Scottish Government

ENVIRONMENT AND RURAL AFFAIRS

PORTFOLIO RESPONSIBILITIES

The Rural Affairs and Environment portfolio is responsible for government policy, development and delivery of programmes addressing rural, marine, food and environmental issues.

The Rural Affairs and the Environment portfolio has responsibility for:

• maintaining clean air and safe drinking water;
• protecting communities from flooding, climate change and other environmental challenges;
• minimising the amount of waste produced by society, maximising recycling and ensuring the proper disposal of what remains;
• keeping rivers, lochs and beaches pollution free to acceptable levels;
• securing for the future well managed landscapes and biodiversity which people can enjoy and businesses can capitalise on;
• underpinning competitive agriculture, fisheries and forestry businesses, and encouraging other rural development that is essential for the health and wealth of local economies and communities; and
• ensuring that all domestic and farm animals in Scotland are well treated and healthy, and that contingency plans are in place for the effective management in Scotland of animal disease outbreaks.

These programmes will ensure that our natural resources are used and managed for current and future generations as a valuable asset - a natural infrastructure that Scotland's farming, fishing and forestry businesses can thrive in and which underpins tourism, recreation and food industries.

Our processes to secure proper waste management, clean air and safe drinking water are important for a healthier Scotland, as is our investment in access to the countryside and green space in our communities.

Through our sponsored bodies and main research providers, our investment in regulatory science and strategic research makes a significant contribution to a smarter Scotland.

GENDER EQUALITY ACTION PLAN

Name of Directorate

Rural Directorate

Directorate Responsibilities

In Rural Directorate we are working to improve the wellbeing of rural Scotland, and in particular to manage the transition from European subsidies for production to broader-based rural development which aims for competitive farming businesses, well managed and maintained rural landscapes, flourishing biodiversity and thriving rural communities. We also promote animal health and welfare, and seek to prevent or, if necessary, contain outbreaks of serious animal disease such as Foot and Mouth Disease.

Statement of Directorate Commitment to the Promotion of Gender Equality and how this helps to deliver Government's national purpose and outcomes and contributes to progressing the Government's gender equality scheme objectives.

Rural Directorate are firmly committed to the promotion of gender equality. This commitment is central to the core outcome of providing a wealthier, fairer and safer Scotland for everyone.

Rural Directorate has a duty to ensure that the rural voice is heard in other policy Directorates. This includes the voices of people of both genders in rural areas, whose needs may differ distinctly.

What is known about the experiences of, and issues for, women and men affected by the Directorate Responsibilities

The work of the Rural Directorate is cross-cutting and involves input into the policy developed by many other directorates in different portfolios. The 'rural voice' must be heard across all areas of government and as such the Directorate must encourage all policy makers to take the needs of rural areas seriously and to adapt their policies to meet local needs and circumstances; including an awareness of the issues affecting men and women in rural areas such as occupational segregation, representation, isolation and opportunity.

The divisions within the Rural Directorate are not all able to interact at the same level on gender equality issues due to the specific responsibilities of the Animal Health & Welfare, Veterinary and Landscapes and Habitats divisions.

Rural Directorate Gender Equality Action Plan

GENDER EQUALITY ACTION PLAN

Name of Directorate

Marine Directorate

Directorate Responsibilities

Marine Directorate works with Scottish Ministers to ensure prosperous food and fisheries industries and a high status marine environment, thereby continuing to contribute to Scotland's economy and communities within the context of integrated and increasingly devolved management arrangements.

Statement of Directorate Commitment to the Promotion of Gender Equality and how this helps to deliver Government's national purpose and outcomes and contributes to progressing the Government's gender equality scheme objectives.

Although marine and food-related policies are broadly based in terms of focus and intended outcome, Marine Directorate is firmly committed to ensuring gender equality. This commitment will contribute to the core outcomes of providing a (1) wealthier and fairer and (2) safer and stronger Scotland with opportunities for all.

What is known about the experiences of, and issues for, women and men affected by the Directorate Responsibilities

Given the range of policies pursued, knowledge of gender-related issues varies very considerably across the Directorate with some interests essentially unaffected, some aware, and others in process of considering or pursuing action that may identify gender-related issues requiring action:

Sea Fisheries

• Fish catching sector is predominantly male, and the nature of the industry raises particular issues for women and families. Knowledge of gender-related issues gained through work with the North Sea Women's Network ( NSWN).

Marine Management Division

• May be gender issues in relation to sustainable development of Scotland's Seas. To be pursued in context of forthcoming consultation on Marine Bill.

Aquaculture and Freshwater Fisheries Division

• Encouragement of all appropriate access to sport fishing which has involved consultation with a wide range of interests as part of development of Strategic Framework for Scottish Freshwater Fisheries. Those consulted included women's groups.
• All recent action on aquaculture policy has been equality proofed. Further action to be pursued in context of forthcoming consultation on Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture. See next section for proposed action.
• General awareness and relevant action taken in terms of application process for financial assistance under grant schemes managed by Division - the superseded Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance ( FIFG), the new European Fisheries Fund ( EFF) and the ongoing Fishing Harbours Assistance Scheme. The draft Operational Programme covering EFF deals explicitly with equality issues- section 2.7 refers: as the Programme covers all the UK administrations, an EQIA was undertaken by DEFRA on their behalf.

Food Industry Division

• On national food policy, none as yet but to be pursued in context of further action on its ongoing development.
• General awareness and relevant action taken in terms of application process for financial assistance under grant scheme managed by Division - the Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation Grant Scheme.

Marine Directorate Gender Equality Action Plan

GENDER EQUALITY ACTION PLAN

Name of Directorate

Greener Scotland Directorate ( GSD)

Directorate Responsibilities

To work with Ministers, the whole of the Scottish Government, delivery partners and other stakeholders to drive delivery of the 'Greener Scotland Strategic Objective - where Scotland's natural and built environment and the sustainable use and enjoyment of it is improved'.

Statement of Directorate Commitment to the Promotion of Gender Equality and how this helps to deliver Government's national purpose and outcomes and contributes to progressing the Government's gender equality scheme objectives.

Contribution to the Government Economic Strategy and the outcomes of the National Performance Framework, aware of diversity issues in policy development.

What is known about the experiences of, and issues for, women and men affected by the Directorate Responsibilities

Greener Scotland Directorate deals with strategic issues with a focus on environmental and natural resources which are believed to affect women and men in similar ways.

Research in support of communications and awareness raising work looks at whether there are gender differences which need to be taken into accounting in formulating and targeting messages. The new Scottish Environmental Attitudes and Behaviours Survey 2008 will provide for gender analysis of respondents.

Greener Scotland Directorate Gender Equality Action Plan

GENDER EQUALITY ACTION PLAN

Name of Directorate

Rural Payments & Inspections Directorate ( RPID)

Directorate Responsibilities

Responsible for implementation and delivery of EU and domestic grants, subsidies and other government policies to the agricultural industry in accordance with defined legislation as well as the development and support of the Information Technology Systems to enable the delivery of the schemes. Provide professional agricultural advice and information to Scottish Ministers, the general public and other colleagues in the Scottish Government.

Statement of Directorate Commitment to the Promotion of Gender Equality and how this helps to deliver Government's national purpose and outcomes and contributes to progressing the Government's gender equality scheme objectives.

RPID is committed to tackling inequality and disadvantage faced by gender inequality both for customers and staff. RPID representatives have already met with colleagues from the Equality Unit and discussed gender equality and taken advice on using the EQIA toolkit to consider equality measures in the development of policy implementation. The Scottish Rural Development Programme has been specifically targeted as an area.

What is known about the experiences of, and issues for, women and men affected by the Directorate Responsibilities

Gender equality as it affects staff is considered as part of the Corporate SG policy and RPID is committed to that.

All our customers, regardless of gender are treated equally in that we follow UK and EU legislation in the administration of our work. Grants and subsidy payments are made in accordance with these rules as set out. The agricultural sector is primarily recognised to be a male dominated sector so it is important to recognise the need to include women in stakeholder groups and any public meetings etc.

Rural Payments & Inspections Directorate: Gender Equality Action Plan

GENDER EQUALITY ACTION PLAN

Name of Directorate

Environmental Quality Directorate

Directorate Responsibilities

Environmental Quality Directorate develops and oversees the implementation of policy on air quality, environmental and neighbourhood noise, nuisance, flood management, coast protection and reservoir safety, the water environment, drinking water quality, soils, waste (including radioactive waste), prevention and control of pollution from industrial plants and chemicals, and tackling problems of contaminated land. The Directorate also sponsors SEPA, and supports the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland.

This work contributes to the Government's 5 strategic objectives, and, in particular, contributes towards a Greener Scotland and a Safer and Stronger Scotland.

Statement of Directorate Commitment to the Promotion of Gender Equality and how this helps to deliver Government's national purpose and outcomes and contributes to progressing the Government's gender equality scheme objectives.

Environmental Quality Directorate is committed to tackling inequality and disadvantage between men and women. In particular the Directorate will ensure that EQIAs are prepared as part of all policy development and engage with relevant stakeholders to help understand gender equality issues.

What is known about the experiences of, and issues for, women and men affected by the Directorate Responsibilities

Work on climate change adaptation (including flooding) and mitigation raises the possibility of gender-differentiated impacts.

SEPA as a major public sector employer needs to have appropriate polices in relation to gender.

Environmental Quality Gender Equality Action Plan

GENDER EQUALITY ACTION PLAN

Name of Agency

Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency

Agency Responsibilities

The aim of the Agency is to contribute to the conservation of fish stocks by enforcing UK, EU and International laws and regulations at sea within British Fishery Limits around Scotland and in Scottish ports and as required in international waters.

Statement of Agency Commitment to the Promotion of Gender Equality and how this helps to deliver Government's national purpose and outcomes and contributes to progressing the Government's gender equality scheme objectives.

Everyone will be treated equally, fairly and impartially with humanity, respect and dignity and be free from discrimination on grounds of their gender. All staff will have equal access to all facilities provided and opportunities offered by the SFPA. SFPA is committed to introducing equality impact assessments and promoting gender equality in relation to policies and practices.

The general duty to promote gender equality will be considered in developing and reviewing policies and practices.

What is known about the experiences of, and issues for, women and men affected by the Directorate Responsibilities

Representation of women on our vessels and in our coastal offices is low in comparison to men.

• 80% of our workforce is male.
• 8% of our workforce works part-time.
• Of the people who work part-time, 72% are women.

Just under half of our posts are on our fishery protection vessels with a working pattern of three weeks at sea and three weeks on leave. This can mean it is difficult for people with caring responsibility to join our marine staff, and women generally take on more caring responsibilities than men.

Staff in our coastal offices and HQ work a flexible working pattern although in the case of the former the flexible band width is much broader than HQ (and a minority of people work a formal shift pattern). This can also hinder the employment of people with caring responsibilities although some of our staff do find the flexibility it offers can fit well with caring arrangements and the work patterns of partners.

Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency: Gender Equality Action Plan

GENDER EQUALITY ACTION PLAN

Name of Agency

Fisheries Research Services ( FRS)

Agency Responsibilities

FRS provides scientific support and advice across a range of government policy interests in:

• aquaculture
• aquatic environment
• fish health
• marine and freshwater fisheries

Statement of Agency Commitment to the Promotion of Gender Equality and how this helps to deliver Government's national purpose and outcomes and contributes to progressing the Government's gender equality scheme objectives.

The general duty to promote gender equality will be considered in planning, policy making, service delivery and employment. Efforts will be focussed on removing any identified barriers to allowing the full engagement of women and men with our services.

What is known about the experiences of, and issues for, women and men affected by the Agency Responsibilities

As most of our work is directly related to providing scientific advice to the Government, some areas of our work offer little opportunity for interaction directly with the public. However, consultation takes place with stakeholder groups such as fish farmers, the fishing industry, other Government and academic institutes, individuals in relation to the issuing of Food and Environment Protection Act ( FEPA) licences and major companies such as oil and gas organisations.

Gender equality issues exist in relation to employment matters e.g. equal pay, representation of women in promoted posts, gender stereotyping and occupational segregation.

We know that 60% of our workforce is male (which is higher than the Scottish average) and men are over-represented in the more senior grades in comparison to the overall percentage representation in the total workforce.

Some posts in FRS involve working at sea for periods up to three weeks at a time; this can make it difficult for individuals with caring responsibilities to take up posts in these areas, and women generally take on a greater level of caring responsibilities.

In addition, 78% of those who work part-time are women, although this is a flexible working option used by only 11% of the total workforce.

Fisheries Research Services Gender Equality Action Plan