Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Act 2018: consultation on implementation

Introduction

This consultation seeks views on implementation of the Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Act 2018.  Specifically, it seeks views on 2 elements of implementation:

• Draft regulations setting out the arrangements for reporting on progress under the Act.
• Draft guidance on the operation of the Act.

Part 1 of this consultation document summarises the provisions in the Act and sets them in the context of the process for regulated public appointments.

Part 2 provides a detailed explanation of the draft reporting regulations with a series of questions about the scope and wording of the requirements.  The draft regulations themselves are at Annex A.

Part 3 covers the proposed guidance and includes a series of questions on the scope and content of draft guidance for public authorities and appointing persons.  The draft guidance is at Annex B.

The approach to impact assessment is discussed at Annex C.

The respondent information form and the full list of consultation questions are at Annexes D and E.

Throughout this document, all references to “the Act” are to the Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Act 2018.  And all references to “appointing persons” include the Scottish Ministers in their role as an appointing person, unless otherwise stated.