics to differentiate preferred communication channels. Consideration will also be given to an increased blend of access channels to engage with the delivery methods.

There is recognition that there are some individuals who continue to face significant challenges and barriers in progressing into and sustaining employment. It is critical that we are able to target our resources effectively to those who need more intensive support and for longer.

The EQIA has shown that the overall strategic vision to have careers system in Scotland which has the following goals:

• a national model for career education, information, advice and guidance services with shared principles adopted across education, training and employability services for young people and adults;
• a focus on moving away from 'silo working' towards more CIAG collaborative working with target groups and the co-creation of more CIAG designed to meet the needs of young people and adults;
• a sharing of knowledge and expertise in professional development, quality assurance, and improved outcomes;
• a leadership pan-sectoral body focused on all-age CIAG provision and continuous improvement.

The strategy states the importance of parents/guardians/carers/teachers and teachers being up to date with the current and future labour market. To ensure consistency and coherence across delivery partners, a central resource will be established by Skills Development Scotland, in a leadership role, and the Labour Market Intelligence/information it produces will be shared across the system and used to inform and improve practice and practitioner development activities.

The Strategy has the potential to have a meaningful and lasting impact on the careers and employment prospects of people with protected characteristics. However, this will only be achieved if a fully considered approach to equalities is taken throughout the implementation phase for each of these goals and by continuing to work in collaboration with partners in the delivery system.

The EQIA has identified some evidence gaps in relation to some equality groups and intersectionality that will be required to be addressed in the future. Reviewing each action/recommendation that emerges from the implementation phase will also provide an opportunity to assess what impact can be made in relation to access and outcomes for those with protected characteristics.

Going forward we will continue to work with SG analysists to ensure that we have updated equality and employment statistics to help identify possible areas of refinement during the implementation stage. We will also continue to work in collaboration with delivery partners.

The outcomes of this strategy when implemented, will ensure equity of access and quality or services across the sector, regardless of setting or point of access for the individual, and will help individuals become more flexible and responsive to the ever changing labour market.