Annex 3 - Statement on Equality
The production of this strategic framework for science in Scotland provided the opportunity to out our ambitions for science, in the context of lifelong learning, research and economic and business development. In keeping with voluntary and statutory commitments, Science for Scotland has the promotion of equality of opportunity and the elimination of discrimination at its core.
The strategic framework shows how all of the constituent parts of Scotland's education and learning, research, and economic development systems can contribute to science and to the nation's success through: developing knowledge exchange between academia and business; increasing the flow of overseas investment into Scotland's R&D base; and developing the science base. As well as aiming to promote equal access to and participation in science skills and learning for all, the Scottish Government will aim to recognise people's different needs, situations and goals and remove the barriers that limit what people can do and can be. We will expect our partner organisations to do the same.
In order to consider fully the equalities implications of each policy area on its relevant audience, the Scottish Government will ensure that each programme underpinning the strategic framework will be equality impact assessed across six strands (race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, age and religion/faith) and monitored thereafter to make sure that they are appropriate, to mitigate against any potential negative impact and to ensure that our policies are as robust and effective as they can be for as many people as possible.
The Scottish Government will engage actively with partners, stakeholders, target groups and individuals in order to evaluate the needs and experiences of the communities that they serve. This process will facilitate the development of constructive and informative links with a range of equality constituencies and improve knowledge and understanding of equality issues. Monitoring the impact of these policies will allow further developments which meet the specific needs of target audiences thus ensuring that each individual has the opportunity to reach their potential.