Agenda Document Pack - Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee - 31/10/2025
North Lanarkshire Council · 31 October 2025
Back to Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee — 31 October 2025 and its agenda
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Clerk Name: Karen Swan Clerk Telephone: 07919 730272 Clerk Email: committee@northlan.gov.uk 22 October 2025 Members of the Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee Chief Executive’s Office Rachel Blair Chief Officer (Legal & Democratic) Civic Centre, Windmillhill Street, Motherwell ML1 1AB www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk Notice is given that a Meeting of the Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee is to be held in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Windmillhill Street, Motherwell, ML1 1AB on Friday, 31 October 2025 at 10:00 AM which you are requested to attend. The agenda of business is attached. Rachel Blair Chief Officer (Legal & Democratic) Members : C Costello, K Harmon, C Barclay, B Baudo, H Brannan-McVey, J Cairns, G Currie, P Di Mascio, F Fotheringham, W Goldie, J Jones, P Kelly, J Keltie, A Khan, J Leckie, B McCluskey, A McCrory, R McKendrick, L Mitchell, L Nolan, P Patton, C Quigley, D Robb, L Stubbs, C Williams. Page 1 of 200
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Agenda 1 Declarations of Interest In Terms of the Ethical Standards In Public Life Etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 Operational 2 Tackling Poverty Strategy (Action Plan Update) 2024 to 2025 - Local Child Poverty Action Report 2024 to 2025 Submit report by the Chief Social Work Officer (Education, Families, Justice & Integrated Practice) seeking approval of the Tackling Poverty Action Plan 2025/26 and the Local Child Poverty Action Report 2024/25. 5 - 130 3 Refreshed Equality Strategy 2025-2029 Submit report by the Chief Officer (People Resources) seeking approval of the Equality Strategy for 2025 - 2029 and the Equality Outcomes Performance Management Framework. 131 - 200 Page 3 of 200
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North Lanarkshire Council Report Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee Does this report require to be approved? ☒ Yes ☐ No Ref AG/JC Date 31/10/25 Tackling Poverty Strategy (Action Plan Update) 2024 to 2025/ Local Child Poverty Action Report 2024 to 2025 From Alison Gordon, Chief Social Work Officer (Education, Families, Justice & Integrated Practice) E-mail gordonal@northlan.gov.uk Telephone 01698 332001 Executive Summary The Policy and Strategy Committee approved the Tackling Poverty Strategy/Action Plan 2023 to 2026, on 28th September 2023. In line with the Plan for North Lanarkshire Programme of Work, the purpose of this report is twofold, covering the following specific aspects of the Programme of Work (Resilient People) Providing an update report on implementation of the Tackling Poverty Strategy (Action Plan) and improved outcomes achieved; and Presenting our annual Local Child Poverty Action Report which covers previous year’s activities and outlines future plans, in line with statutory requirements. The Tackling Poverty Strategy and supporting Action Plan is a key component of the Plan for North Lanarkshire’s new Programme of Work priorities and ambitions, promoting the strengths and skills of individuals and families, increasing economic activity, and providing practical and holistic support intervening upstream wherever possible to prevent the longer- term harms associated with poverty. In addition, the Strategy encompasses the statutory requirement to prepare and publish a Local Child Poverty Action Report for North Lanarkshire for 2024/25. (Appendix 2) and reflects the ambition of the national Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2022-26 Best Start Bright Futures published by the Scottish Government in April 2022 as the second of 3 delivery plans required by the Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017. Recommendations It is recommended that the Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee: (1) Approve the updated Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire – Tackling Poverty Action Plan 2025-26 as outlined in Appendix 1 of this report. (2) Approve the Local Child Poverty Action Report 2024-25, as set out in Appendix 2 of this report. Item 2 Page 5 of 200
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1. Background 1.1 The ‘Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire’ Tackling Poverty Strategy 2023 to 2026 and its associated Action Plan was approved at the Policy and Strategy Committee Meeting on 28th September 2023. 1.2 The intent behind the Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire’s Tackling Poverty Strategy, was to position the related outcome driven work as key to the successful delivery of the Plan for North Lanarkshire, reflecting the drive to secure and sustain inclusive growth and to reduce poverty and associated inequalities impacting on North Lanarkshire’s communities. 1.3 This holistic and integrated approach is fundamental and whilst maintaining strong links with other elements of the Council’s Programme of Work, Tackling Poverty is embedded as a core strand of the Resilient People Programme, whose principal aim is to deliver whole family support locally, when families need it, in a way that is consistent with the Promise Principles and The Tackling Poverty Strategy, working with partners, to provide an earlier and more effective response to need. More specifically this includes promoting the strengths and skills of individuals and families, increasing economic activity, and providing practical and emotional support, integrating this support with the roll out of town and community hubs to maximise opportunities for community-led and strengths-based approaches. 1.4 ‘Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire’ drives work across the Council and community planning partners ensuring effective partnership co-ordination of planning and resources. In addition, the strategy’s Action Plan encompasses the statutory data gathering and reporting requirement to prepare and publish a Local Child Poverty Action Report for North Lanarkshire. (3) Acknowledge that the Local Child Poverty Action Report (LCPAR) 2024-25 will be submitted to the NHS Lanarkshire Health and Population Board for approval on 18th November 2025 in line with the statutory requirements. (4) Recognise that the report will also be remitted to the North Lanarkshire Partnership Strategic Leadership Board for information. (5) Acknowledge the decision of the Resilient People Programme of Work Board that future the Tackling Poverty Officer Action Group (TPAG) rather than the Resilient People Board (RPB) should monitor and agree action to address any items RAG rated as ‘red’ or ‘amber’ on review. In line with wider programme governance arrangements the RPB will continue its oversight of related programme deliverables. (6) Agree the continuation of annual reporting to Committee on progress with interim reporting focussing on specific poverty drivers supporting deeper scrutiny of key components of the Action Plan. The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority All priorities Ambition statement All ambition statements Programme of Work Resilient People Page 6 of 200
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1.5 At the Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee on 3rd November 2023, the Committee was advised that the Tackling Poverty Officers Action Group (TPOAG) had agreed new monitoring templates for the tackling poverty drivers to allow the group to track ’How we will know if are making a difference’. To support the effectiveness of this process each tackling poverty driver in rotation is the focus of TPAOG meetings allowing TPOAG to analyse in detail each action, using national and local data (quantitative and qualitative) and to ensuring that the Actions within the scope of each driver, and the outcomes set by Scottish Government, and our Action Plan are being met and delivered. 1.6 The TPOAG have also identified 20 new measures approved by the Resilient People Board in January 2024 which will in turn form part of the Council’s wider Strategic Performance Framework and support measurement of impact. 1.7 Since 2021/22, the Tackling Poverty Officers Action Group has operated a RAGG system that will continue to be applied to the Action Plan, and which supports management of the programme: the details of which are: • Red – Action remains outstanding. • Amber – work has started on this action but requires further work. • Green – action is completed and remains on-going. • Grey – action has been completed and requires no further action. 1.8 Using this approach, the Tackling Poverty Officer Action Group ensures a focus on areas of challenge with tasks that are completed (or ongoing). 1.9 In previous reports we advised that Actions on which progress was rated as ‘amber’ or ‘red’ were reported to the Resilient People Programme of Work Board in addition to being highlighted in reports to Committee on individual poverty drivers. 1.10 At the Resilient People Programme of Work Board on 1st September 2025, following discussion around the overall reporting and governance of the Programme of Work Delivery Plan, the Board recommended changes in the governance arrangements for the RAG reporting, delegating the monitoring and agreement of any additional actions to support progress on Actions RAG rated as ‘amber’ and ‘red’ to the TPOAG. The Resilient People Programme Board will retain oversight of linked programme deliverables in line with wider programme governance arrangements. 1.11 Over the past year the Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee has received updated reports on each Tackling Poverty Driver (Action Plan) as follows: • Income from Employment – 25th April 2025 • Holistic Supports – 25th April 2025 • Reduce the Cost of Living – 15th August 2025 and • Income from benefits – 15th August 2025 1.12 This approach, which it is proposed to continue, provides the opportunity for more detailed analysis and scrutiny of progress of particular areas of the Action Plan linked to specific poverty drivers whilst this report provides a summary and illustrations of progress across all areas and updates the Tackling Poverty Action Plan (Appendix 1) to provide an overview of progress over the last year. Page 7 of 200
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2. Report Updated Action Plan 2024/2025 Income from Employment 2.1 There are seven Actions in the ‘Income from Employment’ section of the plan – (Appendix 1), three of the Actions (Numbers 1,2, and 4) are reported annually from either internal or external sources and the other four Actions (3, 5, 6, and 7), where reported to the Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee on 25th April 2025. All Actions in the Income from Employment are Green. 2.2 There are now 150 Living Wage accredited employers in North Lanarkshire, benefiting an additional 7600 employees than last year. 2.3 Our Employability Service’s ‘Working Families’ programme provides a inclusive and holistic approach to assisting families into employment recognising the higher levels of support which delivered. Locally. In 2024/25, our local Working for Families provision engaged with 1717 clients, with 924 new registrations. 545 clients had positive outcomes including 225 employment, 78 self-employment, 4 apprentices, 171 accredited training, 12 further education, 30 volunteering, 15 work experience with others supported to address barriers with potential longer-term benefits. 2.4 This marked increase in numbers engaging and entering employment was in part due to the employability support delivered in partnership by a diverse range of providers including One Parent Families Scotland, Enable and Motherwell Citizens Advice Bureau. This programme of support was supported through Scottish Government funding, with grants paid to employability providers totalling £850K in 2024-2025. Funding from Scot Gov for 2025/26 is £925k and WFF grants awards programme for 2025/26 has now concluded with successful applicants notified, awaiting acceptance. 2.5 The Supported Employment Service supported 226 people on the 5-stage employment model, with 116 people receiving various levels of work support of whom 53 people in the job finding phase. Supported Employment are currently working with over 200 clients with 85 entering employment. The service has continued to support high levels of sustainment within employment. 2.6 A new action for Business and Entrepreneurship was added following discussions at the TPOAG in January 2024. This action will capture the work being carried out with those who are currently economically inactive, to encourage Entrepreneurship, self- employment and business set up. As this action is new the baseline to be adopted is the most recent figures available Business Birth Rate per 10.000 working age population is 52, 3-year business survival rate is 54.1% and 7.4 % of economically active people moved into self-employment. Intensive work is underway to work with disadvantaged groups and those furthest away from the labour market to encourage entrepreneurship, self-employed and business start-up. 2.7 The Action Plan (Appendix 1) has been changed to reflect the outcomes and new Actions for 2025 to 2026. Page 8 of 200
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Holistic Supports 2.8 Holistic Supports are the wrap around supports delivered collaboratively to address the impacts of poverty, not only the financial impact but the wider health and wellbeing impacts on individuals and families. 2.9 Financial wellbeing for families is therefore intrinsically linked with our wider approach to Whole Family Support with a focus on early intervention and prevention services at a universal level to children and families. Support therefore continues to be aligned to existing GIRFEC and GIRFE pathways building on the strong links established with both council services and statutory and third sector partners. In line with the Tackling Poverty Strategy, over the coming year we will seek build on and embed our cash first approach within Whole Family Support, building on well-established food and Scottish Welfare Fund referral pathways and enhancing access to income maximisation support whilst enhancing also the capacity of practitioners to provide small direct payments where appropriate. A reference group will be established to ensure effective targeting and governance. 2.10 North Lanarkshire became a Fairer Future Partnership from April 2025 working with Scottish Government and other local partnerships on tests of change designed to address poverty in the context of Whole Family Support. The specific project for which funding has been received focuses on children with Additional Support Needs and will involve the Tackling Poverty Team working in collaboration with Children and Families, Education Services, Families Here and Now Service, Carers Together and Early Years. The project encompasses a number of strands, intended to ensure that families with ASN children receive accessible early support which recognises the specific cost-of- living and wider barriers to support and employability which they may face. 2.11 More broadly bespoke Poverty Awareness Sessions have been created to meet the interests of a range of audiences and to promote the potential contribution a range of staff and community groups to this agenda. To date 586, staff attended poverty awareness sessions (Scottish Welfare Fund, Justice Services, Probationary Teachers, Numeracy Coaches, School Staff, Social Work Services with Turning Point, Xavarian Fathers and Barnardos from the Commissioned Services and Voluntary Sector. 2.12 The review of the Holistic Supports driver was submitted to the Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee on 25th April 2025, and the Action Plan (Appendix 1) has been changed to reflect the outcomes and new Actions for 2025 to 2026. Reduce the Cost of Living 2.13 The ‘Reduce the Cost-of-Living’ driver brings together a diverse range of practical measures of help available locally to people, all contributing to reducing the amounts which Individuals and families must pay out to provide the basics required for everyday life. Provision of high-quality Debt Advice for those who are in Financial Difficulty also sits under this Driver. 2.14 There are 23 Actions for the Reduce the Cost-of-Living Driver and following the review of the driver. The Tackling Poverty Officers Action Group have made a small number of additional adjustments to this area of the plan, as reported the Committee on 15th August 2025. Positively, progress on all but three of the broad portfolios of actions under this theme has been assessed as ‘green’ indicating delivery is on course but ongoing. Page 9 of 200
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2.15 NLC Tackling Poverty Team received 2,367 referrals for Debt Advice in 2024/25, an increase from 375 the previous year. The total amount of debt dealt with by Tackling Poverty Team was £5,304,616.60. Cases continue to increase in complexity with as many as 41% of service users also reporting mental health problems. 2.16 The review of the Reduce the Cost-of-Living driver was submitted to the Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee on 15th August 2025, and the Action Plan (Appendix 1) has been changed to reflect the outcomes and new Actions for 2025 to 2026. Income from Benefits 2.17 Whilst we are limited in our ability to lift people out of poverty through social security, it can provide people with a steady, sustainable income. The cost-of-living crisis has made it more important than ever to claim benefits to which individuals are entitled and to challenge unfavourable decisions to ensure people’s income is fully maximised. 2.18 Information relating to Income maximisation for individuals is recorded internally within the social work management system and changes have been made to allow the source of the referral to be identified, thus providing more detail to the Action Plan. 2.19 Since. the establishment of the Cost of Living Helpline in 2023 supported by a two year funding commitment from the Health and Social Care Partnership enhanced capacity and contributed to a 41% increase in benefit checks undertaken over the period 2023/24 whilst in 2024/25, there had been a further increase of 14% in the number of benefit checks completed for residents; rising from 26,158 benefit checks completed in 2023/24 to 29,819 benefit checks. 2.20 In parallel there has been a considerable increase in demand for the Tackling Poverty Team welfare rights service, with the average number of referrals per month received by the team rising from 1180 in 2023/24 to 1,233 referrals per month in 2024/25. A 4.5% increase. Evidence from Public Health Scotland via the Improvement Service, identified that the North Lanarkshire Tackling Poverty Team generated the highest levels of income for its residents across Scotland in 2022/23 accounting for nearly 13% of the overall additional benefit income generated. In 2024/25 the Team has generated £55,340,045 in additional income for residents of North Lanarkshire. 1261 1272 1088 1217 1227 1168 1298 1333 896 1321 1290 1424 APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR Referrals to the Tackling Poverty Team 2024 /25 Page 10 of 200
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2.21 The additional benefit income generated by the Tackling Poverty Team and other council services increased by 14%, with a total of £55,340,045 of additional benefit income generated via claims, mandatory reconsiderations and appeals for benefits. With the External Services commissioned by the Council generating £7,650,115 in additional benefit income for the residents of North Lanarkshire. 2.22 Over this reporting period the continuing legacy of the pandemic and most significantly the Cost-of-Living Crisis have continued to impact disproportionately on our most disadvantaged residents and communities, bringing the importance of income maximisation and wider work to tackle poverty into sharp focus, with the impact of low paid and insecure work a particular challenge. 2.23 The review of the Income from Benefits driver was submitted to the Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee on 15th August 2025 and the Action Plan (Appendix 1) has been changed to reflect the outcomes and new Actions for 2025 to 2026. In the context of the ending of the previous additional funding arrangement through the Integrated Joint Board to enhance service capacity, discussions are ongoing around future resourcing of activity in this area. Local Child Poverty Action Report 2.24 The Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017, places a duty on Local Authorities and NHS Boards to jointly develop, publish and action an annual Local Child Poverty Action Report (LCPAR). 2.25 Our Tackling Poverty Strategy continues the approach of incorporating the Local Child Poverty Action Report (Action Plan), aligning both Plans into the same lifespan from 2023 to 2026. Both the local authority and NHSL have agreed that the Local Child Poverty Action Reports should be an integral part of the overall strategy enabling also our statutory duty to report to Scottish Government on an annual basis and recognising that child poverty is integrally linked with poverty and wellbeing within the wider community. To support reporting and measuring impact amongst targeted groups the action plan details which “strategy/plan” each action relates to, identifying those actions that are specifically aimed at the child poverty priority groups. 2.26 The Local Child Poverty Action Report for 2024 to 2025, is attached for consideration and approval for publication and issue to the Scottish Government (Appendix 2). The 2024/25 Local Child Poverty Action Report demonstrates the work being carried out to achieve the goals set out in our Action Plan and introduces new actions to strengthen even further the delivery of our commitment to tackling child poverty across council and partner services. 3. Measures of success 3.1 The successful delivery and outcomes of the 2023 – 26 Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire Tackling Poverty Strategy Action Plan. 4. Supporting documentation 4.1 Appendix 1 - Updated Tackling Poverty Action Plan with outcomes 2024/25. 4.2 Appendix 2 – Local Child Poverty Action Report 2024 to 2025 Page 11 of 200
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Alison Gordon Chief Social Work Officer (Education, Families, Justice and Integrated Practice) Page 12 of 200
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5. Impacts 5.1 Public Sector Equality Duty and Fairer Scotland Duty Does the report contain information that has an impact as a result of the Public Sector Equality Duty and/or Fairer Scotland Duty? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? The Tackling Poverty Strategy is fully aligned with the requirements of the Fairer Scotland Duty, its purpose being to reduce the inequalities caused by socio economic disadvantage. If Yes, has an assessment been carried out and published on the council’s website? https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/your-community/equalities/equality- and-fairer-scotland-duty-impact-assessments Yes ☒ No ☐ 5.2 Financial impact Does the report contain any financial impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant financial impacts been discussed and agreed with Finance? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.3 HR policy impact Does the report contain any HR policy or procedure impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant HR impacts been discussed and agreed with People Resources? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.4 Legal impact Does the report contain any legal impacts (such as general legal matters, statutory considerations (including employment law considerations), or new legislation)? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, have all relevant legal impacts been discussed and agreed with Legal and Democratic? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? The production of an annual Local Child Poverty Action Report is a legal requirement for the Council and NHS Lanarkshire under the Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017. Page 13 of 200
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5.5 Data protection impact Does the report / project / practice contain or involve the processing of personal data? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, is the processing of this personal data likely to result in a high risk to the data subject? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, has a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) been carried out and e- mailed to dataprotection@northlan.gov.uk Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.6 Technology / Digital impact Does the report contain information that has an impact on either technology, digital transformation, service redesign / business change processes, data management, or connectivity / broadband / Wi-Fi? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Where the impact identifies a requirement for significant technology change, has an assessment been carried out (or is scheduled to be carried out) by the Enterprise Architecture Governance Group (EAGG)? Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.7 Environmental / Carbon impact Does the report / project / practice contain information that has an impact on any environmental or carbon matters? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.8 Communications impact Does the report contain any information that has an impact on the council’s communications activities? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? The Tackling Poverty Officers Action Group Sub Group developed a Communications Plan with Corporate Communications. 5.9 Risk impact Is there a risk impact? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the key risks and potential impacts, highlighting where the risk(s) are assessed and recorded (e.g. Corporate or Service or Project Risk Registers), and how they are managed? Tackling Poverty has been identified as a Corporate Risk, with the Chief Social Work Officer as the risk lead. Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire - Tackling Poverty Strategy sets out a planned approach which seeks to eliminate poverty or make very significant reductions in the level of poverty resulting in benefit to the residents and including improvement in the overall level of health and wellbeing of communities. Page 14 of 200
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5.10 Armed Forces Covenant Duty Does the report require to take due regard of the Armed Forces Covenant Duty (i.e. does it relate to healthcare, housing, or education services for in-Service or ex- Service personnel, or their families, or widow(er)s)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the provision which has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the particular needs of the Armed Forces community to make sure that they do not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public services. 5.11 Children’s rights and wellbeing impact Does the report contain any information regarding any council activity, service delivery, policy, or plan that has an impact on children and young people up to the age of 18, or on a specific group of these? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact and the provision that has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the relevant Articles from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). In North Lanarkshire we recognise that tackling poverty and inequality does not fall to one Service, or one Sector, we must therefore work together to use our resources effectively and efficiently to ensure that all our communities have access to opportunities that will lead to better outcomes for people in terms of employment, wellbeing and inclusive growth. If Yes, has a Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) been carried out? Yes ☒ No ☐ Page 15 of 200
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TP Strategy and LCPAR No Action 2022/23 Baseline 2023/24 Outcomes 2024/25 Outcomes 2025/26 Outcomes Timescales Status Identify if applies to TPS &/or LCPAR Lead Team Monitoring Information 1 North Lanarkshire to increase the number of people employed and receiving the real living wage 123 employers have achieved accreditation, with 7053 employees benefiting from the living wage 135 NL based employers have achieved accreditation with 27, 977 employees benefitting As at 15th Sept 2025 there are 150 Living Wage accredited employers in North Lanarkshire and this has resulted in 7600 uplifted staff. Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR NLC Employability VANL for CVS * Number of employers paying the living wage * Number of employees receiving the living wage 2 Social Values - moved to Holistic Driver, Action 5 "Community Benefits" 5% current weighting applied 5% current weighting applied N/A Ongoing on TP Strategy and LCPAR Procurement Number of tenders where higher weighting was applied to living wage providers INCREASE INCOME VIA EMPLOYENT Local Child Poverty Action Plan 2023 - 26 Page 16 of 200
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3 Working for Families 22/23 - 40 parents have secured employment. Further 18 employed parents have progressed within employment. 104 parents have registered and are engaging with the Project. In 2023/24 North Lanarkshire’s Working and Routes to Work Ltd supported 85 parents into employment or into better paying jobs with 75% sustaining employment for at least 26 weeks. All activities related to parents and increasing income from employment have access to advice and support from the Tackling Poverty team and there are close links with other services which deal with parents both in the Council and among stakeholders. In 2024/25 an increased target of 192 low income parents into employment is in place with a similar level of grant funded programmes within the third sector to support parents. Overall Working for Families provision engaged with 1717 clients, with 924 new registrations. 545 clients had postive outcomes including 225 employment, 78 self employment, 4 apprentices, 171 accredited training, 12 further ed, 30 volunteering, 15 work experience. subject to annual funding from the SG - further activity planned for 2025/26 2025/26, however, subject to funding may continue beyond this. TP Strategy and LCPAR Employability Routes to Work Number of parents entering and within target groups progressing in employment Page 17 of 200
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4 Identify pathways within labour market growth sectors or areas of high replacement demand which will provide progression routes out of low pay in North Lanarkshire. The gross weekly wage in North Lanarkshire (based on all full time workers) was £656.60 in 2022 The gross weekly wage in North Lanarkshire(based on all full time workers) is £705.70, an increase of 29.3% This position continues in the latest data which shows the gross weekly pay for North Lanarkshire’s residents has reached £740.40 in 2024 compared to £740.00 nationally. This is an increase of 4.1% (£29.40 per week) in North Lanarkshire over the year compared to 4.3% (£30.60) nationally. Ongoing The gross weekly pay for local residents is now higher than the national average for the first time ever - an increase of 10% (£63.90 per week) for North Lanarkshire residents from the previous years results TP Strategy and LCPAR Enterprise Team Number of people progressing to higher paid jobs within North Lanarkshire Noomis statistics for levels of qualifications within working age population and average weekly wage Page 18 of 200
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5 Supported Enterprise 22/23 - Supported Employment currently supporting 210 people on the different stages of the 5 stage employment model - 129 people currently receiving various levels of work support 41 people currently job finding Supported Employment Service supported 221 people on the 5- stage employment model. 129 received work support. 41 in job finding phase. currently working with over 200 clients with 43 entering employment. Supported Employment Service supported 226 people on the 5- stage employment model, with 116 people receiving various levels of work support. 53 people in the job finding phase. Supported Employment are currently working with over 200 clients with 85 entering employment. The service has high levels of sustainment within employment Ongoing Continued support planned for the next 3 years TP Strategy and LCPAR Employability Number of people progressing to higher paid jobs within North Lanarkshire Noomis statistics for levels of qualifications within working age population and average weekly wage Page 19 of 200
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6 No one Left Behind 22/23 - Engaged with 101 people and supported 49 into employment. The focus is on 2 groups, the over 50s and those of any age who are long term unemployed. In 2023/24 147 16 -24 year olds were supported into employment – this was a mix of unemployed young people with little work experience or qualifications as well as a small group who were leaving school to a negative destination. In addition another 30 young people with additional support needs or who are care experienced were supported into year long work placements. In 2024/25 a target of 155 unemployed young people supported into work is in place with another 30 young people with additional support needs or who are care-experienced being supported into yearlong work placements. In tandem with these programmes in 2024/25 are our wider employability programmes which are targeting employment for 940 unemployed or economically inactive residents this year. In 2024/25 No One Left Behind funds,(excluding Working for Families reported on separately)co- ordinated by the Council and Local Employability Partnership, engaged with 1661 unemployed or economically inactive residents. 633 of those engaged entered employment as a result of this support. Ongoing Continued support planned for the next 3 years TP Strategy and LCPAR Employability Number of people in target groups employed. Number of young people supported to gain qualifications Page 20 of 200
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7 No One Left Behind Phase 2 - removed and now one NOLB action (6) N/A Nine projects were funded (cost £560,000) and delivered by the Third Sector in North Lanarkshire to work with parents on low incomes and focus on engaging them in activities and removing barriers to make them more job ready. People Plus, One Parent Families Scotland, Enable and New College Lanarkshire were some of the organisations involved in these projects. N/A N/A Ongoing Continued support planned for the next 3 years TP Strategy and LCPAR Employability Number of people in target groups employed 8 Living Hours 5 employers in North Lanarkshire are accredited as Real Living Hours employers 5 employers in North Lanarkshire are accredited as Real Living Hours employers 5 employers in North Lanarkshire are accredited as Real Living Hours employers ongoing ongong TP Strategy and LCPAR NLC Employability VANL for CVS number of employers providing living hours employment. Number of employees working living hours Page 21 of 200
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9 Increase entrepreneurshi p, self- employment and the business birth rate in North Lanarkshire n/a n/a New Action 2024. Baseline to be adopted -most recent figures available Business Birth Rate per 10.000 working age population is 52, 3- year business survival rate is 54.1% and 7.2 % of economically active people are in self- employment. From January 2024, Lanarkshire Business Gateway dealt with 966 pre-start enquiries and 217 Businesses start-ups resulted. annual ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Enterprise and Development ONS annual population survey (Self employment statistics) Business Birth and Survival Rates – ONS Business Demography Page 22 of 200
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Key TP Strategy Only TP Strategy and LCPAR REDUCE THE COST OF LIVING Number Action 2022 / 23 Baseline 2023/ 24 Outcomes 2024/25 Outcomes 2025/26 Outcomes Timescales Status Identify if applies to TPS Lead Team Monitoring Information 1 Increase uptake of School Clothing Grants 12,784 Clothing Grants awarded from June 2022 - May 2023 For School Pupils. An additional 937 Grants for made for nursery pupils 11,864 Clothing Grants awarded from June 2023 - May 2024 For School Pupils. 11, 942 clothing grants were awarded.Awards were made to 7,314 families Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Revenues & Benefits The number of clothing grants claimed and distributed 2 Increase uptake of Free School Meal Awards 12,151 FSM awards in 2020, 11,176 awards in 2021, 10,683 awards in 2022 10,401 FSM * No of school meal holiday vouchers issued 9999 pupils total value of £1, 497,503 10, 743 were awarded a Free School Meal Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Revenues & Benefits The number of Children in receipt of Free School Meals 3 Club 365 Club 365 has provided over 88, 000 meals and activity sessions since inception N/A N/A Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Revenues & Benefits Numbers of Meals and Activity Sessions Delivered 4 Increase uptake of education maintenance allowance (EMA) in 22/23 1327 applications. 876 awards. 66% award rate (down from 73% award rate in 21/22) in 23/24 1537 applications. 944 awards. 61% award rate (down from 66% award rate in 22/23) 1492 awards made in 2024/25. 57.10% success rate Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Revenues & Benefits The number of EMA grants claimed 5 Increase take up of Free School Meals In situ Currently (May 2023) at 65-70% (May 2024) at 65-70% In 2024/25 of those who are entitled to FSM in primary schools 62% of pupils take this up. In Secondary Schools 44% take up FSM. The national take up rate for primary education is 72.1% and for secondary is 62.7%. Ongoing launched and ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Facilities Support Services Take up rates for Free School Meals Tackling Poverty Local Child Poverty Action Plan 2023 - 26 Page 23 of 200
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6 Fuel Poverty Unknown as SHCS data unavailable for Local Authorities however, zero has been used as the starting point for the introduction of this service 159 households assisted 2023/24 217 residents assisted through NLEAS, Funding ceased March 2025. ACtion revised to read "Fuel Poverty" and CAB energy projects figs reported for first time. 3,339 clients supported. £750,660 new energy debt. 415 referrals to Home Energy Scotland. £12,007 energy debt written off, £310,613 of income generated for energy debt refs 2 years launched and ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Housing Solutions will be monitored via NLAN and Wise Group reporting 7 Affordable Credit 5 credit unions affiliated to the Scottish League of Credit Unions have 9,642 adult members and 1,462 junior members. Unable to get contacts for ABCUL credit unions at present. 5 credit unions affiliated to the Scottish League of Credit Unions have 10,250 adult members and 1,460 junior members. Unable to get contacts for ABCUL credit unions at present. SCOTWEST 7,900+ members. ABCUL scotland 16 affiliated CU Adult Members: 7603, Junior Savers: 689 members numbers SLCU 5 affiliated CUs in NL with with 9,368 adult members. TPT delivered 28 sessions on Affordable Credit ongoing ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team The number of employers promoting payslip deductions The number of people joining the credit union 8 Debt Advice 1744 referrals received in 2022/23 NLC TPT) 1886 referrals received in 2023/24. (NLC TPT) 3,846 referrals (CABx) NLC DA 2,367 referrals. NLC TPT dealt with £5,304,616 of debt. CAB 3846 referrals. CAB dealt with £4,040,913 of debt Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of referrals to the Debt Advice Team Level of debt assisted 9 New Affordable Homes by NLC At 1 December 2022, 1,566 homes delivered (970 new build + 596 OMPS) Since 1 December 2023, 541 new homes delivered (381 new build + 160 OMPS) April 2024 – March 2025 370 new homes in total. NLC have built 278 homes and acquired additional 92 from OMPS 2035 Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Housing New Supply Number of new homes built 10 New Affordable Homes in partnership 2126 homes have been delivered 318 homes have been built since 1st Dec 2022. 2444 homes have been delivered 81 homes built working with 5 partners ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Housing New Supply Number of new homes built 11 Improved Energy Efficiency in NLC Housing Stock At 2021/22, 99.2% of the homes are at D or above 99.5% of all NLC housing stock is rated EPC D or above Down slightly to 99.4% of NLC stock rated at EPC D or above Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Housing Investment all housing stock is EPC D or above by 2025 Page 24 of 200
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12 Improve Energy Efficiency to owner occupied properties £0.1 m spent In 2023/24 it is expected that £2m will be spent on private owned properties £1.5m of EES:ABS funding claimed. £2.9m allocated for 2025/26 Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Housing Solutions Number of homes approved 13 Support homeowners to adapt their homes 187 disabled adaptations grant provided in 2022 - the scheme has been revised with no funding available for owner grants 236 disabled adaptations grant provided in 2023 - the scheme has no funding available for owner grants 251 disabled mandatory grant adaptations grant were provided to owners in 2024/25 with a total expenditure of £1,498,645 Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy Only Private Sector Housing reduce the cost of living by preventing and addressing disrepair and improving health and wellbeing by suporting owners to adapt their homes. *Revision of scheme of assistance completed. Other than mandatory (Disabled Adaptation Grants) no funding available for owner grants for disrepair. Current grant funding for NLC capital programmes is scheduled to end this year and no new financial assistance has been identified. Owners will continue to be provided with advice/ assistance when possible but no financial assistance 14 Furniture Fund In 2021/22, 23 Housing First households assisted at an average figure of £861.39 per household from RRTP. N/A N/A N/A Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy Only Housing Solutions Reduce the cost of living by providing financial support for better quality furniture to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to settle in their accommodation 15 Support homeowners to adapt, repair and maintain their homes (within mixed tenure blocks) 99.2% of the homes are at D or above 99.2% of the homes are EPC D or above Improvements were undertaken to 96 flats in Airdrie, Kilsyth and Coatbridge and 8 houses in Motherwell Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Housing Solutions Number of home owners assisted 16 Free Transport for Under 22's 42,160 total number issued. 61.75% overall uptake 48,579 total number issued. 72% overall uptake 79% take up in 2024/25. 52, 843 cards issued N/A ongoing ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR CLD number of travel cards provided 17 Improved and accessible walking, wheeling and cycling network. 7.8 kms of active travel routes created in 2021/22 N/A - see 'Supporting the Plan' Driver N/A N/A 125kms to be created by 2032 Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Transportation / Planning number of travel routes 18 The Multiply Project N/A N/A - see 'Supporting the Plan' Driver N/A N/A N/A N/A TP Strategy and LCPAR N/A N/A Page 25 of 200
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19 Address Period Poverty 311, 767 products to NLC establishments (excluding education and culture venues) 87,396 to education 733,692 products were distributed in total. (82,596 to NHS sites & 651,096 to NLC sites) 1,213,171 total products delivered (862,889 of the total were distributed via community sites and 350, 282 via Education sites) Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Enterprise and Communities Number of products delivered and taken up 20 Support people to stop smoking to reduce outgoings 24 pregnant women living in the 40% most deprived areas successfully quit smoking at 12 weeks (April 2022-Dec 2022 data). Published and confirmed data for April 2022 – March 2023 will be available in January 2024. NL % of pregnant women smoking at booking in appt 12.6% year ending Dec 2022 (scotland rate 11.9%) 28 pregnant women living in the 40% most deprived areas successfully quit smoking at 12 weeks (April 2023-Dec 2023 data). NL % of pregnant women smoking at booking in appt 12.7% year ending Dec 2022 (scotland rate 11%) 2 pregnant women living in the 40% most deprived areas successfully quit smoking at 12 weeks (Q1 & Q2) This is against a target for Q1 and Q2 of 15 women. Therefore, target was 13.33% achieved, compared to 32% achieved in 2023/24. Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR NHS Lanarkshire Quit Your Way Service Number of Tackling Poverty staff members trained. Number of pregnant women supported to stop smoking. 21 Recycled Bicycle Initiatives 320 bicycles recycled 320 bicycles recycled 2022/23. Programme of bike maintenance underway 364 bikes recycled in 2024/25 Additional Measures to tackle poverty also underway. Action is revised to "Action 20 - Tackling Poverty Measures - restorative justice". 554 items have been constructed by Justice woodwork workshop and utilised within our communities ongoing ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Restorative Justice Number of bikes restored 22 Rent Assistance Fund (moved from Income from Benefits Driver 522 grants awarded in 22/23 1050 grants awarded in 23/24 (103% increase) 671 awards were made in 2024/25 (decrease due to increased applications to Universal Credit Assistance Fund Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy Only The Tackling Poverty Team Page 26 of 200
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23 Universal CRedit Assistance Fund (moved from Income from Benefits Driver 522 grants awarded in 2022/23 1,908 awards made 23/23,928 awards were made in 2024/25 Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Housing Services number of payments made Page 27 of 200
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Key TP Strategy Only TP Strategy and LCPAR Number Action Brief Description How We Measure Success Links to Other Strategies Link to Programme Of Work 2022 / 23 Baseline 2023/ 24 Outcomes 2024/25 Outcomes 2025 / 26 Outcomes Timescales Status Identify if applies to TPS &/or LCPAR Lead Team Monitoring Information 1 The Tackling Poverty Team and other council services to continue to maximise the income of the residents of North Lanarkshire All residents are offered income maximisation and we continue to promote the "no wrong door" approach Residents will be directed to the tackling poverty team to ensure income is fully maximised The Plan for North Lanarkshire Resilient People 18,521 benefit checks carried out in 2022/23 - £35,480,020 generated in addtiional income 26,158 benefit checks carried out in 23/24 (41.2% increase) - £47,935,822 generated in additional income (35.1% increase) 29,819 benefit checks carried out in 24/25 (61% increase from baseline) £54,515,930 generated in additional benefit income (54% increase from baseline of 22/23) Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated INCREASE INCOME VIA SOCIAL SECURITY Local Child Poverty Action Plan 2023 - 26 Page 28 of 200
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2 Work with all social work services to ensure income maximisation is carried out for all vulnerable client groups Social Work staff refer people to the Tackling Poverty Team who will carry out all income maximisation work Referrals to the tackling poverty team from all social work staff The Plan for North Lanarkshire Resilient People 4888 benefit checks carried out in 2022/23 9639 benefit checks carried out in 23/24 (now able to report income gen - £5.062.066) 9990 benefit checks completed in 24/25 generating £6,5537,291 Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated 3 MacMillan Advice Service Maximise the income of cancer patients, their families and carers Provide an income maximisation and debt advice service The Cancer Strategy Resilient People 700 referrals in 2022/23 700 referrals in 2023/24 (generating £3,542,782) 857 referrals in 2024/25 generating £3,422,823 in additional benefit income Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated 4 Food Poverty Referral Gateway Mitigate the need for foodbank use by ensuring access to advice services and claims to crisis grants A decrease in the use of foodbanks The Plan for North Lanarkshire Resilient People not available work still being carried out on referral monitoring with food banks, however, £1.2million in additional benefit income has been generated for those accessing the service. work still being carried out on referral monitoring with food banks, however, £2.1million in additional benefit income has been generated for those accessing the service. Ongoing, however, cash payments administere d by the TPT will end in November 25 Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of referrals to foodbanks Number of Crisis Grant applications Page 29 of 200
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5 Food Poverty Action Group Group to consider uniform recording across all emergency food providers Uniform recording adopted by all emergency food providers The Plan for North Lanarkshire Resilient People n/a 21 food providers contacted - 3 currently working with co-ordinator 7 food providers are now working with the co- ordinator, with 2 foodbanks closing Nov-25 ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of foodbanks recording 6 Welfare Reform Group The welfare reform group to ensure serviceds, elected members etc are kept fully abreast of welfare reform changes and their impact on our communities updates are provided and action taken when necessary The Plan for North Lanarkshire Resilient People n/a NLAN - social media messages around managed migration. The team have produced some animations, and will continue to work in this area https://www. northlanarksh ire.gov.uk/yo ur- community/t ackling- poverty/pove rty-initiatives- and- campaigns Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR North Lanarkshire Advice Network Issues raised / campaigns Page 30 of 200
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7 Health Staff refer to income maximisation and debt advice services Health Staff will ensure money issues are addressed and referrals are made to the tackling poverty team Increased number of teams and services in NHS Lanarkshire referring patients to the tackling poverty team to ensure income is fully maximised NHS Cost of Living Resilient People 394 referrals 22/23 591 referrals received in 23/24 (increase of 50%) 1044 referra;s received in 2024/25 (77% increase from previous year, 165% increase from baseline) Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated / Number of health teams or services referring 8 Improvement Service Project - GP Practices GP Practices identified by the Improvement Service have a welfare rights officer in situ, with access to GP records The welfare rights service is integrated into the GP Practice The Plan for North Lanarkshire Resilient People 357 referrals 22/23 608 referrals received in 23/24 (70% increase) 890 referrals received in 24/25 (149% incease from the baseline figure) Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated 9 Relaunch Health Visitor & District Nurse Referral Pathway Poverty Awareness Training and pathway training to take place health visitor and district nurses make referrals to the tackling poverty team NHS Cost of Living Resilient People n/a 119 referrals received in 23/24 99 referrals received in 24/25 Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team number of referrals to the tackling poverty team Page 31 of 200
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10 GP Community Link Worker Programme community link worker embedded within GP practices across North Lanarkshire making referrals to information and advice services embed link workers and increase support to patients NHS Cost of Living Resilient People 482 welfare rights referrals (22/23) 146 debt advice referrrals (22/23) 333 welfare rights referrals (23/24) 31% decrease 133 debt advice referrals (23/24) 9% decrease 562 welfare rights referrals (17% increase from the baseline) 146 debt referrals (no change from 24/25) Ended March 2025 Ended March 2025 Funding has ended TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated 11 Commissioned Services - Income Maximiation via Benefit Uptake All residents are offered income maximisation and we continue to promote the "no wrong door" approach the successful commissione d service offer income maximisation to the residents of North Lanarkshire NHS Cost of Living Resilient People £5,267,650 income generated for north lanarkshrie residents 2022/23 £8.259.352 income generated for north lanarkshire residents 23/24 - 55% increase £7,650,175 income generated for north lanakrshire residents (a 45% increase from the baseline) Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated 12 Welfare Rights Officer - Additional Support Needs Schools Welfare Rights Officer to deliver income maximisation to families and carers Number of benefit checks / income generated The Plan for North Lanarkshire Resilient People introduced in 2024 117 benefit checks - £519,259 in additional benefit income generated project extended for a further year project extended to June 2026 TP Strategy and LCPAR Education and The Tackling Poverty Team Number of people accessing the service / income generated Page 32 of 200
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13 Work with the community and Services to encourage challenges to benefit decisions via Mandatory Reconsiderations and Appeals to Upper Tribunal level Encourage residents to exhaust all challenges to benefit decisions number of mandatory reconsiderati ons / number of appeals lodged / income generated via MR and Appeal The Plan for North Lanarkshire Resilient People introduced in 2024 (however, stats available for 23/24) * 293 Mandatory Reconsideratio ns * 124 appeals * £1,269,619 generated 224 mandatory reconsiderati ons 117 appeals £1,245,575 income generated Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Tackling Poverty Team number of mandatory reconsiderations / number of appeals lodged / income generated via MR and Appeal Page 33 of 200
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Key TP Strategy Only TP Strategy and LCPAR NumberAction Brief Description How We Measure Success Links to Other Strategies Link to Programme Of Work 2022/23 Baseline 2023/24 Outcomes 2024/25 Outcomes 2025/26 Outcomes Timescales Status Identify if applies to TPS &/or LCPAR Lead Team Monitoring Information 1 Sustain Tenancies Deliver increased financial advice and assistance via 8 income maximisers increase incomes from social security, reducing rent arrears and sustaining tenancies in social rented homes Local Housing Strategy Resilient People £15,041,070 income generated - 4007 benefit checks completed £18,850,629 income generated - 7040 benefit checks completed £20,075,184 income generated - 8995 benefit checks completed Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Housing Solutions Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated 2 Whole Family Support To create a flexible, reliable and integrated support for families to ensure that every famly who needs support gets the right support at the right time. People have access to income maximisation, employability and money advice services at the right time. Childrens Services Plan Resilient People n/a Barnardos awarded the contract - Families Here and Now Service started June 2024 340 referrals received by the FHANS service 2023 - 26 ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Education, Children and Families inter service referrals Local Child Poverty Action Plan 2023 HOLISTIC SUPPORTS Page 34 of 200
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3 Arrest / Referral Service The North Lanarkshire Arrest Referral Service is focussed on early intervention by providing support to people whilst held in police custody and connecting them to services within the community to address individual needs. Number of referrals to the tackling poverty team Community Justice Improvement Plan Resilient People n/a Meeting held - service leaflets provided No referrals received through this project 2025 ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The service is delivered by Scottish Drugs Forum and Phoenix Futures and funded by North Lanarkshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership for a period of 18 months as a Test of Change. number of referrals / income generated / debt advice provided / financial education 4 Poverty Awareness Sessions Bespoke poverty awareness sessions for council, NHS and third sector partners Number of people attending the sessions and ultimately the number of referrals this leads to The Plan for North Lan Resilient People n/a 328 staff attended poverty awareness sessions (health/educ ation/CLD/s ocial work/nqsw/ NLADP/ One Parent families/NL Disability Forum 586 staff attended poverty awareness sessions (swf, jusrice, prob teachers, numeracy coaches, school staff, social work with Turning Point, Xavarian Fathers and Barnardos onggoing ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team number of sessions delivered / number of people attending / referrals following the training 4a Development of Digital Poverty Awareness Sessions To make poverty awareness available to the wider audience, a digital platform will be created. Discussions to take place with the Council to give this a mandatory status completion of the programme The Plan for North Lan Resilient People n/a n/a Training group within Tackling Poverty identified Jun-26 Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Learning & Development completion of progrmame / launch of programme / number of sessions completed Page 35 of 200
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5 Community Benefits To increase the number of tackling poverty interventions / fair work interventions within community benefits improve the economic, social or environmental well-being of our communities The Plan for North Lan transforming places Recent figures show the local economy continues to grow, reflecting a positive position in North Lanarkshire compared to a negative growth position locally, however, moving forward we must see more tackling poverty related intervention s within community benefits no update available *£3.8 million of funding managed through the Programme *44,500 unique individuals supported through community solution funds *13,000 activities delivered ongoing ongoing TP Strategy Only Enterprise and Communities Number of Tackling Poverty Interventions 6 Community Solutions Programme Wide ranging community supports provided by Community and Voluntary Sector organisations to support residents wellbeing including those in poverty or at risk of poverty including; food, mental health and wellbeing improved wellbeing Community Solutions Strategy and Investment Plan 2023 and HSCNL Commissioning Plan 2023 -26 Resilient People n/a no update available 5308 children and young people supported (VANL) ongoing ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR VANL Learning and impact reports Page 36 of 200
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7 Financial Education (Adults) The Multiply Project is a government initiative helping adults to improve their numeracy skills, people can access numeracy qualifications with the access of the Community Learning and Development Service and will be able to access financial education from the Tackling Poverty Team. people develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to manage money well and make informed decisions. The Plan for North Lan Resilient People start up and developmen t 119 sessions delivered 420 people attended 77 sessions delivered 558 people attended 123 topics covered Project ends March 2025 On going TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team number of courses delivered / number of attendees 8 Financial Education (children and young people) Following the "three questions" delivery of a revamped financial education for the primary children the younger children asked for financial educaiton - the programme will ensure that we meet the needs and requests of our children The Plan for North Lan Resilient People n/a *Audit of financial educaiton activity in schools *Discussion s with Scotland's Financial Schools re delivery Scotlands Financial Schools have delivered within schools, NLC To Develop own training pack Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team number of sessions completed in schools Number of young people who attend the sessions 9 Community Boards to support the tackling poverty agenda Through tackling poverty awareness sessions and delivery of the councils tackling poverty agenda the community boards will support the Strategy Those representing communities understand their roles and responsibilities in raising awareness of key poverty messages, challenging stigma The Plan for North Lanarkshire Resilient People Tackling Poverty on agendas of community boards pilot focussed sessions in Coatbridge - in discussion - if successful will continue role out Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Local Planning Partnership Teams Community Board Sub Groups Reports Page 37 of 200
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10 Continuation of the Three Questions Programme including cost of the school day documents for each cluster The Three Questions Programme to be completed in all schools. Tacking Poverty Team to work with each cluster to produce Cost of the School Day unique to them All schools will have carried out the Three Questions, with the childrens voices heard and reflected in the cost of the school day document The Plan For North Lanarkshire Resilent People / Brighter futures n/a 23 schools completed all mainstream schools completed Three questions - ongoing Cost of the school day - June 2026 Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Education, Tackling Poverty Team number of schools complted The Three Questions each cluster has a cost of the school day document that is accessible for to the full school community 11 Fairer Futures Project Tackling child poverty focussing on children with ASN, working in collaboration with Carers Toghether and Early Years Ensuring families with ASN children receive early intervention services via whole family support and tackling poverty The Plan For North Lanarkshire Resilient People n/a n/a Project launched late 2025 project ends June 2026 Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Carers Together, Children and Families, Early Years, Tackling Poverty Team Number of families assisted Page 38 of 200
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Appendix 2 North Lanarkshire Local Child Poverty Action Report Maximising Incomes To Maximise Outcomes 2024 - 25 Page 39 of 200
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Foreword Local Child Poverty Action Report 2024 – 25 Child Poverty is lower in Scotland, than the rest of the United Kingdom, whilst there has been an improvement in our child poverty figures this year compared to last, North Lanarkshire still has one in four children living in poverty. Tackling poverty is at the heart of The Plan for North Lanarkshire and together with our Partners in NHS Lanarkshire and the Third Sector we are committed to addressing the cause and effects of poverty in all our communities. To achieve the Plans’ goal of North Lanarkshire being the place to Live, Learn, Work, Invest and Visit tackling child poverty and poverty in our communities must be at the heart of all our services. For our families and children, we need to use all of our means possible, including increasing income via employment, increasing income via social security benefits, reducing the cost of living and holistic supports, and strengthening referral pathways, ‘maximising outcomes by maximising incomes’ , addressing also the links to health inequalities, social exclusion and wider inequalities of opportunity and thus ensuring that our children and young people live in more prosperous and thriving communities across North Lanarkshire. In North Lanarkshire we recognise that ensuring people’s income is fully maximised should be the first step to tackling poverty and inequality, and in addition creating employment opportunities. The Council is committed to ensuring that people have access to welfare rights services in their communities funding both inhouse and third sector agencies. Demand for advice services continues with the 29,819 benefit checks being completed in 2024/25, generating £55,340,045 in additional income for our residents and families. In June 2024, one of our welfare rights officers was dedicated to supporting Additional Support Needs schools across North Lanarkshire This helps us deliver our aim to meet the expressed needs and concerns of our children and young people and ensures that all our families have access to tackling poverty referral gateways and that North Lanarkshire is the place to learn. Increasing income via employment is also delivering progress in North Lanarkshire and we must continue to build on the work with our employability teams. In North Lanarkshire the gross weekly pay for local residents remains higher than the national average, making this an attractive place for both employers and those seeking work. £1.3 billion of capital investment improving the physical environment of North Lanarkshire, creating the economic, social and community conditions that will attract further investment in our communities. In helping to creating prosperous communities, making North Lanarkshire somewhere that people will want to visit. The 2024/25 Local Child Poverty Action Report demonstrates the work being carried out to achieve the goals set out in our previous Action Plan and will introduce new actions to Page 40 of 200
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strengthen even further the delivery of our commitment to tackling child poverty across council and partner services. Councillor Jim Logue Councillor Chris Costello Martin Hill (Chair, NHS Lanarkshire) Page 41 of 200
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Contents Introduction.............................................................................................................. 6 North Lanarkshire Child Poverty Profile ......................................................................... 7 Priority Groups ...................................................................................................... 8 The Drivers of Tackling Poverty - Increase Income Via Employment ................................. 19 North Lanarkshire Council - Working for Families 2024-25 .......................................... 19 North Lanarkshire Employability Grants Programme .................................................. 20 Routes to Work .................................................................................................... 26 Health Visiting Pilot in Partnership with Routes to Work ......................................... 26 NHS Demonstrator Programme .............................................................................. 27 Business and Entrepreneurship ........................................................................ 29 Developing the Young Workforce ........................................................................... 30 Vocational Education ............................................................................................ 31 North Lanarkshire Summer Placement Programme ................................................... 34 Scottish Health Equality Research Unit .................................................................... 36 The Drivers of Tackling Poverty .................................................................................. 37 Reduce the Cost of Living ...................................................................................... 37 Debt Advice ..................................................................................................... 38 Rent Arrears – Early intervention v’s Crisis Intervention .......................................... 39 Fuel Poverty ..................................................................................................... 41 New Affordable Homes ...................................................................................... 44 Digital Connectivity in NLC Homes ....................................................................... 48 Help at School and Beyond ................................................................................. 49 Period Dignity Project ........................................................................................ 54 The Drivers of Tackling Poverty .................................................................................. 55 Increasing Income Via Social Security Benefits .......................................................... 55 All Roads Lead to the Tackling Poverty Team ......................................................... 56 Education – Poverty Awareness Session With An Ask ....................................... 58 Health and Income Maximisation .................................................................... 60 Royal Hospital for Children – Financial Support Project ........................................... 63 Social Work and Income Maximisation ............................................................. 63 Page 42 of 200
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The Third Sector – Information and Advice ........................................................... 64 Holistic Supports ..................................................................................................... 66 Cash First – Maximising Incomes to Maximise Outcomes ........................................ 66 Whole Family Wellbeing and Fairer Futures Partnership ............................................. 68 Families Here and Now Service ............................................................................... 68 Whole Family Support – School Attendance ............................................................. 70 Whole Family Support – Community Learning and Development ................................. 71 Our Next Steps - Fairer Futures Partnership .............................................................. 72 Community Solutions ............................................................................................ 74 Objectives of the Community Solutions Fund ........................................................ 74 Financial Education – Adults (Sum It Up Project) ....................................................... 77 Poverty Awareness Sessions................................................................................... 78 NHS Lanarkshire Routine Enquiry Training ................................................................ 79 Strengthening Families Programme Summer 2025 .................................................... 80 Virtual School ...................................................................................................... 80 How Did We Do? .............................................................................................. 81 Achievements and Challenges.................................................................................... 81 Appendix One - North Lanarkshire-Children and young people furthest from their rights .... 83 Appendix Two - The Cluster Responses to The Three Questions ...................................... 85 Appendix Three – 10 Principles Family Support ............................................................ 92 Appendix 4 – LCPAR Action Plan ................................................................................. 92 Page 43 of 200
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“Poverty means not being able to heat your home, pay your rent or buy the essentials for your children. It means waking up every day facing insecurity, uncertainty, and impossible decisions about money. It means facing marginalisation, and even discrimination, because of your financial circumstances. The constant stress it causes can lead to problems that deprive people of the chance to pay a full part in society.” Introduction The Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017, places a duty on Local Authorities and NHS Boards to jointly develop, publish and action an annual Local Child Poverty Action Report (LCPAR). In this seventh report, we will look at the work being carried out across our communities by all our planning partners. North Lanarkshire’s Tackling Poverty Officers Action Group comprises of representatives from the council, NHS Lanarkshire and our partners in the third sector working together to provide accessible services and solutions to tackle poverty and inequality in our communities. North Lanarkshire took the approach in their fifth LCPAR to introduce Holistic Supports as the fourth driver, now in this seventh report as we explore referral pathways and the Whole Family Support approach, it is clear that if we are to maximise outcomes for people, we must also retain our focus on maximising incomes through the traditional drivers of; increasing income via employment, reducing the cost of living and increasing income via social security benefits. The approaches the partners are taking in North Lanarkshire in recognising that poverty is a common thread of demand, with opportunities also to address, across all services, will ensure that referral pathways are embedded and support is integrated and accessible and that this No Wrong Door approach ensures that those living in poverty, and those at risk of poverty, will receive the right support at the right time. “Compared with the previous year’s statistics, relative child poverty in 2023- 24 reduced from 26% to 22% in Scotland, while absolute child poverty fell from 23% to 17%. UK Poverty statistics…. show levels of relative child poverty at 31% and absolute child poverty at 26%.” Page 44 of 200
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Scottish Government News Release March 2025 (illustration below) Scottish Government Website illustration North Lanarkshire Child Poverty Profile Devolved polices such as the Scottish Child Payment have contributed to contribute to overall lower levels of poverty across Scotland, as compared to the rest of the UK, but more than one in five children remain in poverty. The recent child poverty figures evidence a national picture of improvement in child poverty figures across Scotland. The child poverty profile within North Lanarkshire has also seen an improvement, with child poverty rates dropping from 26.6% to 24.9%. These positive changes are welcome in North Lanarkshire, with the work reported throughout our Local Child Poverty Action Reports and other factors such as economic growth and investment in social policies and initiative contributing to this improvement. Whilst there has been an improvement in our child poverty figures this year compared to last, North Lanarkshire still has one in four children living in poverty. The poverty profile of North Lanarkshire is varied across our communities, with locality analysis undertaken in early 2025 showing child poverty figures ranging from 11.4% in areas within Cumbernauld to as high as 32.2% within Bellshill. With the introduction of the new Public Health Scotland Dashboard that allows us to see more in-depth reporting in relation to our priority groups, we will now be able to utilise our community hubs and council resources to target areas where the statistics recognise specific needs. The Tackling Poverty Officers Action Group are in the process of planning and developing the new overarching Tackling Poverty Strategy for 2026 – 2031, these disparities and the actions Page 45 of 200
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we need to take to address these will be an integral part of both this and the LCPAR7’s Action Plan. Priority Groups The Scottish Government identified six priority family types recognised as being at the highest risk of child poverty; Lone Parent Families Families where a member of the household is disabled Families with 3 or more children Families with a child under 1 Families with a mother under 25 Minority Ethnic Families Data from 2023/24, collated by Public Health Scotland from various sources, allows us to draw the priority group picture for North Lanarkshire; To be amended by Graphics Can we illustrate in some way; Lone Parents – we have 8933 children of lone parents living in relative poverty Families where a member of the household is disabled – There are 6469 households in North Lanarkshire where either a child disability element, an adult disability element or both are included in the Universal Credit Claim Families with 3 or more children – There are 4350 households across North Lanarkshire who are claiming child benefit for 3 or more children. (710 with 4 children and 220 having between 5 and 9 children). Families with a child under one – the data provides that there are 154 children under the age of 1 living in relative poverty in North Lanarkshire. Families with a mother under 25 – in 2023, there were 513 births to mothers under the age of 25 across North Lanarkshire Minority Ethnic Families – 2024 data from North Lanarkshire identified that there were 4052 minority ethnic children together with 50 asylum seekers and 226 refugees registered on our school roles. Page 46 of 200
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Families in North Lanarkshire will often fall into more than one priority group, for example, the Scottish Government report that 49% of children in lone parent families also have a disabled person at home; 50% of children in a family with a younger mother are also in a lone parent household; 49% of children living in a home with three or more children are also in a family in which someone is disabled. We recognise this, and whilst development is still underway with IT systems, we have been able to, as far as possible, count the family once to provide information on income generated by priority group and locality (tables 1 – 5 below). The data gathered identified that there were no mothers under the age of 25 provided with assistance, although it is recognised that they will fall into other priority areas. Recognising that our families will fall into a number of the priority groups and will need different supports, at different times, for different life events, strengthens our approach since LCPAR 5, where we recognise that Holistic Supports is as much a driver to tackling poverty as the traditional three of maximising income from employment, increasing income via social security and reducing the cost of living. Further strengthening this approach is the co-location of the Tackling Poverty Team with services such as; Families Here and Now and Routes to Work, within the North Lanarkshire Community Hubs. The Hubs are at the heart of our communities and provide people with both drop in and appointment-based services, ensuring that services are joining up for ease of access for our communities. Table 1 – Income Generated For Lone Parent Priority Group By North Lanarkshire Councils’ Tackling Poverty Team in 2024/25 North Lanarkshire Locality - 2024/25 Number of Lone Parents Assisted by the Tackling Poverty Team Additional Benefit Income Generated for Lone Parents Airdrie 570 £1,118,851.70 Bellshill 255 £429,026.99 Coatbridge 418 £881,573.63 Cumbernauld 412 £871,100.88 Area wide Projects 146 £158,503.10 Motherwell 357 £768,486.48 Shotts 101 £271,604.68 Wishaw 351 £760,112.27 Grand Total 2610 £5,259,259.73 Page 47 of 200
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Table 2 – Income Generated For Disabled Family Household with a Disabled Child By North Lanarkshire Councils’ Tackling Poverty Team in 2024/25 North Lanarkshire Locality - 2024/25 Number of Disabled Families Assisted by the Tackling Poverty Team Additional Benefit Income Generated for Disabled Families AIRDRIE 107 £184,097.04 BELLSHILL 74 £150,459.28 COATBRIDGE 134 £161,793.61 CUMBERNAULD 133 £205,301.23 AREA WIDE PROJECTS 28 £49,321.33 MOTHERWELL 95 £197,116.62 SHOTTS 33 £43,488.01 WISHAW 83 £187,314.68 Grand Total 687 £1,178,891.80 Table 3 – Income Generated For Families With Three or More Children By North Lanarkshire Councils’ Tackling Poverty Team in 2024/25 North Lanarkshire Locality - 2024/25 Number of Families With Three or More Children Assisted by the Tackling Poverty Team Additional Benefit Income Generated for Families With Three Or More Children AIRDRIE 23 £30,860.36 BELLSHILL 8 £5,036.80 COATBRIDGE 22 £41,333.69 CUMBERNAULD 20 £16,298.27 AREA WIDE PROJECTS 13 £16,584.88 MOTHERWELL 20 £38,114.84 WISHAW 10 £19,769.29 Grand Total 116 £167,998.13 Page 48 of 200
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Table 4 – Income Generated For Families With A Child Under One By North Lanarkshire Councils’ Tackling Poverty Team in 2024/25 North Lanarkshire Locality - 2024/25 Number of Families With A Child Under One Assisted by the Tackling Poverty Team Additional Benefit Income Generated for Families With A Child Under One AIRDRIE 19 £25,715.98 BELLSHILL 6 £5,768.36 COATBRIDGE 9 £25,440.64 CUMBERNAULD 11 £4,680.00 AREA WIDE PROJECTS 2 £0.00 MOTHERWELL 5 £4,999.80 SHOTTS 2 £4,099.16 WISHAW 5 £878.28 Grand Total 59 £71,582.22 Table 5– Income Generated For Minority Ethnic Families By North Lanarkshire Councils’ Tackling Poverty Team in 2024/25 North Lanarkshire Locality - 2024/25 Number of Minority Ethnic Families Assisted by the Tackling Poverty Team Additional Benefit Income Generated for Minority Ethnic Families AIRDRIE 6 £415.70 BELLSHILL 5 £0.00 COATBRIDGE 5 £4999.80 CUMBERNAULD 7 £9999.60 AREA WIDE PROJECTS 11 £19,107.40 MOTHERWELL 10 £18,636.40 SHOTTS 1 £4999.80 WISHAW 6 £0.00 Grand Total 51 £58,158.70 North Lanarkshire’s Tackling Poverty Team has generated £6,735,891 in additional benefit income for priority families in our communities. Page 49 of 200
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North Lanarkshire Children’s Services Partnership In North Lanarkshire, our vision is to support all children and young people to achieve their potential, ensuring they are loved, nurtured and empowered to thrive in all aspects of their lives, upholding each and every child and young person’s rights as stated in the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Working collaboratively and holistically with children, young people, their families, and our partners to ensure they get the best start in life and support families to provide loving care. We will do this by making sure we have the right supports available, at the right time, for as long as needed, and delivered in the right places to ensure equity for all and reducing inequalities. The diagram below brings together the key elements of the Children’s Services Partnership in North Lanarkshire. The diagram below displays the high-level National Outcomes of The Plan for North Lanarkshire that overarches all the work across North Lanarkshire Partnership. The Children’s Services Partnership and Plan and the Child Protection Committee and Plan are in the next layer. These partnerships are driven by GIRFEC, UNCRC, The Promise, Tackling Poverty and Whole Family Support. The delivery of the Children’s Services Plan builds on the infrastructure provided by community hubs and school clusters where partnership staff work together with children, young people, and families. We apply strength and relationship-based practices and ensure what we do is trauma informed. All of this is to improve outcomes for children, young people and families ensuring they are safe, healthy, achieving, nurtured, active, respected, responsible and included. Page 50 of 200
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Children’s Rights and Children’s Voices UNCRC has been a driver for children’s services in North Lanarkshire for many years, and this includes our approach to tackling child poverty and inequality in our communities. In 2019, the Poverty and Inequality Commission reported that “while child poverty has received a lot of focus it has rarely been considered within the framework of children’s rights.” The Tackling Poverty Team have built on work previously reported around The Three Questions) and have now taken the Three Questions to every mainstream school across North Lanarkshire. (The QR code below will take you to the children’s voices from the work we completed in the first schools) Children’s Services Partnership Voice and UNCRC Task Group are developing a series of podcasts with a focus on where children’s rights are at risk, they have turned the tables on this, by considering the impacts of poverty through a children’s rights lens. A series of topics are covered with recognition that children living in poverty are less likely to realise their rights. The podcasts will include discussions around children with additional support needs, new Scots and https://vimeo.com/892318427/91d66ad176?share=copy Page 51 of 200
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children and young people in conflict with the law. (full detail available at appendix 1) The podcasts will be available in the latter part of 2025. When we consider the answers of all our children to the Three Questions (example of one cluster available at Appendix 2) we can see that in relation to their rights, children’s who are living in poverty are not starting at the same position as their peers who are not living in low income households; therefore access to their rights is diminished affirming the above statement of the Commission. NOTE – WOULD LIKE THESE TO BE DONE WITH EACH ARTICLE IN THE MIDDLE ( DEFINITION BELOW AND CHILDRENS VOICES AROUND….) Article 6 (life, survival, and development) “Younger people are struggling to move out of their parent’s house as they can’t afford their own place” “If you have children, you just want them to have a better life” “money is now a controversial subject between friends” “Financial education in school, have more lessons to teach and give children the knowledge of how to budget and make good financial decisions, better money management lessons” “Worries me for when I leave school as the cost of everything is a lot and I will then be independent and pay for everything” Every child has the right to life. Governments must do all they can do to ensure that children survive and develop to their full potential. Article 12 (respect for the views of the child) The Three Questions were developed to allow the children and young people of North Lanarkshire to express their views on poverty and where we can implement their responses to “what can we do about it” “Ask for opinions from school pupils on new developments before implementing things that don’t get used” Every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously. Page 52 of 200
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Article 18 (parental responsibilities and state assistance) “Seeing parent’s regularly worry” “I get anxious when I go to the shop to buy food. My dad is off work and is on sick pay. In the next couple of months, he will be on half pay and I am worried how we will be able to afford anything” “Parents can’t afford childcare however still need to work” “If you have children, you just want them to have a better life” “People are more likely to be sleep deprives because they can’t sleep with all the stress and anxiety from the cost of living” “I see my mum and dad working so hard but still struggling” “After school care is expensive” “Getting more take outs as parents are working later and working overtime” “Children might have less motivation and support for school because their parents’ attention is on other things like paying the bills” Both parents share responsibilities for bringing up their child and should always consider what is best for the child. Governments must support parents by creating support services for children and giving parents the help they need to raise their children. Article 23 (children with a disability) “Ensure that people have access to benefits and not having to wait as long to get them” “Free bus passes may not help people who are disabled. Wheelchair users may find it difficult to access buses and trains and might have to take a taxi” “The Council should help more people with special needs” A child with a disability has rights to live a full and decent life with dignity and, as far as possible, independence and to play in an active part in the community. Governments must do all they can to support disabled children and their families. Page 53 of 200
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Article 24 (health and health services) “Health decreases, people are unhealthier due to lack of three meals a day” “Healthy food is expensive” “Fruit bowl hasn’t had a piece of fruit in it for months” “Getting more take outs as parents are working later and working overtime” “Fruit, vegetables, protein etc is generally more expensive than shop bought food meaning children can’t eat healthily” “Some kids get food from the teachers because they can’t focus due to them not eating” “Kids need exercise, clubs can help do that, but they are a lot of money” “Higher budget for school catering, to ensure everyone is fed as school meals are really expensive and not everyone is entitled to free lunches” Every child has the right to the best possible health. Governments must provide good quality health care, clean water, nutritious food and a clean environment and education on health and wellbeing so that children can stay healthy. Article 26 (social security) “Higher maximum gross pay of parent’s income to calculate EMA, school should provide an infrastructure for assisting people applying for benefits” “More support for money more accessible to families or pupils in school” “Let people know what service NLC have and where to find them” “Better access to benefits for those who need it” “Increased isolation and a growing gap between different class system due to lack of help” “People shouldn’t have to wait long to receive benefits” “Less Council tax” Every child has the right to benefit from social security. Governments must provide social security, including financial support and other benefits, to families in need of assistance. Page 54 of 200
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Article 27 (adequate standard of living) “If school children aren’t eating well then they will not attain good results, which means they can’t go to university, so they won’t be able to escape poverty” “I live in a Council house and the rent is very expensive” “Provide more affordable housing” “Housing list are too long” Every child has the right to a standard of living that is good enough to meet their physical and social needs and support their development. Governments must help families who cannot afford to provide this. Article 28 (right to education) “Young people leaving school earlier to get jobs” “Financial education in school, have more lessons to teach and give children the knowledge of how to budget and make good financial decisions, better money management lessons” “Go to another school for a subject my school doesn’t run, and we have to get the bus as the school no longer puts on transport” “Make financial education mandatory in schools – for our future” Every child has the right to education. Primary education must be free and different forms of secondary education must be available to every child. Article 29 (goals of education) “Don’t get to go to different extracurricular activities” Education must develop every child’s personality, talents, and abilities to their full, it must encourage the child’s human rights, as well as respect for their parents, their own and other cultures, and the environment. Page 55 of 200
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Article 31 (leisure, play and culture) “Don’t see friends as often as I need to work for my own money #broke” “I feel that poverty affects me by the amount of judgement you get for not having the right amount of money to enjoy your childhood with your pals” “Left out with my friends because they always get stuff no matter what. If I sit with them, they are always nice enough to offer me something” “Money is becoming a controversial subject between friends” Every child has the right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities. We are committed to listening to the voices of children and young people, in their replies to “what do you want us to do about it.” In North Lanarkshire we ensure we committed to respecting, protecting, and upholding all the Articles under UNCRC. The Three Questions embraces Article 12 where every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously. https://v1.padlet.pics/3/image.webp?t=c_limit%2Cdpr_2%2Ch_616%2Cw_836&url=https%3 A%2F%2Fu1.padletusercontent.com%2Fuploads%2Fpadlet- uploads%2F685519441%2Fbeb8d2034754b3c94f4e373dd9636388%2F1.jpg%3Fexpiry_token %3D5WaHZRdGG3LkUVQGy3SZ-zdRtq89aJeottSBaF_Hii8EGDVBG- vnLc5ZfL_2GiKosWMOCkHArMcc8LorETHcZ4Iu1IHMy08hpi4axevO5OSeK- 3e5ar5GBwkflyqOP10WBpeSOaia- SIRo6bQWfNyfFihCpAsmfMEe9OCbijteLDUZuPJ8xuOUG_eqGrOV4K8muSh-m- drv3jW7ke4lnQg%3D%3D (graphic produced at UNCRC Youth Voice Conference in November 2024) The first stage in the commitment to listening to our children was to implement Financial Education into our classrooms. North Lanarkshire’s Maths Leads together with Scotland’s Financial Schools are implementing this into our classrooms. North Lanarkshire schools operate a cluster model, with the Secondary school and each of its feeder schools making the cluster. Education colleagues are also now further committed to working with the Tackling Poverty Team to create a Cost of the School Day resource for each of these clusters which will reflect the views and opinions of the children and young people, providing answers, where possible to “what would you like us to do to help?” for example, when our children and young people have raised issues in relation to school meals and uniforms, the resource will take them to the councils’ internet pages with the details, and at all times provide them with the referral route to access support to apply for these. Page 56 of 200
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The Drivers of Tackling Poverty - Increase Income Via Employment North Lanarkshire Council - Working for Families 2024-25 >GRAPHICS INSERT WORKING FOR FAMILIES LOGO HERE SAVED IN FILE North Lanarkshire Council’s Working for Families employability programme is funded through Scottish Government’s “No One Left Behind” Tackling Child Poverty fund. The programme has a series of initiatives designed to support low-income families to increase their income through work, supporting parents to access paid employment and helping those in lower paid jobs to progress to higher income. Whilst the funding supports all families in North Lanarkshire on low-income, there are six priority groups: Lone Parent Families Ethnic Minority Families Families where a member of the household is disabled Families with a mother under 25 Families with a child under 1 Families with 3 or more children The Working for Families programme is aligned with existing supports including; Tackling Poverty Team, local third sector providers and NLC’s ALEO, Routes to Work, to deliver interventions for the client group. In 2024-25 North Lanarkshire Council was allocated £3.1 million to support unemployed and economically inactive parents in North Lanarkshire. A summary of the main initiatives is outlined below. Routes to Work: There is continued expansion in Working for Families programme delivery across North Lanarkshire including the part delivered by Routes to Work. This is due to the sustained levels of funding from the Scottish Government to support parental employment as a route to tackle child poverty. The Routes to Work contribution to the Working for Families programme is significant and is integrated with the range of other Working for Families initiatives co-ordinated by the Working for Families Manager within Employability Services at North Lanarkshire Council. In 2024/25, Routes to Work supported clients into 190 job outcomes with a sustainment rate of 77%. Page 57 of 200
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Employer Recruitment Incentives (ERIs): 20 WFF clients secured permanent employment in the private sector, supported by ERIs, with spend of £137k for 2024-25. Work Placements: As part of the wide-ranging series of initiatives to support parents on their journey to and in work, a WFF Placement Programme was developed, aimed at encouraging organisations in the Public and Third Sector to host WFF clients on a six month fully paid work placement. The primary aim of the WFF Placement Programme is to boost clients’ confidence, help them learn new skills, and develop capabilities essential for employment, ultimately securing employment opportunities WORKING FOR FAMILIES: WORK PLACEMENT SCHEMES 2024-25 No. of organisations No. of placements created Hours per week created Positive Destination North Lanarkshire Council 1 14 208 100% NHS Lanarkshire 1 20 460 81% Third Sector Organisations 15 28 570 64% TOTAL 17 62 1,238 North Lanarkshire Employability Grants Programme The Grants Programme supports provision across a five-stage “employability pipeline,” designed to support individuals in their journey toward employment, addressing their needs at each stage. Unemployed North Lanarkshire residents, particularly those furthest from the labour market and/or for whom the current employability service provision does not fully meet their needs are the focus. In 2024-25, Working for Families invested £739k to six third sector and one private organisation to support clients primarily at the initial stages of the pipeline - engagement, assessment and Training and Development. Page 58 of 200
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WORKING FOR FAMILIES: OUTCOMES Starts Qualification Work Placement Further Education/Higher Education/Training Employment Volunteering Modern Apprentice/Graduate Apprentice Improved Income 425 175 54 25 74 21 14 18 Overall Working for Families provision engaged with 1717 clients, with 924 new registrations. Outcomes by priority group are as follows: WORKING FOR FAMILIES OUTCOMES: BY PRIORITY GROUPS Total Clients Jobs Self Employed Modern Apprentice/Graduate Apprentice Accredited Training Entered Further Education Started Volunteering Completed Work Experience Lone parents 754 93 50 3 106 9 15 16 Ethnic minority parents 385 53 18 0 51 0 15 12 Families with a disabled child / adult 229 33 5 0 23 4 5 3 Parents under 25 115 115 3 1 39 3 7 10 Families with a child under 1 82 11 2 0 9 0 1 2 Families with 3+ children 267 48 3 1 39 3 7 10 Total individuals 225 78 4 171 12 30 25 N.B. Total individuals are usually lower than the sum of the above figures, as some individuals experience multiple barriers, therefore summing would result in double counting. Page 59 of 200
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Case Study – Working for Families Janette secured a WFF placement provided by “Triage” and has since secured employment with increased hours. “I want to make a career for myself doing something I enjoy. Before being made redundant I worked in food production but wanted to find a job in an office as I have previous experience in office duties including finance/bookkeeping. I felt so much happier. Triage helped me so much with training opportunities, their support and encouragement led me to getting a placement and have since progressed to other employment with more hours and more income. Now in employment full time I can provide for my family without feeling stressed, being able to use heating more and have more money for days out are all important to me. Now in full time work I don’t worry as much as I did when I was unemployed” I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Triage the friends I met are a bonus we all support each other to achieve our goal.” Page 60 of 200
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Case Study – Working for Families Evonne took part in the Working for Families Employability Programme, provided by “Enable.” Before joining the programme, Evonne struggled with confidence, especially in managing her responsibilities as a single parent. After participating, she feels a renewed sense of hope and confidence, knowing she is not facing these challenges alone. The programme gave Evonne tools and support, which helped boost her self-esteem and overall outlook on life. Through the programme, Evonne found herself becoming more involved in community activities. While she didn't immediately jump into large events with loads of people in attendance, she feels more open to participating in local events, clubs, and meetings. Attending her children's school activities has also become a priority, something she feels she is now more likely to do as she grows more confident. The programme helped Evonne focus on her longer-term future, with the resources and connections to envision a better path ahead. Although she acknowledges there are still challenges, she now feels optimistic about the opportunities in the future. Before enrolling in the programme, Evonne was uncertain about the financial impact of returning to work but advice from a Welfare Rights Officer gave her up to date information and now that she is now working, she has noticed some positive changes. “We do have more money for some treats, but I still need to manage and budget. I take the kids to McDonald's and the pictures when I get paid, and they love that and look forward to it. However, I have been saving, and me and my mum are taking the kids to Turkey this year for the first time. I am super excited about being able to do this, and the kids are ecstatic!" Page 61 of 200
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North Lanarkshire Academies and Early Years Services Diversity Recruitment Programme As part of a substantial workforce transformation programme a new targeted approach to recruitment was developed engaging candidates from diverse communities, notably New Scots who were furthest from the labour market. NL Academies team in conjunction with North Lanarkshire Council Resettlement Team and Equalities Champion Councillor Ayeshah Khan, identified a group of candidates from the Ukrainian and Congolese communities in Coatbridge, Motherwell, and Wishaw. 43 interested individuals were identified, attending outreach recruitment sessions and taking part in workshops and professional dialogue. This innovative approach was developed following networking, horizon scanning and working collaboratively alongside elected members, council services and community groups. NL Academies Team quickly recognised that many people brought with them transferrable skills in the Early Years Profession and that there were a number of suitable candidates for roles within the Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) sector. These were roles which the Council had previously encountered difficulty in recruiting. The team approached NLC Early Years sector Service for inclusion of the identified candidates within the recruitment process. Many candidates had worked in or managed childcare establishments, had transferrable skills and would contribute to an inclusive and diverse workforce. Early Years embraced this and developed a modified outreach process to support candidates through the recruitment system. An individualised approach was adopted with support for form filling and a focus upon a face-to-face conversational assessment. All candidates reported that without the NL Academies team involvement they would not have been aware of the vacancies and would never have considered applying. 43 people attended with 33 successfully appointed to support worker posts, working in nursery settings across North Lanarkshire in posts ranging from 10hrs to 37hrs, term-time and full time. The ELC service were delighted to welcome this diverse workforce to their teams. Early years settings are well placed to provide a safe environment where parents, staff and children can learn about each other’s differences and similarities and learn to empathise and value each other. It is vital that we have a professional, diverse, and confident workforce which reflects the wider community and helps to enhance children’s experiences. Page 62 of 200
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Head of Centre at Dunbeth Family Learning Centre Mary McAuley recognises the value of the programme “North Lanarkshire Council welcomed several Ukrainian resettled families to the Coatbridge area. A number of them became part of the nursery community and as a result of this initiative we successfully supported 3 members of the Ukrainian community to firstly volunteer within the nursery setting as a step towards securing employment. This has been an invaluable piece of work as these women quickly became a part of the nursery family and were able to offer our Ukrainian children a greater sense of belonging and security. Consequently, all three have since been successfully recruited to support worker roles within Council nurseries and one has been appointed here to Dunbeth Family Learning Centre to support children and families on a full-time basis. We are very grateful for the additionality she brings to the role and the commitment she has shown to the children, families, and the nursery as a whole.” Bohdana recently settled here in Scotland from Ukraine along with her teenage son and secured a support worker post within Dunbeth Nursery. She said the whole experience was “really great and helpful opportunity and made her and her family happy” and would tell anyone starting out on their employment journey to “Be kind, patient and love kids” Page 63 of 200
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Routes to Work >GRAPHICS INSERT ROUTES TO WORK LOGO HERE, SAVED IN FILE AND NHSL LOGO Health Visiting Pilot in Partnership with Routes to Work Employability is more than just finding a job. Employability is a combination of factors and processes that help a person to progress towards work, find work, remain in work, and move on in the workplace. The Wishaw Employability as a Routine Enquiry Pilot is an excellent example, which shows how health staff have an important role in employability and are uniquely placed to have these conversations. The Wishaw Health Improvement Senior, in partnership with the Wishaw Health Visiting Team and Routes to Work, a North Lanarkshire employability support service, introduced testing employability as a Routine Enquiry with a referral pathway to Routes to Work. This ensures all families in the Wishaw Locality now receive routine enquiry of employability resulting in an appropriate and timely referral to the Working for Families Programme, delivered by Routes to Work. This programme supports families to develop and enhance their employment prospects. Routes to Work offer a bespoke service, tailored to individual needs, which acknowledges and removes the range of barriers facing parents that may prevent them from moving forward. e.g. confidence building, finding affordable childcare, engaging with training, finding new skills etc. This pathway has now been extended to all HV teams in NL. Link: Supporting Families in North Lanarkshire | Working for Families Key Achievements include; • Referral pathway designed and agreed with partners • Training delivered by Routes to Work to Wishaw HVs • 30 referrals to date • 10 registered on the Working for Families programme • 1 moved into work • Training rolled out to all 6 North Lanarkshire HV teams in February 2025 • Employability question embedded into the Universal Health Visiting Pathway via Morse recording system (sitting alongside the financial wellbeing question) *Add image of pathway here, saved as “Employability and HV Pathway”* Page 64 of 200
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NHS Demonstrator Programme As an Anchor Organisation, a key aim of NHS Lanarkshire is to have a positive influence on those in our local communities, improve their life chances and health and wellbeing. One way this can be achieved is by widening access to employment opportunities for our local residents, and helping them to find and sustain meaningful, well paid, and good quality work. Staff regularly run employability and awareness sessions and attend job fairs with local partners such as DWP and Routes to Work, which include many parents, and raise awareness of the vast number of opportunities and pathways are on offer. A great example of how we make a positive impact to those in our communities is through our partnership-led initiative, the NHS Demonstrator Programme, in conjunction with North and South Lanarkshire Councils, International Service System (ISS) and Routes to Work Ltd. The programme welcomed it’s third cohort in October 2024, with 38 individuals joining the organisation in a variety of job roles, including Assistant Technical Officer with Pharmacy and Cardiology, Health Care Support Worker, Clerical Assistant and Porter. This programme is targeted at unemployed or low-income parents and focuses on improving their confidence, work-readiness, and financial situations. We achieve this by providing wrap-around support via the Employability Team that check in with the individuals regularly on a one-to-one basis along with running bespoke networking sessions, which enhance their employability skills and assist with planning their next steps for after the programme. In addition, they have a dedicated work-based buddy who is a point of contact and support for them in their department. Further to this programme, we are committed to providing opportunities for staff members to upskill in order to enhance their earning potential and fulfilment in work. Over 80% of individuals who took part in the programme 2024-25 moved into positive destinations, including within NHS Lanarkshire, other NHS boards and further education. The most significant benefits cited were; increased confidence, financial situations, and advanced skillset. NHS Lanarkshire managers involved, rated the programme very good or good and the main benefits highlighted were welcoming a staff member so willing to learn and was easy to train. Page 65 of 200
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Marion joined NHS Lanarkshire in October 2022 as a participant in the first cohort of the Demonstrator Program. Routes to Work referred Marion who was based at Law House as a recruitment Administrator. Following her time on the programme, Marion started a full-time position as a recruitment administrator and has now been in her position for over 2 years, based in Kirklands. “Having been away from the workplace for several years due to health reasons, I felt that I just didn’t have the confidence or skill- set to submit any application for employment. I was initially hesitant but was supported to complete the application form and attended training on interview techniques and tools (STAR) to use when attending for an interview. I was extremely nervous leading up to the interview and on the day of my interview I was able to use the STAR approach to me help focus. Moving from the demonstrator programme into a permanent role was not without its difficulties. The biggest hurdle was confidence. What made the difference was the ongoing support of a job coach. Having someone to talk to openly about worries and barriers created a safe space to work through those feelings of uncertainty. The job coach provided reassurance, encouragement, and a fresh perspective — reminding me that my skills and experience gained were valuable and relevant. These conversations helped shift the focus away from self-doubt and towards possibility, creating the confidence needed to say: “Yes, I can do this.” Now, as a permanent Recruitment Administrator, I’m also working towards an SVQ3 in Business Administration to build on my skills. The Demonstrator Programme gave me the foundation — the confidence, the experience, and the belief in myself — to take that first big step. It has shaped the path I’m now on, and I’m excited to see where it leads. For anyone just starting the programme, my advice would be: enjoy it, make the most of every opportunity, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. There’s always support around you — colleagues and staff who want to help. Sometimes the information can feel overwhelming, but if you take it step by step, it does come together. The key is to stay open, keep learning, and trust yourself. Page 66 of 200
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Business and Entrepreneurship Scottish Asian Business Chamber delivered a Youth Business Challenge, launched in August 2024 marking the start of a six-month structured programme aimed at encouraging minority ethnic young people from North Lanarkshire to consider entrepreneurship as a future goal. 30 participants joined over 2 sessions (24 in-person and 6 on-line). The first session set the scene and encouraged participants to share their aspirations for the future. Their entrepreneurial ambitions were diverse, with business ideas ranging from creating clothing brands and mobile apps to selling products online. Following initial brainstorming activities, the young people came together into groups to narrow their focus to three key ideas they would collectively develop. These groups will continue to refine their ideas over the programme. Session 2 covered mentorship and business plan development. 29 attendees were introduced to their mentors (covering a range of sectors). Each mentor shared their journey into entrepreneurship, reflecting on how they built on family traditions in retail and transformed them into innovative ventures. Participants then worked closely with their mentors, developing basic business plans and discussing actionable steps towards creating their own businesses. The third session in October was on mentorship and inspiration with 19 attending. A highlight of the session was a fireside chat with serial entrepreneur and TikTok influencer Ajmal Mushtaq. 20 young people continued their entrepreneurial journey at session 4 which focussed on marketing and branding. The session focused on essential strategies for branding, audience engagement, and practical marketing tips tailored to early-stage businesses. >>GRAPHICS insert Youth Business Challenge – Asian Business Chamber photo here Page 67 of 200
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Developing the Young Workforce Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) remains a priority for all Council Services, partners, and employers. Ambitious targets in the concluding 2022- 25 DYW Delivery have realised outcomes for our young people with skills, training and qualifications equipping them for life and work. The multi-agency and cross-council Developing the Young Workforce Taskforce has enabled schools and families to support young people facing multiple and complex barriers to education and employment—particularly those at greatest risk of entering negative post-school destinations and experiencing long-term unemployment. In doing this we reduce the risk of young people facing long term unemployment and associated poverty, poor health and wellbeing. • Positive school leaver destinations reached 94.7%, the highest percentage achieved, with 68.6% entering higher and further education and 24.3% entering employment, which is above the national average • 92.8% of young people 16-19 years old in education, training and employment. This was the highest percentage achieved since the measure was introduced in 2017. • More than 6000 young people attend “Future Fridays” on average each week. (33%) of care experienced young people, (40%) of young people with additional support needs and (30%) or young people residing in Scottish index of multiple deprivation all engaged meaning that for those with the greatest barriers to learning all targets were exceeded. • Over 5000 accreditation experiences offered across SCQF levels 2-7 • During the lifetime of the Summer and Winter Leavers programme, which launched in August 2019, 656 young people facing multiple barriers to education and employment have completed the programme with 92.4% moving into a positive, sustainable post school destination. • 5 Pathways Support Teachers built relationships and supported senior phase young people with multiple barriers to learning to achieve national and industry recognised awards and qualifications. In one academic session they worked with almost 200 young people with positive outcomes including increased confidence, national and industry recognised awards and qualifications, volunteering and employment. Page 68 of 200
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• ASN schools’ estate upgraded and developed to support access for pupils vocational skills development including conversion of a Janitor’s bungalow in the grounds of Our Lady’s High School, Motherwell, four coffee carts purchased to be used inside schools, a Poly Tunnel constructed in the grounds of Glenburn College and an upgraded kitchen area used by ASN pupils in Bellshill High School. • 47 young people with the opportunity to take part in a pre-apprentice construction programme, providing learners with both practical training, support and theoretical knowledge in the construction industry with 81% achieving a modern apprenticeship through this model. “Don’t give up. It is hard, but it’s worth it. My Foundation Apprenticeship has given me confidence and experience, and I was more prepared for the world of work. It’s a great feeling seeing the children reach their milestones; I feel like a proud mum” After successfully completing the Foundation Apprenticeship, young person is now in a Modern Apprenticeship at St Mary’s Nursery. Young Person Vocational Education Young people will have access to a wide range of industry recognised career pathways to key job sectors. These include vocational programmes, wider achievement, Foundation Apprenticeships and Higher National Certificates delivered in partnership with Higher and Further Education establishments, training providers, schools and employers. For more information on our Industry Recognised Qualifications click here. >Graphics insert Pathways QR code here Page 69 of 200
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Pathways Case Study 12 young people attended at Taylor High weekly to work on playground maintenance and general upkeep, under the supervision of 2 staff from First Steps Future Training, Ian and George. Attendance has been consistently high The young people were referred onto our programme due to being disengaged in school, challenging behaviour, poor attendance and struggling to access the curriculum in S5. The scope of works was to paint and cover 5 seating areas so they could be used in all weather and improve the aesthetics of the school entrance. The young people worked with Ian on the joinery tasks and George on the painting and decorating. All young people had the opportunity to participate in both areas to give them an all-round experience. Feedback from teaching and support staff has been positive with young people reported as “professional, hardworking, well- mannered” with some staff assuming young people were 3rd year apprentices due to the standard of work they were producing and their mature and professional conduct. Feedback from participants: AB – “I enjoy going to Taylor High School with George and Ian, especially the joinery part as I want to do that as a job, this has given me experience for when I apply for jobs/apprenticeships. I have used lots of equipment I would have never got the chance if I stayed at school. Ian has said I could use him as a reference too, so this has been good for my career too. I go home afterwards exhausted but happy with what I’ve learnt and done to improve the school playground.” RB – “I have loved coming to Taylor and I have never missed one week. I have also met new friends by attending and I have learnt a lot from Ian and George. The toast has also been brilliant, especially in the cold weather, and we have been well looked after.” Page 70 of 200
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North Lanarkshire Summer Placement Programme Building on the success of the Summer Placement Programme last year where we were able to officer over 100 young people across North Lanarkshire a working placement, this year 191 young people started and completed the programme. The Programme this year was so popular with our young people, we received 1492 applications, having to close the portal earlier than proposed due to the volume of demand. The 2025 programme was expanded to include young people from ASN backgrounds. As part of the 2025 recruitment, we asked the following question; “Are you involved in any of the NLC employability programmes, for example; Supported Employment Initiatives, Family Firm, Project Ability, Routes to Work, Pathway Programme – Winter Leaver or Other” – 28 applicants answered yes. In addition, 110 student applicants considered themselves to have a disability. Students making applications were offered placements in. Nursing Podiatry Occupational therapy Digital Technology Automotive Political NHS admin NHS Caer Integrated Day Services Locality Disability Support Services Home Support Workers Home Support Schedule Assistant Joint Equipment Store Assistant Operatives Technician Assistants Tackling Poverty Team Admin Role Customer Services Home Support Admin Assistant Sports Coach Built Environment (4 x internal and 54 x external placements) Early Years Admin – Lanarkshire Carer Partners Admin – New College Lanarkshire Admin – NRG Riverside Trucks From those 1492 applications, 481 were given an interview, with 191 successful applicants taking up posts across North Lanarkshire. Not only were out young people offered a job with a salary for the summer, all placements offered accreditation in partnership with our Community Learning and Development colleagues – Work Placement SCQF Levels 4 and 5 / Employability Award SCQF Level 4 Page 72 of 200
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The Summer Placement Programme has had some positive destinations for the 2025 cohort so far; A number of causal contracts within North Lanarkshire Council have been offered to students 4 students have moved into Modern Apprentice roles within the council 3 students have moved into Modern Apprentice roles with external partners 1 Graduate Apprenticeship within NLC 1 Graduate Apprenticeship with an external partner 1 student has gone into full time employment with an external partner 2 students have secured part time employment with external partners The students all came together in a celebration of their achievements on the 8th August in Ravenscraig. Students were able to bring along parents/carers and family members as well as their workplace mentors to celebrate what they have done. The event was hosted by the Depute Chief Executive, Andrew McPherson, with the Heads of Service awarding the students with their certificates. “The student summer placement has been a rewarding and educational experience which has given me an insight into what a career in administration position would be like. It has given me the ability to pay for my driving lessons and a trip. I have gained many useful skills while working here including data inputting, handling important mail etc. It was overall a privilege to be a part of this programme.” – Grace – summer placement Tackling Poverty Team Quote from Cara and Belle – Jackie has photos – photos from the council social media…. Page 73 of 200
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Scottish Health Equality Research Unit We are delighted that the Scottish Health Equality Research Unit in conjunction with the University of Strathclyde will be trialling a new and innovative approach within Scotland, and North Lanarkshire is one of the two local authorities chosen for this research. The research will be focussing on understanding how two specific national strategies concerning key socio – economic determinants of health are impacting on health inequalities in Scotland. As part of the research, they will be exploring the implementation of two major national level strategies; Housing 2040 and No One Left Behind. The work will also focus on two populations of interest; parents living on a low income with young children and men aged 18 – 44, in North Lanarkshire the two areas of concentration will be Employability No One Left Behind Project and men aged between 18 – 44. Progress in the research will be reflected in the 2025-26 Local Child Poverty Action Report and the activity reported in the Local Child Poverty Action Plan. Page 74 of 200
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The Drivers of Tackling Poverty Reduce the Cost of Living The impact of the rising cost of living on the people we support cannot be underestimated - many of whom are already facing the most challenging of circumstances, living on the lowest levels of income – whether working or unemployed, often with adverse experiences including long term health and disability. The Consumer Price Index at 3.8% (July 2025) is the highest since January 2024 and Food Price Inflation is even higher at 4.9%. People are struggling to manage rising costs, making food insecurity and crisis a harsh reality for many. In Scotland today, 34% of households are estimated to be in fuel poverty of which 19.4% meet the extreme fuel poverty definition. In real terms, around 861,000 households in Scotland are in fuel poverty, with 491,000 of these being in extreme fuel poverty. Energy Regulator Ofgem has recently announced gas and electricity prices will rise by 2% for households. The increase means a household using a typical amount of energy will pay £1,755 a year, up £35 a year on the current cap. North Lanarkshire Council saw an 85% increase in homeless application from 2022- 23 (41 applications) increasing in 2023-24 to 76 applications due to termination of tenancy/mortgage as tenant defaulted on payments, again indicating the financial difficulties experienced by residents. Intervention for those experiencing Food and Fuel Crisis together with ongoing advice and support are critical in mitigating the effects of the increased costs of living. Page 75 of 200
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Debt Advice Understanding and addressing debt can significantly reduce stress and anxiety related to financial instability and give people reassurance that there is a debt solution out there for them and that things will improve. Often the cause of debt can be out with the Families’ control e.g. job loss, family breakdown or simply the cost of living. Providing support to manage debt can be a lifeline for families experiencing stress and worry over how to make their income stretch to cover essential living costs. Providing clarity to help families understand their financial situation, prioritise debts and reduce outgoings can develop skills to maintain budgets and enable better control over spending, NLC Tackling Poverty Team received 2,367 referrals for debt advice in 2024/25, an increase of 375 from the previous year. The total amount of debt dealt with was £5,304,616. Citizens Advice Bureaux across North Lanarkshire dealt with 6,299 Debt advice enquiries and £4,040, 913 of debt. Cases continue to increase in complexity with 41% of all those approaching us for Debt help reporting that they or their partner suffered from mental health issues. This figure rises to 63% of all cases allocated for ongoing support. Debt Referrals to Tackling Poverty Team by Priority Group Number of Cases Lone Parent Families 234 Ethnic Minority Families 25 Families where a member of the household is disabled 66 Families with a mother under 25 1 Families with a child under 1 36 Families with 3 or more children 51 Page 76 of 200
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Rent Arrears – Early intervention v’s Crisis Intervention 20% of all people in Scotland are living in Poverty. This rises to 44% for social rented sector tenants and half of children in poverty (54%) live in the social rented sector. Many people in receipt of welfare benefits may also already have a direct deduction from already low levels of income (see below) Joseph Rowntree Foundation “Poverty in Scotland” October 2024 It was recognised that there was a need to more closely align the Debt Advice Service with NLC Housing in order that Council tenants can have more direct and immediate access to Debt Advice. This was achieved by allocating each housing locality team a specific Debt Adviser who will be based one day per week within the locality and respective rents team. This initiative will provide a renewed focus on early intervention in dealing with rent arrears with specialist debt advice solutions available to tenants as early in the rent arrears recovery process as possible. Debt Adviser involvement will help tenants get over the initial barrier to accessing help and support, build trust and improve engagement and will provide stability through Debt Journey. Briefings were delivered to all housing localities and Central Rents team on this approach and referrals encouraged from all frontline housing staff. Teams were briefed on exactly what the Debt Advice Service can do to assist tenants both to prioritise and pay their rent but also to find solutions for other debts they may have. This initiative will be monitored and recorded on over the coming year. Value of Universal Credit deductions £ by Parliamentary Constituency Constituency No of people iro UC No with a deduction from UC Proportion of UC recipients with Deduction Total Amount deducted from UC claims in NL Average amount deducted Airdrie & Shotts 7,300 4,100 56% £254,000 £62 Coatbridge, Chryston & Bellshill 7,400 4,000 55% £242,000 £60 Cumbernauld, Kilsyth, Kirkintilloch East* 6,700 3,400 51% £211,000 £62 Motherwell & Wishaw 8,500 4,800 56% £289,000 £61 Page 77 of 200
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Debt Advice Case Study Leah a single parent lives with her 7-year-old daughter in a Local Authority rented home. She suffers from extremely poor mental health and a seizure disorder. Leah contacted Tackling Poverty Team with the help of her ex-mother-in-law when she was due to be evicted from her home in only 9 days’ time. The situation had escalated as despite numerous attempts by Housing Staff to engage with Leah to address her housing issues, due to her health problems she was unable to face the situation and hadn’t engaged with letters, calls and visits from housing staff. Leah disclosed the imminent eviction to her ex-mother-in-law, who then urgently sought Debt Advice from Tackling Poverty Team. Unfortunately, the eviction decree could not be recalled as this had already previously been done by another advice agency 4 months previously, but Leah had failed to engage further at this point. The Debt Adviser established that £3, 300 was outstanding in rent arrears and although Leah was in receipt of Universal Credit Housing Costs these were only partially covering her housing costs. She was also in receipt of Adult Disability Payment, child benefit and Scottish child payment. There were no other debts. Leah was struggling to cope with the physical and mental health effects of past abuse and did not realise that she was due to make payments towards her housing costs or the consequence of not meeting her rent payments. The Debt Adviser was able to work with the Housing Staff to secure the maximum Rent Assistance Fund payment of £2,250. This was applied to the rent account and the Eviction averted. The Debt Adviser will work with Leah going forward to ensure Rent Direct Payments are put in place and an additional payment towards arrears balance was negotiated and agreed with Housing and arrangements made to pay Universal Credit Housing Costs Direct to NLC. Leah has agreed to accept help to prioritise her debts and budget her outgoings and also plans to start saving in a credit union to build some financial resilience going forward. It’s anticipated that more closely aligning Debt Advisers with Housing Localities will result in Debt Advisers being involved in this type of case much earlier, improving engagement regarding rent arrears and averting Crisis Situations Page 78 of 200
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Fuel Poverty A Network of Energy Advice Provision including The Big Energy Savings Network, Safe and Warm and Energy Best Deal are delivered by Citizens Advice Bureaux across North Lanarkshire. Frontline staff provide a range of advice and support to keep consumers keep warm and lower energy costs. Consumers are supported to understand energy bills, use energy efficiently, access financial help available, maximise income and deal with energy debt. • 3,339 clients have been supported with energy related queries • £750,660 in new energy debt was presented • 415 referrals to Home Energy Scotland were recorded • £12,007 of energy debt was written off • £310,613 of energy-related income maximisation • 1 ,371 clients were advised and supported to apply for Warm Home Discounts • 987 clients were advised on energy efficiency measures and initiatives • 1294 clients were advised on billing or meter reading Page 79 of 200
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Referrals to CAB Energy Advice Network by Priority Group Single Parent Families 384 Families with an adult or child with Health Condition/Disability 389 Larger Families (3+ children) 73 Minority ethnic families 128 Families with a child under 1 year old 90 Families where the mother is under 25 years old 38 Total of unique clients falling into at least 1 target group 686 Page 80 of 200
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Case Study – CAB Energy Network Saira, a 26-year-old single Mum had just fled an abusive relationship with her 1-year-old son and had been placed in temporary accommodation. She was struggling to meet her basic living costs and had no support from family/friends. She was also struggling with her mental and physical health and had very little food and nappies and her energy meters were also running low. Saira was assisted with Crisis Grant application and whilst awaiting a decision energy and shopping vouchers to buy food and nappies were issued. A benefit check showed she was not in receipt of full benefit entitlement and an application was made for Child benefit and Adult Disability Payment. When Saira was allocated permanent housing a Community Care Grant application was made for help in furnishing her new home. A referral was also made to women’s aid charity Aura who have provided a grant to have cameras installed in her home to provide security and help Saira and her son settle in. Aura could also offer Intense support and therapy to Saira. Following the debt advice process, energy debt has been written off due to incorrect billing from her previous accommodation. Tailored energy advice was offered when client moved into her new house focusing on energy efficiency, reducing energy bills and available financial support. Her financial and overall wellbeing has improved significantly. In Saira’s words, ‘I do not know where I would be without the support from the project.’ Food and energy vouchers £174 Child benefit £1,331 Crisis grant £400 Community Care grant £1864 Adult Disability Payment £7398.55 Total financial gain £11,167 Debt Written off £751 Page 81 of 200
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New Affordable Homes Children need a firm foundation on which to build their lives, namely a secure and warm home which meets their needs and those of their family. But it must also be affordable, so that after housing costs there is sufficient money left over for everything else. North Lanarkshire Council has this year extended an initial target of delivering 5,000 affordable homes to 6,000 new affordable homes by 2035. By providing 1,000 more affordable homes, we are ensuring that there are more homes for families with children in housing need. The council has delivered 2,081 affordable homes for families with children from a total of 2,474 new affordable homes since 2010 (up to 31 March 2025)1 and of these 661 have been delivered for larger families (3 or more bedrooms) and 133 wheelchair accessible homes for families (2 or more bedrooms). Fuel costs are reduced due to the requirement for all new build social housing from April 2024 to include zero direct emission (non-gas) heating systems, coupled with enhanced insulation levels and solar panels. 48 new affordable homes in Brandon Street, Motherwell were completed in February 2025, benefiting from renewable technologies, featuring ground source heat pumps and Solar PV panels as part of our plan to introduce and test low carbon fuelled homes and use cleaner energy sources making our homes more energy efficient. We will monitor the energy performance and energy costs throughout the coming year as it is hoped to evidence that these homes at Brandon Street are reducing fuel costs with a positive impact on child poverty. Fibre Broadband and Cat5 cabling is installed to all rooms as standard in all new build housing developments ensuring families in our homes have access to high-speed broadband for accessing work and education with digital infrastructure supporting telecare and telehealth. 1 2,474 new affordable homes is comprised 1,629 new build council homes 2010 and up to 31 March 2025; and 845 properties acquired through the Open Market Purchase Scheme/Empty Homes Purchase Scheme since 2013/14. Page 82 of 200
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Homes for Families North Lanarkshire is experiencing a similar increase in homelessness applications as other local authorities, with the most recent figures for 2023/24 seeing a 16% increase from the previous year, with families accounting for 31% of all homeless applications. North Lanarkshire has for the first time been able to produce data based on housing applications, which will now inform on households with children, this information will allow housing services together with support services to target families who need support. 15% of homeless applicants were from single mothers, 11% from single fathers, and 5% of applications were from couples with children. The table below provides a breakdown of applications with the comparison to the previous year. North Lanarkshire Homeless Applications by Household Composition Page 83 of 200
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North Lanarkshire experienced an increase in homelessness applications across all groups, with an increase of 16% over the period, in comparison to 4% nationally. This large increase in volume, has ultimately led to a 12% increase in the number of children associated with homelessness applications, compared to the national decrease of 7%. The Homeless Action Plan approved at committee in 2024, Document.ashx sets out the range of actions that the council and its partners will undertake over the 2025 – 20238 period to prevent homelessness from occurring in the first place and also resolve it quickly as possible when it cannot be avoided through enabling access to permanent accommodation as quickly as possible and reducing time spent in temporary accommodation. Page 84 of 200
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Reducing Fuel Costs in our Existing Housing Stock The Scottish House Condition Survey estimates 34% (around 861,000 households) of all households in Scotland in 2023 were in fuel poverty. 19.4% (or 491,000 of the 861,000 households in fuel poverty) were living in extreme fuel poverty in 2023. We know that overall rates of fuel poverty are higher in the social rented sector (61%) compared to the private sector (25%) and (32%) living in extreme Fuel poverty compared to private sector (15%). The SHCS, determined that increases in fuel prices had the largest impact on the change in fuel poverty rate between 2022 and 2023. This makes our targets to improve our housing stock are vital in tackling fuel poverty for our tenants. North Lanarkshire Council’s Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) sets out our plans and associated actions to achieving net zero across both our domestic and non-domestic buildings. Our plans include energy efficiency measures and installation of zero direct emission heating systems in council homes to achieve the national targets in relation to net zero and reduce fuel poverty. £1.5m of EES: ABS funding for 2024/25 improved 96 flats in Airdrie, Kilsyth and Coatbridge and 8 houses in Motherwell entailing works on external wall insulation, cavity wall insulation and Solar PV Panels in houses and some flats, all of which contribute to reducing fuel poverty caused by high fuel costs. NLC’s 2024-25 Capital Programme has continued to invest in high-quality homes including the following measures all positively impacting on Fuel costs and Energy Efficiency: Infographic to illustrate these figs:- Improvements Number of Homes Improved Total Expenditure Roof and Render 344 £12.3m Heating Systems 1,583 £ 7.2m Kitchens and Bathrooms 246 £ 2.1m Solar PV Panels 950 £ 5.8m Triple Glazed Windows 1,288 £ 8.3 m Loft and Cavity Insulation 450 £ 0.7m Page 85 of 200
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Digital Connectivity in NLC Homes North Lanarkshire Council will provide a test of change initiative for digital connectivity to all of our tenants as part of a long-term plan over a 10- year period, to overcome exclusion and address barriers of opportunity, access, knowledge and skills to using technology. To date all 2,474 new homes provided by the council have Fibre to the Premises Broadband installed. The Scottish Household Survey (SHS) 2023 estimates that 10% of overall households in North Lanarkshire do not have internet access. The SHS also shows that across all tenures social rented tenants are least likely to have internet access, estimated at 15% of social rented tenants. Digital exclusion is higher in areas of deprivation, with households in the most deprived areas experiencing a greater rate of digital exclusion than those in less deprived areas. “Digital by default” is increasingly the way in which services are being delivered – there is a danger that those who are digitally excluded are being left behind. North Lanarkshire Council will provide for digital connectivity to all of our tenants and continue to understand the needs of those experiencing digital exclusion. A plan of action is in place to ensure equity and access for all residents and communities who experience limited digital connectivity. To further improve digital connectivity residents can now find and book digital services in their community using a new directory. Community Digital Services provides information on 59 digital activities offered across 42 community facilities by council, charities, community groups and other organisations. These include support using PC, tablet and smartphones, IT training and even IT qualifications for all age groups and digital will get further attention and planning in next Tackling Poverty Strategy and Action Plan. Providing internet access and IT literacy measures will help people reduce the cost of living by applying online for welfare benefits, using digital tools to compare prices and get the best deals for services like insurance, banking and credit. >GRAPHICS INSERT COMMUNITY DIGITAL SERVICE QR CODE Page 86 of 200
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Help at School and Beyond North Lanarkshire Council is responsible for direct delivery of Support to Families and Young People to help alleviate the Cost of Living:- School Clothing Grants • £155 for Primary School Pupils and £180 for Secondary School Pupils • Means Tested paid to parents in receipt of Means Tested Benefits • 11, 942 Clothing Grants Awarded in 2024/25 Free School Meals • Universal Entitlement for all P1 – P5 pupils and P6 & P 7 pupils in receipt of Scottish Child Payment • In addition to Universal Entitlement Free School Meals are awarded Families on low income can apply • 10, 743 children qualify for Free School Meals on low-income grounds • 6, 203 Families benefitted Page 87 of 200
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Free School Meal Holiday Payments • Cash Payment paid over School Holidays to Families receiving Means Tested Free School Meals • Payment amount varies - £12.50 - £32.50 • On average 9,942 individual payments made • 6,126 families benefitted Education Maintenance Allowance • £30 pw paid to young people aged 16 years in full time education • Paid to young people from low-income households • 852 grants awarded It is recognised that the rate of successful awards made is falling and work will be done to examine possible barriers within the application process and increase number of successful awards made Page 88 of 200
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Young Persons Free Bus Travel Scheme • All Young People 5-21 can apply • 79% take up overall, matching national average • 52,843 travel cards issued overall Page 89 of 200
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Breastfeeding NHS Lanarkshire maternity unit, together with North and South Health and Social Care partnerships, were delighted to be awarded the “Baby Friendly Achieving Sustainability Gold award” in March 2024. However, we have continued to work hard to improve services and experiences for families. Breastfeeding has a positive impact on levelling health inequalities, is a sustainable food source in times of financial hardship and climate emergencies and has a positive impact on the health of both mothers and babies in the short, medium and long term. Our neonatal unit was delighted to be awarded their Neonatal Unit Baby Friendly stage 2 award in March 2024, and work is continuing towards stage 3 in Autumn 2025. There are 9 regular breastfeeding groups running across North Lanarkshire. Work has been ongoing to modernise and reintroduce a “model of best practice” and to provide additional training to the group leads. This will ensure a quality and equity of provision, so that no matter where mothers go to a group in Lanarkshire, they can be assured of the quality of support they will receive. Key health staff continue to attend and participate in a national working group around Infant Food Insecurity, to scope models of best practice and evaluate impact from a previously launched national toolkit. A short life working group was set up locally and carried out scoping looking at local pathways for staff and partners to support; families in financial crisis, maximising breastfeeding and emergency provision of formula where required. Staff are now finalising a once for Lanarkshire pathway with the Scottish Government toolkit embedded. In terms of the most up to date 2023/24 breastfeeding data, North Lanarkshire Initiation has increased to 50.7%, a 7-point increase since 2016/17. This is a landmark for North Lanarkshire as for the first time, more than half of babies have initiated breastfeeding. North Lanarkshire first visit (at 10-14 days), increased to 40.4%, a rise of 11.3 points since 2016/17. North Lanarkshire 6-8 weeks visit, increased to 30%, an 8.4-point increase since 2016/17. Page 90 of 200
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Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Almost 700 organisations are signed up to the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland (BFS) scheme, which is ran locally by the Maternal and Infant Nutrition team. Following achieving Gold in the BFS Local Authority award, North Lanarkshire Council continue to maintain the systems wide approach to training, policies and procedures and supporting both staff and members of the public to promote, support and protect breastfeeding. 100% of NLC Early learning settings have maintained the BFS Early Learning Scheme award and >80% of Primary and Secondary schools have achieved the BFS Schools scheme award with remaining settings receiving support. An annual champion's update has been held to provide ongoing support to ensure the standards are maintained and the appropriate governance procedures are in place. In September 2024, North Lanarkshire Council won a COSLA award in the Reducing Health Inequalities category for their whole systems approach to breastfeeding. Breastfeeding Friendly North Lanarkshire (BFNL) was also included as a case study example of a successful, preventative intervention in the 2025 Scottish Government publication; “Learning from 25 years of Preventative Interventions in Scotland.” Link to publication: https://www.gov.scot/publications/learning-25-years-preventative-interventions-scotland/documents/ *QR code needed for this link for printed version* *Insert Photos here “COSLA Award 1” and/or “COSLA Award 2”* Page 91 of 200
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Period Dignity Project Girls and women should always have access to sanitary protection as a basic human right. With Period products varying hugely in price, ranging from £1.70 for a basics pack of 20 tampons to £3.25 for a branded pack, the costs involved in managing a period in day-to-day life can be high. For low-income families that may have more than one girl/woman at menstruating age this cost can ultimately lead to period poverty with families already facing difficult financial decisions being unable to purchase sanitary products. Women and Girls should never have to worry about whether they will be able to access protection and should never have to miss school or other opportunities due to the anxiety of coping without period products. 2024/25 saw a significant rise in distribution of Free Period Products across North Lanarkshire, with a total of 1,213,171 individual products distributed across community sites and Schools. Distribution rates increased by 18% across Sites within the heart of our communities and distribution in Schools increased by 141% on the previous year. 7 anchor organisations have an additional offer of reusable products and can even deliver items to homes in rural areas using electric bikes >Graphics use Period Products Bar Chart to design an infographic: In addition to the PickupMyPeriod APP and information on over 100 pick up sites on the Council website, the most recent marketing strategy engages with social media users ensuring we reach all age groups. And as part of a social media campaign Period Dignity Week took place in February 2025. 12 venues in 9 localities, including Sports Centres, Libraries, Community Hubs and NHS Health Centres hosted information stalls with on average 80-100 people in attendance at each event and over 1,000 bags of products distributed in one week! Collaboration across the council, partner organisations, Head Teachers and focus groups with pupils from three high schools within North Lanarkshire will take place across 2025/26 and findings from these engagement sessions will be direct further taken forward during the period 25/26. > Graphics insert Period QR code and two event photos Page 92 of 200
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The Drivers of Tackling Poverty Increasing Income Via Social Security Benefits “I am eternally grateful for the help that your service has provided me, you have no idea the difference this has made for me. Your kindness has been unbelievable, you have taken a lot of worry, anxiety and stress for me. All the staff have been so kind from the moment I called to receiving a home visit. I am now in a position where I do not need to worry about money as much.” Tackling Poverty Service User In North Lanarkshire we recognise that ensuring people’s income is fully maximised is the first step to tackling poverty and inequality. The Council is committed to ensuring that people have access to welfare rights services in their communities funding both inhouse and third sector agencies. The demand for advice services continues with the 29,819 benefit checks being completed, generating £55,340,045 in additional benefit income for our residents. Whilst we await the updated recording system to be implemented across social work (go live July 2025), we are limited in reporting on benefits generated for the specific priority groups, however, we can say with certainty that £1,089,429 has been generated specifically for child related benefits, this does not include any premiums etc on other benefits, and that the team has generated £6,735,891 in additional benefits for priority families across our communities. The Tackling Poverty Team Activity 29,819 Benefit Checks carried by the Tackling Poverty Team for residents in 2024/25 14% Increase £55,340,045 in additional benefit income generated for North Lanarkshire residents by the Tackling Poverty Team in 2024/25 14% increase £870,609 additional income generated for kinship carers £1,225,641 in additional income generated via children’s social security benefits £2,132,125 in additional benefit income generated for people presenting in food crisis in 2024/25 £9.5 million additional income generated for North Lanarkshire residents by externally commissioned advice services in 2024/25 3928 awards from the councils Universal Credit Assistance Fund made to NLC tenants experiencing hardship when claiming housing costs as part of their Universal Credit application 671 awards from the Councils Rent Assistance Fund to NLC tenants experiencing financial hardship due to the cost-of-living crisis Page 93 of 200
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All Roads Lead to the Tackling Poverty Team The Tackling Poverty Communications Group have produced targeted social media posts for parents to encourage income maximisation and support from the Tackling Poverty Team. Posts have included; Best Start Foods Financial Education for Adults Free School Meals School clothing Grants Educational Maintenance Allowance Free Period Products National No Smoking Day This together with the bespoke Poverty Awareness Sessions delivered across council services, NHS Lanarkshire and our partners in the Community and Voluntary Sector, referrals are increasing to the Tackling Poverty Team for information and advice. The Poverty Awareness Sessions embed a referral route into the training, this allows the team to provide feedback to those referrers in relation to the outcomes of their referrals. Referrals have increased, with the team taking on average 1233 referrals each month, an increase on the two previous years where the average was 945 and 1180 respectively. Evidence from Public Health Scotland via the Improvement Service, identified that the North Lanarkshire Tackling Poverty Team generated the highest levels of income for its residents across Scotland in 2022/23 accounting for nearly 13% of the overall additional benefit income generated. In 2024/25 the Team has generated £55,340,045 in additional income for residents of North Lanarkshire. 1261 1272 1088 1217 1227 1168 1298 1333 896 1321 1290 1424 APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR Referrals to the Tackling Poverty Team 2024 /25 Page 94 of 200
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The Improvement Service calculates that the Scottish ratio of individual financial gain to the level of local authority investment is around £13 for individuals for every £1 invested. In North Lanarkshire that investment yields a significantly higher return, with every £1 invested generating £30.37 for individuals. It Starts With A Benefit Check Norah contacted the Tackling Poverty Team after seeing a post on Facebook. Norah advised that she was in private rented accommodation with her estranged partner and her daughter who had a disability. Norah advised that she and her partner had been estranged for 5 years but were still living in the same accommodation and claiming Universal Credit separately. Norah’s initial enquiry was around housing, advising she had been on the housing list for a new home for her and her daughter and had called the Team in respect of this. Norah was advised we would send her details on to housing for them to contact her and advised her what the Tackling Poverty Team did. Norah was asked if she wanted the Team to check her benefits while she was on and she agreed to this. Norah advised that she claims Carers Support Payment for her daughter, who was in receipt of both high-rate care and mobility of the Child Disability Payment, however, when the benefit check was completed, it was established that she was missing the Disabled Child Element from her Universal Credit. Following the assistance from the Team, two weeks later, Norah came back to the Team to advise that her Universal Credit claim had been amended to show the child disability premium of £495.87 per month had been added to the claim, meaning a financial gain of £5950.44. In addition to this Norah was awarded a £15,498 backdate and was delighted with the help she had been giving, telling the advisor, “you have changed my life, thank you so much” Page 95 of 200
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Education – Poverty Awareness Session With An Ask In order to tackle Child Poverty, the Tackling Poverty Team have worked closely with Education, looking at how we can deliver more direct services to families. Research shows that children with Additional Support Needs from low-income families can face barriers that prevent them from growing up into more affluent adults. Many factors play a role, including the outcomes they achieve and qualifications they gain as part of their education (leaving school with particularly low attainment), their wellbeing as children, access to support for their needs and their diminished chances of finding well paid work as an adult. The Tackling Poverty Team delivered a Poverty Awareness Session to Head Teachers from the 12 Additional Support Needs schools in North Lanarkshire with a difference. The Tackling Poverty Team asked the schools to consider pooling their Pupil Equity Funding together to fund a Welfare Rights Officer. Addressing the issue that we cannot tackle the poverty attainment gap, without first tackling poverty, the Head Teachers were asked to make an investment in this resource for the pupils and families of their schools. Nine of the twelve ASN schools (both primary and secondary) were able to invest some of their Pupil Equity Funding in a dedicated Welfare Rights Officer for their schools. The Welfare Rights Officer has worked the full school year with the families. The decision was made to have a targeted approach to P1 and S1 pupils and their families initially, and to the end of the school year turning attention to school leavers, who were transitioning on to their next stage. It was important that the welfare rights officer became part of the school community, being visible in the school setting. The Head Teachers in the nine schools, also agreed to put out information for all families, should anyone need to speak to the welfare rights officer out-with the targeted groups The welfare rights officer has worked with 117 families and has generated £519,259 in additional benefit income for these families. This work has identified significant shortfalls in the income being received by these families and the work done to maximise income has resulted in backdates of £10,000 - £22,000 for families with no disability benefits in payment, various premiums missing from their income-based benefits, as well as child benefit and Scottish child payment not in payment . Due to the success of the Project, the ASN schools have agreed to continue to the fund the welfare rights officer for a further year. Page 96 of 200
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The Impact of Advice Services on Families "We have experienced and continue to tackle various challenges in terms of health, wealth, education and social circumstances. Lynne has been immensely supportive in helping us understand and access the various benefits we are entitled to. I have had a well-paid job in the NHS for many years but due to a variety of circumstances, have ended up off sick for over a year. I am the sole earner in the house, and we have four young children, one of whom is profoundly disabled…….referred me to the service as one of the major growing issues my family was facing was a growing financial black hole. Without Lynnes help, we would be in an extremely more difficult position, and my mental health would have deteriorated much further. Lynne has went above and beyond to advise and support us and is still a great source of help today as we continue to try and get the right support in place for our disabled son.” Father of Pupil It Starts With A Benefit Check Caleb attends an ASN school in North Lanarkshire, his mum Amy advised that she had all her benefits in place, as Caleb was in receipt of high-rate care and mobility components of Child Disability Payment. The welfare rights officer advised that we always start with a benefit check, as Child Disability Payment can lead to additional premiums. The Welfare Rights Officer was able to advise that there were shortfalls in Amy’s income, the disabled child element was missing as well as a carers element not being in payment. Following the welfare rights assistance, Amy’s monthly income rose from £739.14 to £1436.69. Amy received a £14,400 backdate of the disabled child element as well as a £5277 backdate of the carer’s element. (total backdated benefit of £19,677) Page 97 of 200
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Health and Income Maximisation A comprehensive independent review of health and health inequalities in Scotland led by the Health Foundation conducted in 2023, shows that the health of Scots living in the most deprived local areas is being left behind the rest of society. Analysis carried out for the review shows that in 2019, there was a 24-year gap in the time spent in good health between people living in the most and least deprived 10% of local areas in Scotland. The National Records of Scotland (NRS) report, published in July 2025, identified that residents in North Lanarkshire face the shortest healthy life expectancy in Scotland. The most recent figures for 2021-23 indicate that women in Scotland can anticipate living in good health for 60 years, with Scottish men having a slightly reduced healthy life expectancy at 59.6 years. In North Lanarkshire, women can only expect to enjoy 52.5 years of good health, whilst men face 52.4 years. Projects such as the Wealth and Health Project partly funded by the Improvement Service are therefore vital, to ensure that the residents of North Lanarkshire have easy access to not only income maximisation and debt advice services but also a gateway to Employability Services and other vital supports. The North Lanarkshire Wealth and Health Project provides a welfare rights service based in four GP practices across the council, offering a delivery model which supports early intervention and engages individuals who would perhaps be unlikely to use the more “traditional” advice services. The welfare rights officer is embedded into the GP Practices accessing patient records and providing not only the patients but the practice themselves with support. Carrying out 890 benefit checks in the practices and making 1197 claims in 2024/25, the welfare rights officer has generated £4,067,712, in additional benefit income for residents Page 98 of 200
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Wealth and Health – It Starts With A Benefit Check Stephanie is a patient of the Dr Logan’s Practice in Wishaw, she has a 15-year-old son, Kieran, who has an autism diagnosis. Stephanie advised that Kieran that due to anxiety and stress he was fleeing school, a decision was made to home school him. Stephanie advised that she is a single parent who lives with her son, she works full time she receives universal credit some months but only a small amount and in recent months her award has been zero because she has been doing overtime to support her and Kieran. The GP asked the welfare rights officer to speak to Stephanie to see if there was any help she could provide, as she herself was suffering from anxiety due to the pressures at home. The welfare rights officer completed a Child Disability Payment Form providing evidence from GP records for the claim. This allowed a quicker decision to be made. An award of middle rate daily living and standard rate mobility was made totalling £103.10 per week, with a backdated payment of £1134.10. The welfare rights officer assisted in advising Universal Credit of the change of circumstances, and this together with a carers claim will increase the household income by a further £193.21. Stephanie advised that the additional income would mean that she no longer needs to do overtime and can spend more time looking after Kieran, supporting him with his needs which will take a huge stress out of the household as well as financially. Wealth and Health – It Starts With A Benefit Check Amelie was referred to the welfare rights officer in the Old Mill Practice, she advised that she was separating from her partner and was asking for information on what she would be entitled to. Amelie has two children, 5 and 7 months, she had not claimed the Scottish Child Payment for any of the children and only child benefit for the oldest child. The welfare rights officer assisted Amelie with both claims and was able to advise on the school clothing grant. Amelie was delighted with the service, with an increased income of £272 per month and £155 clothing grant to help with the additional costs of her oldest going to school, has made a massive difference to her. Page 99 of 200
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A further 1085 referrals were received from health colleagues across North Lanarkshire, including referrals from health visitors, district nurses and addiction services. These referrals generated an additional £1,594,660 in benefit income for residents. The links between Poverty and Health are complex and can be multifaceted. Poorer health can be both a cause and a consequence for people living in poverty. Limited resources across all sectors is a challenge. It is therefore vitally important that, in these challenging financial times, we plan jointly with health and social care partners to explore innovative ways of working together to maximise our resources and ensure our residents receive the support and advice they require from income maximisation services. The Action Plan reflects these conversations will continue in the coming year. Health - It Starts With A Benefit Check Following a referral from Health, the welfare rights officer visited a family, Larry and Paula, they had two children and were struggling financially, they had advised the Family Nurse Practitioner they were worried about their daughter leaving school and the impact this was going to have on household finances. The Nurse made a referral to the Tackling Poverty Team. A welfare rights officer worked with the family, identifying Scottish Child Payment missing for their youngest child, however, the welfare rights officer also identified that there was a catalogue of errors made in the families claim, around not only child benefits, but also premiums that they were entitled to. The welfare rights officer liaised with the DWP on the family’s behalf, and it was identified that they family had a weekly shortfall of £147.27 and received a backdated payment of £29,249.52. The welfare rights officer further assisted with an Adult Disability Payment claim resulting in a further £73.90 per week. #itstartswithabenefitcheck Page 100 of 200
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Royal Hospital for Children – Financial Support Project An annual contribution from University Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire, ensures families in Lanarkshire, who have a child attending the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, can access onsite financial support if they are struggling. The team support families to recover money via benefits, grants and discounts, to which they are entitled, but do not currently receive. In the 2024/25 financial year, 17 North Lanarkshire families were supported by this service, leading to £194,249 in financial gains. Social Work and Income Maximisation The Tackling Poverty Team have delivered Poverty Awareness Sessions to social work colleagues across North Lanarkshire, with all newly qualified social workers receiving Poverty Awareness Training as part of their induction into the Service. The training provides social work staff with referral routes and support for people, children and families accessing social work services. In 2024/25 the Tackling Poverty Team received 9990 referrals from social work teams across North Lanarkshire, generating a total of £6,537,291. Kinship Carers are automatically referred the Tackling Poverty Team, to ensure that their income is fully maximised to help with the additional costs of looking after children and young people in their care. The referrals to the Team have generated an additional £870,609 in benefit income for Kinship Carers, a 17% increase from last year for this specific group of people. Page 101 of 200
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The Third Sector – Information and Advice To ensure all residents have access to information and advice services, North Lanarkshire Council commission services from the third sector to provide welfare rights, money and housing advice to compliment the in-house services delivered. The Citizens Advice Bureaux were successful in the bid, and they deliver services across our 6 main towns as well as delivering outreach services in the heart of our communities. In 2024/25 the services generated £7,650,115 in additional benefit income for our residents. Social Work – It Starts With A Benefit Check Bronwyn is a 26-year-old single parent to two children, 2-year-old Harry and 7-week- old Harper. Bronwyn has a learning difficulty and has recently left her home urgently due to domestic violence. Bronwyn’s social worker referred her into the Tackling Poverty Team, as she was really struggling to pay for necessities for her family, and there were concerns that she may return to the violent home. The welfare rights officer started to work with her, and it became apparent that there were a number of issues with Bronwyn’s benefit income, on further investigation, correspondence had been sent to the wrong address for Bronwyn resulting in money not being paid and being held for 14 months. Working with the Welfare Rights Officer, Bronwyn was able to provide up to date bank details and had over £6000 deposited into her account over the next few days. Universal Credit had also failed to pay the correct premiums etc due to this issue and Bronwyn received another backdated payment of £4500. In addition to this Bronwyn was supported to claim the Best Start Foods payment. With the backdated payment, Bronwyn is now in a position to purchase all new items for her new home with her family and feels in a stronger position that she is no longer reliant upon her abusive ex-partner. Bronwyn is delighted with the service and the guidance she has received. #itstartswithabenefitcheck Page 102 of 200
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Citizens Advice Bureaux – Case Study Anna came to the CAB for advice, she explained that she had separated from her husband, however, she hopes to stay in the family home with her 3 children, a daughter and twin boys, however, she was struggling financially. The house has been adapted for her twin boys who have autism, and both receive Child Disability Payment at the enhanced rates of both components. Anna owns the home jointly with her husband. Anna is currently getting Child Benefit and works part time earning £2000 net monthly. Client wanted to know if any benefits might help her to remain in the house herself as she has a high mortgage of £1200 a month. Advice / Options / Actions Agreed: A full income maximisation calculation was done based on her circumstances and household income. The CAB advisor explained to Anna she can make a claim for Universal Credit (UC) , as she is also the boys carer. Claiming UC will mean Anna will have entitlement to Scottish Child payment (SCP). As well as entitlement to Council Tax Reduction (CTR) Client was also sent a link for the Family Fund which supports families with autistic children to see if she may be entitled to a grant as she has no savings Potential Client financial gains are: SCP £4235.40, UC £17,477.76 and CTR £211.51. Client was also given advice about maintenance and referral to Child Maintenance Group and divorce proceedings. Page 103 of 200
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Holistic Supports Cash First – Maximising Incomes to Maximise Outcomes North Lanarkshire has promoted a Cash First approach to tackling food poverty and inequality since 2014, the approach is now embedded across both internal and external services. North Lanarkshire’s approach is “Cash First but not Cash Only.” This means that when someone approaches a Service for help when they are in a food crisis, they not only receive the cash but there are additional supports there if the person needs them. Supports such as debt advice, money advice, referrals to other services have been made such as addiction services, occupational therapy and mental health services. North Lanarkshire has been a part of the Scottish Government’s Cash First Partnership Fund, where we were able to provide people with an interim payment whilst waiting on the decision for a crisis grant payment. Since its inception in November 2023 to June 2025, the service has paid out £38,826 in direct cash first payments to 1163 people, 37.4% of the people who have had a payment fall into the Child Poverty Priority Groups. The Project in 2024/25 carried out 1564 benefit checks, completed 1721 claims for additional benefit, generating £2,132,125 in additional benefit income for people accessing the service. A total of 320 children from priority groups were assisted through the service with additional income of £61,145 generated for benefits directly for children, e.g., child benefit, Scottish child payment and DLA for Children. The Project had another important arm to it, allowing us to explore what other emergency payments the Council provided to its residents, this in the main came from Social Work, however, other service provide payments such as; education and housing. This work has proven to be vital as we have moved on to become a Fairer Future Partnership. Fairer Future Partnership’s in Scotland aim to improve family wellbeing and support services by integrating various local approaches. North Lanarkshire has joined other Local Authorities across Scotland, and will focus on providing tailored, holistic support for families, ensuring they receive help when and where they need it. Page 104 of 200
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Cash First Not Cash Only Terry is a single parent who lives with her 9 months old twins. Terry has 4 other children who she doesn’t have full custody of, and not in receipt of any benefit income for them. Terry had bought clothing and other items for the 4 other children and had left herself short to purchase food and essentials for herself. Terry contacted the Tackling Poverty Team asking if there was any help available to be able to purchase food for herself and her twins. A benefit check was carried out, and despite Terry having significant health issues herself, she is not in receipt of any Adult Disability Payment (ADP). Terry was given support to call for the ADP form and advised we would assist with this when the form came through. Terry also advised that she had utility debts and was struggling with how to pay this, the team were able to provide her support on this with a debt advisor contacting her to deal with this. The Tackling Poverty Team assisted Terry to apply for a crisis grant and were able to provide an interim payment of £50 for food, £49 for fuel and an additional £30 for baby milk for the twins. #itstartswithabenefitcheck Page 105 of 200
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Whole Family Wellbeing and Fairer Futures Partnership In 2024 the Families Here and Now Service was commissioned by North Lanarkshire Council to provide family support services to enhance the landscape of early intervention and preventative support for families. The approach ensures that we have the right supports in place at the right time putting in place a range of services at universal, additional and intensive levels. To ensure that holistic family supports truly aligned with the Promise and the council’s Tackling Poverty Action Plan, there was a need to join up services so that people can experience the right support at the right time. This includes improved transition when stepping up to additional and intensive levels of support, if required, and similarly when stepping down to universal support. Families Here and Now Service Families Here and Now Service (FHANS) is a service led by Barnardo’s in partnership with Impact Arts, Action for Children and Home Start (Glasgow North & North Lanarkshire), providing whole family early help and support across the whole of North Lanarkshire. Built upon the foundations of The Promise, the service offers a no wrong door approach and draws on the strengths of individuals to support better outcomes for children, young people and families. Next step…. Cash first at each level Page 106 of 200
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From its inception in April 2024 to July 2025, the service received 340 referrals for families, 246 received supports from FHANS whilst 94 required either one-off brief intervention or supported to a service more suited to their needs. The FHANS staff work closely with partners across North Lanarkshire, to ensure they are accessing the right support at the right time for families. Interventions vary according to the needs and wants of the family and can include; one to one activities, groups, drop ins and whole family activities. Sustainability is measured through the 3 monthly check ins which continue up to one year after the support ends. Whole Family Support – Families Here and Now Service The service received a referral from a Head Teacher in March 2025, for a lone parent, Erin, with three sons, outlining that the family were experiencing financial hardship and that the family were struggling with their physical and emotional health. Erin also needed help with her youngest son Jake (6 years) who is currently on the waiting list to be seen by the neurodevelopmental team, psychological services, occupational therapy and the school nurse. Erin also reported financial difficulties, she had no mobile phone as Jake had broken it. Erin explained that due to overcrowding, she and Jake were also sharing a double bed at the back of the living room. Erin admitted to not liking “accepting help from anyone” and doubted that they would be able to help her. After several attempts to contact Erin, she agreed to meet with the worker. Erin was initially hesitant to open up but using the Outcome Star and discussing each concern in more depth, there was a breakthrough and Erin expressed that she was grateful for help and support. Through working with FHANS the family were able to get a break to Craig Tara through the service, however, Erin had expressed her embarrassment that her son had holes in his trainers. Using community services, the worker was able to access new trainers, clothes, underwear, sandals and even some toys for the beach. Erin expressed her delight at the service, saying it had taken away all the anxiety she had about the trip, and she was genuinely looking forward to it. Page 107 of 200
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Whole Family Support – School Attendance North Lanarkshire Council take a family support approach where there is concern about school attendance, with a focus on those families living in SIMD 1 and 2. Family Engagement Support Assistants (FESAs) offer family support such as routines, links with the tackling poverty team and facilitating communication with schools. Building on the lessons learned from the Whole Family Support approach and the cash first approach, we are empowering staff and families by making the Cash First approach available to our FESAs. By providing families tailored solutions to specific circumstances help empower families and can stop them moving from that universal support to additional and at times intensive support. The case study below provides the evidence of how a relatively small amount of money direct to the family has helped a young girl back to school and overcome an attendance issue. Maximising Incomes To Maximise Outcomes Amy (10) was referred to family support from a Family Engagement Support Assistant due to low attendance at school, with the purpose of working with the whole family to identify and break down any barriers to attendance. Amy was reluctant to engage with the FESA, but they continued to make contact and meet with Amy and her family. After several visits the FESA noticed that the girl had small, dated and second-hand clothing that had been clearly handed down from her older brothers. The FESA thought that maybe Amy was lacking confidence. The FESA requested cash first for a shopping trip. The FESA felt that this would help build their relationship but give Amy some choice in her clothing. Amy disclosed that she had never been a shopping trip before and had never chosen her own clothing. Amy was bursting with happiness that she could go and pick her own clothing, in her favourite colours, but most importantly for Amy was being able to buy a school bag and decorate it with some charms. The FESA was able to talk to the parents and discuss how important this was for Amy. The parents agreed that they would be more vigilant and considerate to Amy’s needs. Amy now has friends; she looks forward to attending school and feels confident. Amy now walks home with a friend and attends after school clubs! Page 108 of 200
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Whole Family Support – Community Learning and Development Community Learning and Developments (CLD) Family Learning programmes work alongside families with children who have additional support seed (ASN) diagnosis. The Team work to empower parents/ carers to build resilience by providing learning offers, workshops and activities that are tailored to meet each individual child’s needs. The Learning Programme include: Solihull – Understanding you Child Relax Kids Sleep Action ASN Parenting Supports Family learning – Whole Family Support Parenting Workshops The CLD programmes are inclusive and link with various partners including, the Tackling Poverty Team and third sector supports. In 2024/2025 the programme supported: CLD Family Learning have supported 201 Parent/Carers and 191 Children to access Health and Wellbeing programmes. 31 Families who have a child with an ASN Diagnosis have accessed Free Days out for their Whole Family during holiday periods. This was made up of 44 Adults and 62 Children. CLD Family Learning staff consulted with 131 Parents/ Carers to co-produce an ASN programme of activities that would meet the needs of their children. Page 109 of 200
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Our Next Steps - Fairer Futures Partnership The Council and its partners were keen to develop the learning from Whole Family Support and the work carried previously outlined in our ASN schools, recognising that families need to be able to access assistance with the drivers of tackling poverty. North Lanarkshire has been given the opportunity to become a Fairer Futures Partner with the Scottish Government, whilst other Fairer Futures Partnerships are place based, we took a different approach, by building on work already being undertaken in North Lanarkshire and focussing on a priority group; children with a disability / additional support needs and neurodiversity. In North Lanarkshire, the number of pupils identified with Additional Support Needs has increased year on year since 2010, with the latest data available identifying; • 31.31% of pupils in primary settings and • 35.16% of pupils in secondary settings recorded as having Additional Support Needs It is expected that this number will increase in the 2025/26 school term. Recognising the impact that the welfare rights officer has had with the families from ASN schools, we wanted to look to our Neurodiverse Services, and particularly our pre-school families. Children with Additional Support Needs from low-income families can face multiple disadvantages and increased vulnerability from the start of their lives. Their needs are not always prioritised by schools or policies in line with a whole system/whole family approach which can impact on the effectiveness of supports or interventions that might help to address their needs. Working collaboratively across North Lanarkshire Council, the third sector and existing public services, the Fairer Futures Project will build on and connect with existing improvement and redesign work to provide additionality, testing out different approaches to service design and delivery to support tackling child poverty and promote family wellbeing. The Fairer Futures Project scheduled to begin in late 2025 will operate in line with our wider approach and the 10 principles family support (appendix three) this work will be holistic and whole family focussed. It is anticipated that this work will be critical to shaping the delivery of early and effective support for families, but that it will also provide a template on how we can reshape and better connect support at “additional” and “intensive levels” more effectively addressing the financial poverty and sustained inequalities this cohort of families can face. The project will be delivered taking forward three specific “test of change” activities which will provide the opportunity to enhance current programmes; Page 110 of 200
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Building on the work carried out by the welfare rights officer in our ASN schools and taking this direct approach to families within our Early Years settings and to the North Lanarkshire Carers Together Neurodevelopmental Team Enhancing the North Lanarkshire Carers Together Neurodevelopmental Family Support Team with additional capacity through a council-based worker, who can work closely with the team to offer a specific focus on whole family support and develop the pathway to financial wellbeing through the Tackling Poverty Team. Cash First Payments – Recognising that maximising incomes allows us to maximise outcomes for families, this tackling child poverty measure is at the heart of our Whole Family Support approach. The tackling poverty team will ensure that family’s income is maximised by providing a benefit check and support with claiming any benefit entitlement. The services delivering Whole Family Support and those delivering support through the Fairer Futures Partnership will be able to access cash for direct payments to families to help support them and assist in preventing families moving on from universal supports to more additional or intensive supports Page 111 of 200
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Community Solutions The aim of the Community Solutions Fund is to improve children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing with reference to the national “SHANARRI” Framework, which sets out the eight key indicators for children and young people. ILLUSTRATED…. £406,000 OF FUNDING DISTRIBUTED 91 PROJECTS DELIVERED BY 16 ORGANISATIONS DISTRIBUTED ACROSS ALL 23 SCHOOL CLUSTERS Objectives of the Community Solutions Fund Increase North Lanarkshire Community and Voluntary Sector (CVS) capacity to support children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing in their local community Demonstrate the contribution of the North Lanarkshire CVS to improving children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing Improve collaboration between schools and the community and voluntary sector The Scottish Government provides funding to North Lanarkshire Council, which is then transferred to Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire (VANL) to distribute throughout the third sector. School Cluster Improvement Integration Leads (CILLs) work alongside school staff within the 23 North Lanarkshire school clusters to identify local priorities to support children and young people’s mental health, informed by needs analysis, which commission community organisations to provide support for their children and young people. Page 112 of 200
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ILLUSTRATED…. Supported 5308 children and young people 1728 primary school pupils 2484 secondary school pupils 341 families 1 young carer 17 care experienced children and young people The fund has delivered 1323 sessions of 200 activities including; ASN family and 1:1 support Boxing Cooking and nutrition workshops Cycling and wheeled sports Drama Equine therapy Gardening Health and beauty Horse riding Music, musical theatre and creative activities Outdoor activities therapeutic arts programme Vaping and smoking awareness sessions The supports have been delivered by our colleagues in the voluntary sector from; Bazooka Arts Glenboig Development Trust Holding Space Hope for Autism Lanarkshire community food and health partnership LANDED Made4UinML2 Make and Create Arts Miracle Foundation OutLET Parent Action for Safe Play Ponies Help Children Reeltime Music Socialtrack VIP Pass Community Project YMCA Bellshill & Mossend Page 113 of 200
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OutLET Case Study The Young and Community Ranger Project provides individualised outdoor learning experiences, with the aim of improving confidence, resilience and overall well-being, while fostering a deeper connection with nature and the community. The Community Ranger, an outdoor facilitator trained to support additional needs and trauma recovery, works within the cluster one day per week, supporting young people on a one-to-one basis or in small groups. Activities are tailored to individuals, but involve tool use, bushcraft skills, conservation work, and nature based educational workshops. Devlin has not attended school for some time; however, he attended the sessions each week with his dad. When Devlin first began attending the sessions, he appeared anxious and the Ranger identified that he had a high need for movement, squeezing, pushing and pulling. The Ranger worked with Devlin at the start of every session, played a game of tig to expend some energy. After this Devlin could concentrate cutting branches and would engage in conversation. Throughout the programme Devlin said he was able to focus and learned how to; Create sparks and light the fire with a flint and steel Split wood in partnership by using a mallet to strike a carving knife held by another person which required good communication and trust Devlin also practiced using school equipment with the Ranger, like using the water foundation and walking to class. The Ranger advised Devlin be encouraged to attend school without breaks to reduce his anxiety about returning and have access to movement opportunities throughout the day. Page 114 of 200
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Financial Education – Adults (Sum It Up Project) Sum It Up offers help to adults to be more confident using numbers in day-to-day life, this gives adults help to work out household bills, help in their job and indeed help to geta new job, as well as giving parents and carers the confidence to help children with their maths homework. Sum It Up is a programme funded via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, that offers free courses for those aged 16+ who would like to improve their number skills, or, who need an SQA maths qualification. The classes are set up to fun, informal and interactive in community settings, such as a community centre, as well as online, with some of the SQA classes held in New College Lanarkshire. The Financial Education programme comprises of different modules covering; Budgeting How to reduce costs Affordable credit Savings Using online tools Payslips Preparing for Christmas Scam awareness Fuel and energy Surviving the holidays People can attend the financial education classes on their own, or they can complete the SQA math qualification classes with the financial education classes complementing the theory learned for the SQA. In 2024/25 the financial education programme delivered 77 sessions to 558 people (a 67% increase in the number of people from last year), covering 123 topics. The financial education programme has been delivered to individuals and groups including; ESOL groups (English for speakers of other languages), One Parent Families Scotland – including parents with young children, parents with you ASN children, young mothers, Men’s Space Groups, Restorative Justice, Young Adult Project, Healthy Numbers Groups, Parents working with Routes to Work, and Modern Apprentices. Page 115 of 200
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Poverty Awareness Sessions The Plan for North Lanarkshire is the blueprint for service delivery across North Lanarkshire and identifies that all services will play a role in tackling poverty and inequality in our communities. This can be directly as with the services delivered by the Tackling Poverty Team and commissioned advice services from the Citizens Advice Bureaux, together with other services such as employability, housing, Scottish welfare fund etc. It can also be indirect through sign posting and referrals to the appropriate services. Following on from the success of last year, Poverty Awareness is now part of the training programme for all newly qualified Teachers in North Lanarkshire. To be able to make referrals or signpost to services, people need to know what is available to them. For this purpose, we develop bespoke Poverty Awareness Sessions delivered to both internal and external partners. The Tackling Poverty Team will first of all consider the audience for the sessions, and develop the training sessions around their needs, the sessions can be about “place”, where services are provided with statistical information about their particular locality, or it can be in relation to the service they provide, such as sessions for the North Lanarkshire Drug and Alcohol Partnership. Sessions to services will consider the relevant information to build into sessions to ensure that each training module is relevant to the audience. Effective Referral routes are offered to each service, and following the sessions, some service providers have asked for specific surgeries for their client groups. A small team has been brought together who are currently working on interactive digital training sessions, the team are working to a March 2026 date for development and delivery, and it is proposed that this training will become a mandatory module for all North Lanarkshire Council staff. With mandatory training, all staff will become poverty aware, and more importantly will know referral routes that they can provide to people and families who need help from services. Quotes From The Parents Using Sum It Up “ I have learned a lot particularly how to budget as I am moving into my own house.” “ The sessions have been great with money saving tips on shopping and using apps and discount codes saving me money” “ Amazing course full of useful info tips & tricks to get best value it was very informative” Page 116 of 200
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NHS Lanarkshire Routine Enquiry Training A Financial Health Initiative, led by the NHS Lanarkshire Health Improvement team and Welfare Rights staff, was recognised in a “Big Shout Out” Award; https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/big-shout-out-to-lyndsay-mcdonald-and-james- robertson-tackling-poverty-team/. Training resources were developed and delivered to health staff, together with financial guidance, signposting and referral routes into appropriate income maximisation services. During 2024/25, Routine Enquiry of Finances training was delivered to almost 400 health staff with a North Lanarkshire or pan-Lanarkshire remit. Training was delivered at over 38 individual sessions and took various forms including; face-to-face, virtual or embedded into clinical hand- over or development days. Content is continuously adapted to make it relevant to the patient cohorts that the staff see, but many of the teams prioritised to receive the training had a children, young people or family focused role, including; CAMHS Learning Disability team, School Nursing Teams and refresher sessions with Health Visiting and GP Link Worker staff. It also became clear during these sessions that there was a need for staff support, with members of staff coming forward with their own financial struggles or looking to support other members of staff within their teams. Locality staff also delivered an additional eight “Worrying About Money?” sessions to 57 attendees (staff and volunteers) from various organisations in North Lanarkshire, including; Neighbourhood Networks, Hope for Autism and SAMH. These evaluated positively, demonstrating an increase in both knowledge and confidence in raising the issue of money worries and knowing where to signpost or refer for support. Public Health Scotland NHS Lanarkshire were one of four territorial health boards selected to be part of the Public Health Scotland led Deep Dive into Income Maximisation in Health project. Locally, health improvement staff engaged with key services working with children and families, including; health visitors, midwives and family nurse staff, as well as local authority and third sector financial advice services. Staff supported the development of questionnaires and co-facilitated workshops to hear from staff, what was currently working well within routine enquiry pathways and what could be improved. Once key recommendations are published, local actions will be progressed across 2025/26 and beyond. Add para on SHERU Page 117 of 200
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Strengthening Families Programme Summer 2025 Co-ordinated by North Lanarkshire’s Virtual School, the Strengthening Families Programme provided support to 265 families throughout the school summer holiday. Referrals were made from Social Workers for families under the following criteria allowing support to be targeted where it is most needed. Experiencing care away from home (kinship) Experiencing care at home Child Protection Register A variety of activities were offered to keep children entertained and enhance family relationships through spending time together. All activities included the cost of entry and lunch or snacks per person, minimising the financial impact on families. Offers available included a family cinema treat, swimming passes, a visit to Glasgow Science Centre, a trip to M&D’s (including Adventure Golf) and a family outing to Heads of Ayr Farm Park in South Ayrshire. Vouchers for a children’s train ride were included for the farm park. For families struggling with transport to the Heads of Ayr Farm Park, Virtual School staff organised three individual day trips, which included local bus pick up and return. 30 families took advantage of this offer. In total 3121 tickets, passes or vouchers were provided to the families, to ensure every member could take part in the activities at minimum cost to them. Virtual School A further 68 young people and their families benefitted from contacts or supports from Virtual School staff providing direct input through arranging and/or facilitating outings for family groups or by spending time with them. A particular focus was young people who struggle within social groups and who are at risk of isolation during holiday periods. Activities included visits to local parks, soft play areas, driving range, cinema, arts and craft activities and simulated golf experiences. Staff also linked with school leavers to provide support for activities such as creating CVs, meetings with Skills Development Scotland or Routes to Work and attending college visits or interviews. Page 118 of 200
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How Did We Do? The feedback from young people, their families and social work staff about the programme has been very positive “I thought it was well planned out and the gift vouchers for the shop were an excellent addition to treat the kids to a small memento. Many of the kids in attendance likely don’t have many trips and days out. Well done and thanks.” - Carer “I really enjoyed being out and spending time with my brothers and sisters” – B, Young Person “It was great to get away and not worry too much about expenses.” – Kinship Carer “The families really appreciate this support.” – Social Worker “The kids loved their day out and it was made better as we didn’t need to worry about lunches as they were provided.” - Carer “A very positive impact on families.” – Social Worker Achievements and Challenges North Lanarkshire Council, NHS Lanarkshire and partners are committed to tackling child poverty and inequality in our communities. There have been a number of considerable achievements for our communities, however, there are still some challenges that we will address in the coming years in both our Local Child Poverty Action Plan and the new overarching Tackling Poverty Strategy which will be published mid-2026. We will continue to work within our schools across North Lanarkshire, listening to our children and will embrace their responses to the question “what do you want us to do” to allow us to shape our approach to tackling child poverty in our communities. Page 119 of 200
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Achievements Challenges £55,340,045 in additional benefit income generated for residents of North Lanarkshire The rising child poverty figure in North Lanarkshire, and how we continue to support our communities £6,735,891 in additional benefit income generated for priority families Temporary funding and uncertainty around this remain a challenge for all partners Moving from a challenge last year, to an achievement this year, we now have 7 food providers collating the demographic data required to look into food poverty Begin discussions around welfare rights input in mainstream schools The Three Questions carried out in all mainstream schools in North Lanarkshire Data – access, collation, consistency, timeous data; are all issues around data and hinder the measurement of the impact the steps we are taking are having on child poverty Families Here and Now Service rolled out across the whole of North Lanarkshire Welfare Reforms will continue to cause financial issues for families A further one-year commitment from Education for a dedicated Welfare Rights Officer within ASN schools Identifying and targeting support to priority families Working for Families: Increase of parents engaging from 104 to 680 and number securing employment from 40 to 148 over the 2-year period from 22/23 – 24/25 There was a 15% decrease in the number of children residing in temporary accommodation in North Lanarkshire, compared to a 5% increase nationally NHS Lanarkshire’s Demonstrator Programme progressed into the third cohort, continuing to target unemployed or low-earning parents. From 38 participants undertaking 6 month paid placements, 81% went onto positive destinations Page 120 of 200
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Appendix One - North Lanarkshire-Children and young people furthest from their rights Feb 2025 The information in the table below presents information from staff and young people in North Lanarkshire and from the Scottish Government about children and young people considered to be furthest from their rights. In December 2024 staff from across the Children’s Services Partnership (CSP) participated in a workshop in a workshop to identify children and young people who are furthest from their rights and explore where rights may be at risk. The information was shared with young people and a wider staff group who identified additional groupings and explored this further. Workshop list Scottish Govt info Group or children or young people Living with or experiencing… children living in poverty (including those with entitlement to free school meals); Children in Poverty Disability Disabled Children Those with complex disability Mental Health Young Carers children (and/or their parents) who are experiencing poor physical or mental health; Young Carers Mental ill health children with additional support needs; Neurodiverse young people Those with additional support needs Young people with challenging behaviour Care experience children with care experience or ‘on the edge of care;’ Care experienced children and young people BME Travelling Community minority ethnic children, particularly Gypsy/Traveller children; BME community New Scots child migrants, asylum seekers and refugees; New Scots Families with no recourse to public funds Unaccompanied asylum- seeking children and young people Page 121 of 200
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LGBTI Teenagers e.g. stigma Post 16 responsibilities Gender based violence children; female Gender Gender based violence (teenage victims). Experiencing domestic violence in their home Drug and alcohol use children experiencing disadvantages, particularly problem alcohol or drug use amongst family members, children who require support at times of key transitions; In conflict with the law Young people involved in the justice system With a loved one in prison Children of prisoners Homeless Children and Young People Child protection children at risk of significant harm, with a child protection plan; children with a parent/carer in the armed forces; Experiencing bereavement Children not in school full time Babies and Toddlers reliant on their adult carers Pre-teen (P7 – S1 transition) Those who are digitally excluded Those without access to transport All protected characteristics Young Parents Religion ( All forms ) C&YP Exploitation Page 122 of 200
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Appendix Two - The Cluster Responses to The Three Questions full overview doc Page 123 of 200
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Appendix Three – 10 Principles Family Support 1 Children, young people, and families are at the heart of the planning and delivery of children’s services 2 All children, young people and families are included irrespective of health, sex, gender, ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, economic circumstances, religion or belief. 3 We promote and safeguard the rights of children and young people and make sure everybody is aware of these rights and understand what they are, as expressed in the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child. 4 We seek to identify difficulties and solutions as early as possible to prevent more or bigger problems in the future. 5 We work collaboratively to ensure children, young people and families get the support they need when they need it, and for as long as they need it. 6 Our approach recognises and builds on the strengths that already exist within children, young people, their families and communities. 7 We take time to develop caring and nurturing relationships with children and their families and carers. Our approach is trauma informed and has nurture at its heart with a focus on developing strong, positive relationships between and amongst all those who are part of the children’s services partnership community. 8 We promote resilience in those experiencing adversity. 9 We work together to reduce inequalities and the impact of poverty on children, young people and families. 10 We work as a partnership with children, young people, and families in North Lanarkshire, to identify their needs, determine what is important, decide where we target our resources, and identify how we can improve, to provide the best outcomes achievable for our children, young people and their families. Appendix 4 – LCPAR Action Plan Page 130 of 200
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Refreshed Equalities Strategy 2025-2029 North Lanarkshire Council Report Does this report require to be approved? ☒ Yes ☐ No Ref FW/AC/JH Date 31/10/25 From: Fiona Whittaker, Chief Officer (People Resources) E-mail WhittakerF@northlan.gov.uk Telephone 07973 728628 Executive Summary This report presents North Lanarkshire’s refreshed Equality Strategy 2025-2029 for the consideration and approval of Wellbeing & Tackling Poverty Committee. This replaces the Council’s previous Equality Strategy and provides an updated and more structured approach to advancing our equalities ambitions by fostering good relations, and protecting individual rights within both our communities and workplaces. The strategy recognises and seeks to address the systemic inequalities and disadvantages that certain groups face because of societal structures, prejudice, and discrimination. Through this strategy, we aim to create inclusion across North Lanarkshire, as a fundamental pillar of the Plan for North Lanarkshire and where everyone is treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. Recommendations It is recommended that Wellbeing & Tackling Poverty Committee: (1) Approve the refreshed Equality Strategy for 2025-2029 as set out within the report and in appendix 1. (2) Approve the Equality Outcomes Performance Management Framework as set out in appendix 2. The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority All priorities Ambition statement All ambition statements Programme of Work All Programmes of Work 1. Background 1.1 This report presents the Council’s fourth Equality Strategy. It aims to support both the Council’s legislative requirements to advance equality that stem from our responsibilities under the Public Sector Equality Duty and to support all of our communities to benefit from the Programmes of Work and the Plan for North Lanarkshire. Wellbeing & Tackling Poverty Committee Item 3 Page 131 of 200
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1.2 Having a robust strategy in place to address inequality and disadvantage is essential. It demands a systemic, targeted, and proactive approach to tackling inequality at every level, ensuring that progress is deliberate and nothing is left to chance. 1.3 Our refreshed strategy now fully aligns our ten recently approved and published evidence-based Equality Outcomes. This ensures a focused and mainstreamed approach to tackling inequality and driving meaningful change across North Lanarkshire. 2. Report NLC Equality Strategy 2025-29 2.1 Since we published our last Equality Strategy in 2019, North Lanarkshire has faced major challenges including the cost-of-living crisis, COVID-19, and Brexit, and these challenges continue to impact on our most vulnerable people and communities. 2.2 Accordingly, our revised Equality Strategy has been shaped by a thorough analysis of both local and national data, including the latest Census, and most importantly by insights gathered through long-standing relationships and partnerships with our diverse communities. This evidence clearly shows that North Lanarkshire’s population has become significantly more diverse over the past decade, and this new Strategy provides the detail in relation to the population diversity; education; employment; poverty; communities; households; homelessness; crime; language skills; participation; health; wellbeing and care; and the Council’s own workforce. 2.3 The Strategy aims to provide the mechanism to help us meet the needs of our communities. It highlights some achievements delivered under our current Equality Strategy (2019–2024) and outlines our ambitions for the next four years. Crucially, it explains how we will measure progress and ensure we are making a meaningful difference. 2.4 The strategy also includes: • Our ongoing commitment to the Social Model of Disability as the foundation for advancing equality for disabled people, including our employees; • Four strategic objectives to support the successful mainstreaming of equality across services, guiding the development and implementation of effective equality action plans. These objectives are: i) To work in partnership with our communities through a shared understanding and purpose ii) To demonstrate leadership in equalities and human rights, both within the council and amongst partners, and organisational commitment to excellence. iii) To ensure that local public services are responsive to different needs and treat users with dignity and respect. iv) To develop and sustain a skilled and committed workforce able to meet the needs of all local people • An outline of the strong governance structures now in place to provide ongoing leadership, scrutiny, and accountability in driving continuous improvement in our equalities activities; • Clear roles and responsibilities for all North Lanarkshire Council staff and partners involved in service delivery, ensuring a shared commitment to equality; and Page 132 of 200
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• Our approach to delivering and tracking measurable progress against ten equality outcomes, each designed to tackle the most significant disadvantages faced by our communities. Next Steps 2.5 Following approval of the strategy the Equalities Team within People Resources will fully publish the strategy and create a linked and revised equalities delivery plan with regular updates brought to Wellbeing & Tackling Poverty Committee thereafter setting out our progress against the strategy and the plan. 3. Measures of success 3.1 Approval of the Council’s Equality Strategy and Performance Framework allows the Council to make meaningful progress in advancing its agreed equality outcomes in line with the Programme of Work and the Plan for North Lanarkshire. 4. Supporting documentation 4.1 Appendix 1 - North Lanarkshire Council Equality Strategy 2025-2029 4.2 Appendix 2 - North Lanarkshire Council Equality Outcomes and Performance Framework 2025-2029. Fiona Whittaker Chief Officer (People Resources) Page 133 of 200
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5. Impacts 5.1 Public Sector Equality Duty and Fairer Scotland Duty Does the report contain information that has an impact as a result of the Public Sector Equality Duty and/or Fairer Scotland Duty? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? This report is directly associated with the PSED and aims to meet all three needs of the General Duty. If Yes, has an assessment been carried out and published on the council’s website? https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/your-community/equalities/equality- and-fairer-scotland-duty-impact-assessments Yes ☐ No ☒ 5.2 Financial impact Does the report contain any financial impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant financial impacts been discussed and agreed with Finance? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.3 HR policy impact Does the report contain any HR policy or procedure impacts? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, have all relevant HR impacts been discussed and agreed with People Resources? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? The strategy will continue to inform future policy reviews and the creation of revised or new policies where these are deemed appropriate and necessary to advance our aims. 5.4 Legal impact Does the report contain any legal impacts (such as general legal matters, statutory considerations (including employment law considerations), or new legislation)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant legal impacts been discussed and agreed with Legal and Democratic? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.5 Data protection impact Does the report / project / practice contain or involve the processing of personal data? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, is the processing of this personal data likely to result in a high risk to the data subject? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, has a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) been carried out and e- mailed to dataprotection@northlan.gov.uk Yes ☐ No ☐ Page 134 of 200
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5.6 Technology / Digital impact Does the report contain information that has an impact on either technology, digital transformation, service redesign / business change processes, data management, or connectivity / broadband / Wi-Fi? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Where the impact identifies a requirement for significant technology change, has an assessment been carried out (or is scheduled to be carried out) by the Enterprise Architecture Governance Group (EAGG)? Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.7 Environmental / Carbon impact Does the report / project / practice contain information that has an impact on any environmental or carbon matters? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.8 Communications impact Does the report contain any information that has an impact on the council’s communications activities? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.9 Risk impact Is there a risk impact? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the key risks and potential impacts, highlighting where the risk(s) are assessed and recorded (e.g. Corporate or Service or Project Risk Registers), and how they are managed? 5.10 Armed Forces Covenant Duty Does the report require to take due regard of the Armed Forces Covenant Duty (i.e. does it relate to healthcare, housing, or education services for in-Service or ex- Service personnel, or their families, or widow(er)s)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the provision which has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the particular needs of the Armed Forces community to make sure that they do not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public services. 5.11 Children’s rights and wellbeing impact Does the report contain any information regarding any council activity, service delivery, policy, or plan that has an impact on children and young people up to the age of 18, or on a specific group of these? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact and the provision that has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the relevant Articles from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The outcomes were considered previously at Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee. The contents of the strategy fully support the Council in advancing the aims of the UNCRC. If Yes, has a Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) been carried out? Yes ☐ No ☒ Page 135 of 200
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Appendix 1 EQUALITY STRATEGY 2025- 2029 Page 136 of 200
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EQUALITY STRATEGY 2025-2029 2 The strategy is aligned to support the Plan for North Lanarkshire and all Programmes of Work. Alignment Document control Title Equality Strategy 2025-2029 Owner Fiona Whittaker Contact whittakerf@northlan.gov.uk Governance Group Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee Author Audrey Cameron Contact Cameronau@northlan.gov.uk Revision History Number Originator Date Review Commenced Revision description/record of change Draft 1.1 Audrey Cameron Jan 2024 Document Approvals Number Governance Group Date approval granted Date approval to be requested (if document still draft) 1.1 CMT 3/10/25 1.2 Wellbeing & Tackling Poverty Committee 31/10/25 Consultation Record (for most recent update) Status of document consulted upon Stakeholders consulted/date Next review date Review Date 12/2030 Page 137 of 200
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EQUALITY STRATEGY 2025-2029 3 Foreword This Equality Strategy aims to engage and support those who experience disadvantage both within our workforce, and our wider resident population to ensure that they can fully participate and benefit from this work. This will be achieved through a continued focus on maximising the impact of available resources and supports, considering how we design and deliver our services to ensure that they fully include all residents and meet their needs as far as possible. To be successful with this work, we must also find ways of identifying and seeking to overcome barriers which prevent inclusion and fairness, including tackling poverty and enabling social mobility for our most disadvantaged residents, whether those be financial supports, employment and education opportunities or access to better quality housing. As part of this strategy, we will do this in partnership with our residents and communities, seeking to better understand their perspectives and needs and ensuring that these are fully reflected in our plans to build a better future for all residents who choose to make North Lanarkshire their home. These commitments are fully woven into our Programme of Work and intrinsically linked to the goals of our Resilient People, Brighter Futures, DigitalNL and One Service programmes of work. Leader of the Council and Chief Executive Page 138 of 200
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EQUALITY STRATEGY 2025-2029 4 Our Ambition – A more equal North Lanarkshire delivered through this strategy The Plan for North Lanarkshire sets out a clear shared ambition for inclusive growth and prosperity for all. Promoting equality is central to this vision of making North Lanarkshire a vibrant and inclusive place to Live, Learn, Work, Invest, and Visit for all of our residents. To be equal means that we are valued, our rights are upheld and we have the same access to resources and opportunities as others. We know that that is not the case for some people who share particular characteristics. The Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty details those characteristics that require both protection and a proactive response to address discrimination and disadvantage. As the largest employer in North Lanarkshire, we also have responsibilities in ensuring equal access to our job opportunities and our workforce reflects the diversity of the local population. This will ensure a dynamic workforce that can know and meet the needs of the local population. Our Equality Strategy outlines our mechanism for advancing equality, valuing diversity and upholding and protecting people’s rights both in our community and our workplaces. It addresses the systemic disadvantages and inequalities faced by certain groups due to societal structures, prejudice, and discrimination. Having a strategy in place to address these factors is essential. It requires a focused, targeted, pro-active approach at all levels of our authority, leaving nothing to chance. This Equality Strategy details how we will continue to achieve this through: • Our equalities governance and structures that provide the leadership, scrutiny and accountability to make continuous progress • Our four objectives for mainstreaming success which provides the focus for our services through their equality action plans • Setting out the roles and responsibilities of NLC people at all levels of our organisation who work for us and deliver services on our behalf; and • The delivery and measurable progress against our ten equality outcomes that aim to tackle the greatest disadvantage experienced by our communities. Background Since the publication of our last Equality Strategy in 2019, the world—and North Lanarkshire— has experienced significant change. Global and national events such as the cost-of-living crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and Brexit have had far-reaching impacts on our communities. For individuals already facing disadvantage—particularly women (including lone parents and older women), Black and minority ethnic people, disabled people, and young people—these crises have deepened existing inequalities across areas such as income, wealth, living standards, employment, health, education, and life opportunities. These events have exposed the vulnerability of these groups to external shocks, many of whom continue to be disproportionately affected. Page 139 of 200
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EQUALITY STRATEGY 2025-2029 5 When we developed the 2019–2024 strategy, much of our local data was drawn from the 2011 Census. We now have access to the 2022 Census, alongside our own locally gathered intelligence, providing a more accurate and current evidence base to guide our work over the next four years. We have aligned the timeframe of this new strategy with our ten newly published, evidence- based Equality Outcomes. This ensures a focused and mainstreamed approach to tackling inequality and driving meaningful change across North Lanarkshire. Our Objectives for Mainstreaming Success – what we have achieved and what we want to achieve over the next four years Mainstreaming equality means that whatever we do in our work for NLC – whether in the policies or services we develop, or in the decisions we make - we must consider equality matters. This ensures the Council is meeting the requirements of the general equality duty to: • Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other unlawful conduct • Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not; and • Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not To support us in meeting these requirements we have set the following objectives for mainstreaming success to guide our work for the next four years. Objective i) To work in partnership with our communities through a shared understanding and purpose Objective ii) To demonstrate leadership in equalities and human rights, both within the council and amongst partners, and organisational commitment to excellence. Objective iii) To ensure that local public services are responsive to different needs and treat users with dignity and respect. Objective iv) To develop and sustain a skilled and committed workforce able to meet the needs of all local people. These objectives form the basis of action plans for each of the Council’s services ensuring we can advance evidence and track progress against the general duty. Page 140 of 200
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EQUALITY STRATEGY 2025-2029 6 What we have achieved and what we want to achieve over the next four years Objective i) To work in partnership with our communities through a shared understanding and purpose. North Lanarkshire has a rich history of partnership working, both with our communities who live and work in North Lanarkshire and other public sector bodies, organisation and businesses operating in North Lanarkshire. The Plan for North Lanarkshire with its five priorities and 25 ambitions is a shared Plan with our Community Planning Partners and we understand that to deliver and advance equality cannot be achieved by acting alone – we all have a part to play. ‘Nothing about us without us’ - a mantra stemming from the disability equality movement. that emphasises that prioritising, designing, planning and delivering facilities and services for disabled people without their input will result in facilities and services that are not fit for purpose. The same can be applied to all different groups of people. People are diverse, as are the people and communities in North Lanarkshire, and their needs are diverse. To meet those different needs effectively requires building relationships and genuinely involving people in the design, planning and delivery of services that affect and impact on them. This includes sometimes providing other organisations with funding to deliver services on our behalf because they may be best placed to do that. The Social Model of Disability emphasizes that disability is caused by the way society is organised, rather than by a person’s impairment or difference. It focuses on removing barriers—physical, attitudinal, and systemic—to enable disabled people to fully participate. We have adopted this approach to addressing the disadvantage that disabled people experience, particularly focusing on how we design and deliver our services and through our strategy we will continue to raise awareness at all levels of our organisation. Page 141 of 200
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EQUALITY STRATEGY 2025-2029 7 Only then will our communities have confidence and trust in the services they access because they will have helped prioritise and develop them. To work in partnership with our communities through a shared understanding and purpose Key Achievements What we want to achieve through the lifetime of the strategy We have strong connections and relationships with a number of communities that represent the needs of people with protected characteristics, who engage with us to inform our services. We have worked closely with diverse communities to understand lived experiences beyond statistics. Some key achievements include: Engagement with the Muslim community to understand barriers that have resulted in the low uptake of girls and women accessing free period products. This has resulted in Lanarkshire Mosque becoming an access point and opening specifically for 2 hours each day for this purpose. A Town Centre Safety Survey was undertaken in Motherwell and Coatbridge to understand girls and women’s experiences of accessing and using the town centres. The results were used to inform the town centre action plans. The engagement between the Community Partnership Team and the Deaf BSL community to inform the development of the Community Safety Strategy. The ongoing partnership with NL Disability Access Panel who are involved at the design stage of our Operational and Community Hubs. Funding many community based organisations who represent the needs of people with different characteristics. £784,933 (61%) of the overall budget across Community Grants schemes was allocated to organisations delivering work targeted to equalities groups in 2024. Our Community Boards are set up as the main democratic engagement interface between ourselves, our Community Planning Partners and the community. They operate independently from one another across our 9 towns each with their own priorities (LOIPs). As many of the community organisations, which represent the needs of equality groups, operate across North Lanarkshire, there is no geographical fit for those groups to engage at a Community Board level. This has implications for their ability to have influence and access resources that are often distributed at Board level. Furthermore, we understand that for some communities who experience barriers to participation, engaging in formal structures is not a possibility or indeed a desire. We want each Community Board to have confidence that the decisions they make are fair and equitable, particularly around how public resources are used and distributed. Effective engagement will be key to achieving this. Through the life of this strategy, we want to ensure that everyone who wants to be a partner in the design and planning of services that impact on their lives are supported to do so. We will: • gather and analyse equality data and work with a wide range of partners to develop a robust understanding of the changing identities and needs of our local communities. This evidence-based knowledge will inform our planning and decision making so that we can ensure best quality services and deliver better outcomes for all our residents. • use new and creative forms of community engagement so that all of our residents – including seldom heard groups – feel that they can participate in public life and that the council listens to them. Page 142 of 200
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EQUALITY STRATEGY 2025-2029 8 To work in partnership with our communities through a shared understanding and purpose Key Achievements What we want to achieve through the lifetime of the strategy • this engagement will be an ongoing dialogue and centred on the ‘nothing about us without us’ philosophy. • reflect on lessons learned from our history and the experiences of our partners to improve our practices and our ability to identify potential impacts on equality when making changes. • Continue to support community-based organisations to deliver services through funding and capacity building support. Spotlight Our Lives Research The Council undertook research to explore the lived experiences and needs of Black and minoritised communities in North Lanarkshire resulting in the ‘Our Lives’ research report and 33 recommendations for action. It was recognised that the work required to act on the recommendations couldn’t be met by the Council alone and the Community Planning Partners’ Strategic Leadership Board took this on as one of its priorities, thus giving this work the importance and profile it needed. Through this partnership we continue to engage with our minority ethnic communities and arranged eight events to feedback the findings of the research. In total 150 people from across the different minority ethnic communities in North Lanarkshire were involved. These events were organised in partnership with organisations and members from the different communities. As well as providing feedback a crucial element was to be solution focused with people coming up with ideas for improving people’s language skills, supporting better mental health service provision, increasing cultural activities etc. This has resulted in numerous initiatives to improve the lives of people including: o the contract with the Asian Business Chamber to support minority ethnic entrepreneurship o the development a new Cultural Committee to bring together and celebrate North Lanarkshire’s rich and diverse cultures now with 35 members from 20 organisations o positive action in recruitment of Congolese and Ukrainian people working in Early Years o the decolonisation of our museum’s collection reflecting the historical diversity of North Lanarkshire o the ESOL Learners Forum who provide a voice for learners to influence ESOL teaching practice o the development of Chat Cafes across North Lanarkshire offering informal opportunities to improve English language skills and strengthen social bonds; and o the seminar attended by 120 staff from partner organisations to explore the needs of migrant women who have experienced gender-based violence and have no recourse to public funds. Page 143 of 200
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EQUALITY STRATEGY 2025-2029 9 Objective ii) To demonstrate leadership in equalities and human rights, both within the council and amongst partners, and organisational commitment to excellence As the largest public body in North Lanarkshire, we have a responsibility and a duty to ensure equality is advanced and human rights are upheld for the people of North Lanarkshire. To do that requires us all to play a part, whatever our job role and grade – both within the Council and across our partnerships. WE all need to take the lead. Leadership in equality and diversity is not simply about compliance or ticking boxes—it’s about shaping the very soul of an organisation. At its heart, inclusive leadership is a commitment to fairness, respect, and opportunity for all, regardless of background, identity, or circumstance. When leaders embrace this responsibility, they become architects of culture. Their words and actions set the tone for what is acceptable, what is celebrated, and what is challenged. A leader who speaks openly about inclusion, who listens deeply to marginalised voices, and who acts decisively against discrimination sends a powerful message: everyone belongs here. But leadership goes beyond symbolism. It involves embedding equality and diversity into the strategic fabric of the organisation. This means developing policies that are not only legally sound but also ethically driven—policies that reflect lived experiences and anticipate barriers before they arise. It means using data not just to monitor progress, but to drive change, to ask difficult questions, and to hold the organisation accountable. Inclusive leaders also understand that they are not the sole agents of change. They empower others—creating space for diverse talent to thrive, supporting networks and mentoring schemes, and ensuring that leadership itself reflects the diversity of the communities they serve. They know that inclusion is not a destination, but a journey of continuous learning, humility, and adaptation. Ultimately, leadership in equality and diversity is about courage. The courage to challenge the status quo, to confront bias, and to lead with empathy. It’s about recognising that inclusion is not just good practice—it’s transformative. It builds trust, unlocks potential, and creates workplaces where everyone can flourish. To demonstrate leadership in equalities and human rights, both within the council and amongst partners, and organisational commitment to excellence Key Achievements What we want to achieve through the lifetime of the strategy The Council’s Chief Executive leads the way in all matters of equality and human rights. His vison and expectations that the work we undertake as a public body is first and foremost to improve all people’s lives is articulated at all levels of the Council as well as with our community planning partners. The Chief Officer – People Resources - has corporate lead for equalities within her portfolio and provides the strategic direction through Our commitment to diversity and equality will be at the heart of the council’s vision, ambitions, priorities and plans. We will: • encourage political leaders and senior officers to demonstrate leadership by championing equality, promoting respect, challenging prejudice and addressing negative stereotyping of any groups. • work with a wide range of partners to foster good relations and build resilient, cohesive Page 144 of 200
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EQUALITY STRATEGY 2025-2029 10 To demonstrate leadership in equalities and human rights, both within the council and amongst partners, and organisational commitment to excellence Key Achievements What we want to achieve through the lifetime of the strategy managing the Equalities Team and chairing the Council’s Equality Board. Our Elected Member Equality Champion also ensures that equality and diversity issues are highlighted and progressed within the Council and its communities. The Strategic Leadership Board, which is made of North Lanarkshire’s Community Planning Partners, has taken the lead in ensuring the recommendations from the research undertaken to explore the lived experiences of North Lanarkshire’s Black Asian and other Minority Ethnic people is realised. A working group made up of Lead Officers from the partner organisations is driving this with regular updates and progress reported to the Board. each of our services is represented on the Equality Board. Those service representatives are the driving force behind the development of action plans that build the capacity of their service to deliver on the equality duties. communities that take pride in and feel a sense of responsibility towards their neighbourhoods. • share good practice with and benchmark our practice against local authorities and other relevant organisations. • take effective action where disadvantage exists using positive action measures where appropriate. • Lead by example in multi-agency partnerships, encouraging others to adopt rights-based approaches. • Share resources, training, and data to build collective capacity for equality across sectors. • Continue our work with community-based organisations and groups to co-design and plan services especially those representing marginalised voices Spotlight Tackling gender-based violence in schools An event aimed at tackling gender-based violence in schools took place in February 2025 at St Ambrose High School. The event, a collaboration between NHS Lanarkshire and North Lanarkshire Council, brought together over 100 professionals from education, healthcare, policing, and the voluntary sector. Keynote speakers included Laura Bates, founder of the Everyday Sexism Project, and Michael Conroy of Men at Work, both of whom highlighted the need for systemic change in schools to prevent gender-based violence. Discussions focused on expanding initiatives such as the Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) programme and the Equally Safe in Schools approach, which aim to educate young people about healthy relationships and bystander intervention. Barry Smedley, Chief Education Officer, emphasised the importance of the event: “Ensuring our schools are safe and inclusive environments is vital. By working together, we can empower both staff and students to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours.” Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Page 145 of 200
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EQUALITY STRATEGY 2025-2029 11 Objective iii) To ensure that local public services are responsive to different needs and treat users with dignity and respect. Because our people and communities are not a homogenous group, we need to be able to respond to their difference when they want and need to access our facilities and services. With the move to providing access to services in a more digital way we know that for some groups of people they will experience barriers if that is the only route for them. For instance: older people are less likely to be digitally connected and skilled; some minority ethnic people may not have the necessary language skills; disabled people who use screen readers may find on-line form filling problematic; people whose first language is BSL can be very digitally excluded, particularly older users as information needs to be in BSL; and affordability for some groups is a very real barrier. Accessing face to face services also needs to be accessible. Employees skills and confidence in supporting service users and customers different needs is crucial and training and development opportunities need to reflect this. One size does not fit all and we will need to continue to provide information and access to our services in a variety of ways that are proportionate and relevant. Undertaking equality impact assessments when planning and designing services is an important tool to ensuring different needs are taken into account and any indirect discrimination is avoided. To ensure that local public services are responsive to different needs and treat users with dignity and respect. Key achievements What we want to achieve through the lifetime of the strategy Digital NL With the move to providing access to services more digitally we recognised that some people may not be able to benefit without support and consideration. The Council through various working groups – Digital Zones, Improving Customer Experience for example – is ensuring those most excluded are not left behind. Key is continuous engagement and involvement with groups who are impacted. Equality Impact Assessments We have introduced a quality control aspect to impact assessments that includes confirming that the author of the assessment has undertaken equality impact assessment training. Since introducing this 91employees have undertaken Equality Impact Assessment e- learning and a further 170 have undertaken bespoke Equality Impact Assessment face to face training including 10 Elected Members. Commitment to equality and human rights is integrated into our business planning and delivery, including service level procurement, resource allocation and performance management. We will: • ensure that our decisions, policies and practices are assessed so as they are fair and that opportunities to promote equality and deliver positive outcomes for all communities, service users and employees are pursued. • ensure that the best possible quality local services are provided, appropriate and accessible to the diverse and changing needs of all our residents and service users. • ensure the information we produce and the way we communicate is effective and accessible – we understand that one size does not fit all. In gathering evidence and setting our equality outcomes for 2025-29 we recognised that Page 146 of 200
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EQUALITY STRATEGY 2025-2029 12 To ensure that local public services are responsive to different needs and treat users with dignity and respect. Key achievements What we want to achieve through the lifetime of the strategy there were areas we needed to give more focus to. For the lifetime of this strategy, we will have a focus on ensuring our services and information are accessible through the work to deliver the following new equality outcome. Outcome 9. The services and information we provide are accessible and tailored to different people's needs. Spotlight Trauma Informed Practice In May 2023 North Lanarkshire Council endorsed a vision and strategy to become a trauma informed and responsive organisation. A range of work is ongoing across the Council to implement Trauma plan with a focus on creating the culture and conditions to enable staff to respond in ways which recognise the impacts of trauma, promote recovery, prevent re- traumatisation, and ensure services and effective supports are accessible to an effective for those who need them most. In the creation of our community hubs, which are central to the Council’s future operating model, we are designing them with a trauma informed lens so as they are friendly, welcoming and accessible. Walkabouts in existing hubs with people with lived experiences are taking place and necessary changes being implemented. To ensure that the needs of people who are living with the experience of trauma is considered in our decision making we have integrated trauma into our equality impact assessment process. Objective iv) To develop and sustain a skilled and committed workforce able to meet the needs of all local people. Having a workforce that is representative of the people of North Lanarkshire is a key to the people of North Lanarkshire having trust and confidence in the council as both a service provider and employer. Having a rich diversity also brings a richness in experience and skills. To develop this, we need to recruit widely and inclusively; invest in our workforce as a collective and as individuals. We also need to have fair access to development opportunities so as the workforce is diverse at all levels, in all roles and in all services. Page 147 of 200
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EQUALITY STRATEGY 2025-2029 13 To develop and sustain a skilled and committed workforce able to meet the needs of all local people. Key achievements What we want to achieve through the lifetime of the strategy The Council is actively working to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves with examples of its work here including: Disability Equality Recognised as a Disability Confident Leader. Have in place a Disability Policy setting out our commitment to ensure our disabled workers are supported at work. We are in the process of recruiting volunteer Disability Officers who can provide additional support for our employees. Offers guaranteed interviews to disabled applicants who meet job criteria. Hosts an annual disabled employee event Gender Equality Accredited as an Equally Safe at Work employer. Supports women through policies on flexible working, breastfeeding, menopause and gender-based violence. First local authority to train gender-based violence support officers for staff. Race and Ethnicity Signed the Race at Work Charter to support Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic employees. Chief Social Work Officer serves as Executive Sponsor for Race, leading diversity initiatives. The numbers of employees from a Black and minority ethnic background rose from 123 in in 2022 to 219 in 2024. Veterans and Armed Forces Committed to the Armed Forces Community Covenant. Offers guaranteed interviews to service leavers, spouses, reservists, and veterans. Employee Engagement Our commitment to equality and diversity is integral to all employment policies, practices and procedures. We will: • recruit and retain a younger, more diverse, highly skilled and motivated workforce and create an inclusive workplace where all of our diverse employees feel engaged and able to be themselves and are responsive to local communities. • invest heavily in staff development and innovation to stay at the forefront of equalities work. • expect our entire workforce to play a role in achieving the equality strategy and will strengthen their skills to work with communities in new ways. • promote a commitment to equality and human rights with those we work with and require it in those from whom we commission services. • continue to approach advancing disability equality through raising awareness amongst our employees and managers on the Social Model of Disability. • support our employees through their different life stages recognising their changing needs as they age. In addition, through the lifetime of this strategy we want people to work for us, thrive and progress in their employment in NLC. We have set equality outcomes and the measures in place to achieve the following: Outcome i) Young, disabled minority ethnic and LGB&T people work with us at all levels and are supported. Outcome ii) Reduce vertical and horizontal gender occupational segregation. Outcome iii). Increase Minority Ethnic people in teaching and Social Work workforce. Page 148 of 200
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EQUALITY STRATEGY 2025-2029 14 To develop and sustain a skilled and committed workforce able to meet the needs of all local people. Key achievements What we want to achieve through the lifetime of the strategy Supports an active Employee Equality Forum where staff can influence policies and strategies. Encourages staff participation in shaping equality and inclusion efforts. Youth and ASN Inclusion Expanded student placement programmes to include young people from Additional Support Needs (ASN) backgrounds. We have agreed with our Trade Union colleagues a statement on Fair Work First and this has been published on the Council’s website. Spotlight Initiative Positive Action in Recruitment of Minority Ethnic People in Early Years Through the Our Lives Research it was highlighted that some women from the Congolese community wanted to work but childcare was a real issue for them, In addition, the Academies Team were keen to engage with the newly settled Ukrainian people as a large scale recruitment exercise was taking place in Early Years to staff North Lanarkshire’s nurseries as part of a substantial workforce transformation. Undertaking outreach engagement with these communities enabled the NL Academies team to identify that there were a number of very suitable candidates - women with skills and experience from their own countries which would be a great asset to the work of North Lanarkshire. The team were able to make the case to Early Years for inclusion of the identified groups within the recruitment process – to argue that many of the women had worked in or indeed managed care of children establishments, had transferrable skills and to make the case for a more inclusive and diverse workforce. Early Years embraced this and used a modified outreach recruitment process to support these candidates through the recruitment system. Many of the candidates reported that without the NL Academies team involvement they would not have been aware of the vacancies and would never have considered applying. 43 interested individuals attended outreach recruitment sessions and took part in workshops and professional dialogue, with 33 successfully appointed to Support Worker posts (including 3 males). Importantly for the Congolese women they were able to manage their own childcare responsibilities with the flexible working arrangements offered by these positions. Improving recruitment outcomes for disabled and minority ethnic people? Page 149 of 200
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EQUALITY STRATEGY 2025-2029 15 Through analysing the composition of our workforce, we recognised that employee diversity for some characteristics was disproportionately low in comparison to our local population. In particular, the recruitment of disabled people and minority ethnic people was highlighted as a cause for concern. In 2020 only 16.4% of Minority Ethnic applicants were interviewed and only 25.7% of disabled applicants were interviewed (despite the guaranteed interview scheme in operation for any disabled candidate who met the essential criteria for a job). In 2023 the Council changed its recruitment to an anonymous application process (except for high volume recruitment). In 2024, we saw an increase in the % of disabled and minority ethnic applicants being interviewed. 22.57% of applicants from minority ethnic groups were interviewed (the same as the % for white people) and 33% of disabled applicants were interviewed. In addition, the numbers of disabled and minority ethnic people employed in the council has increased since 2022. There are now 219 minority ethnic employees from 123; and 599 disabled employees from 405. The NL Diversity Profile Our People and communities North Lanarkshire currently has a total population of 340,920 people. The population is projected to increase to 341,174 by 2028. Age There have been significant demographic shifts within the population since the 2011 Census, with further change anticipated. Between 2018 and 2028, the 0 to 15 age group is projected to see the largest percentage decrease (-9.8%). In 2023, the most common age group of mothers in North Lanarkshire was 30 to 34 (993 births.) The 40 and over age group has seen the largest percentage increase in births (+31.5%). Our population is also getting older with 18% aged 65 and over. By 2037, this demographic will have increased by 68.4% from 2012. The 75 and over age group is projected to see the largest percentage increase (+21.8%). In terms of size, however, 45 to 64 is projected to remain the largest age group. Disability and long-term conditions The following table shows those in North Lanarkshire of working age. Some of those people will also have more than one impairment / condition. Nature of disability and long-term condition % of People of working age 16-65 Deaf or hearing impaired 3.6% Blind or partially sighted 1.57% Physical Disability 8.64% Mental health condition 15.54% Long term health condition 18.08% In the 2022 Census 9.22% of all people said they had bad or very bad health Page 150 of 200
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EQUALITY STRATEGY 2025-2029 16 Gender Reassignment The 2022 Census was the first time people were asked about their Trans status / history. 811(0.28%) people over 16 have a Trans history (0.4% is the national average). Of those 811 in North Lanarkshire 35% are non-binary and 42.9% are under 25. Race Approximately 4.03% of NL population are now people from a Black or minority ethnic group (non-white). Since the last census the population of BME people has increased by 85%. The largest minority ethnic group is the Asian population who make up 71% of the total BME population. The Black African population has more than trebled in numbers since the 2011 Census. The Polish population has also increased by over 78% while the overall white population has decreased by 1.05%. The Gypsy Traveller community has decreased by 36% from 205 to 131 people. Ethnicity 2011 2022 Total population 337,727 % of pop’n 340,973 % of pop’n Scottish 313356 92.7% 302736 88.78% White British 7892 3.33% 12267 3.59% Irish 4394 1.3% 3188 0.93% Gypsy Traveller 205 0.06% 131 0.03% Polish 3009 0.89% 5357 1.57% Other white 1823 0.53% 3526 1.03% WHITE TOTAL 330679 97.9% 327205 95.96% Mixed or multiple ethnic group 708 0.2% 2130 0.62% Pakistani 3003 0.88% 5024 1.47% Indian 997 0.29% 1487 0.43% Bangladeshi 42 0.01% 75 0.02% Chinese 898 0.26% 1103 0.32% Other 445 0.13% 638 0.18% Asian total 5343 1.5% 8328 2.44% African total 523 0.1% 1853 0.54% Caribbean or Black total 171 0.05% 236 0.06% Other ethnic groups 252 0.07% 1219 0.35% Page 151 of 200
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EQUALITY STRATEGY 2025-2029 17 17,267 people living in North Lanarkshire were born outwith the UK. This is an increase of approximately 7000 people since 2011. Religion or belief Over 38% of NL people now say they have no religion (below the Scottish average of 51%%). The largest faith group is Roman Catholics at 30% of the population, more than double the Scottish average. The second largest faith group is Muslim Sex 51.4% of the population in NL are female and 48.6% are male. Sexual Orientation 2.5% of all people over 16 are lesbian, gay or bisexual amounting to 7119 people. The national average is 3.5%. Education 11,000 people in NL do not read or write English. That is just over 3% of the population. The numbers of girls gaining higher level qualifications in STEM subjects from 2022/23 – 23/24 period has reduced. There has been an increase in attendance rates of young disabled people from 2021-24 from 85.9% to 87.1%. The attendance rate for Gypsy Traveller pupils (97 registered across all school sectors) for session 2023-24 was 80.42%, a 3.78% increase since session 2019/20. In session 2023/24 a total of 87 National 3 and 4 level qualifications were achieved by 27 care experienced young people working individually with Virtual School teachers. 93% achieved a qualification in English and 93% achieved a qualification in Maths. 63% achieved three or more national qualifications, 37% achieved four or more and 19% achieved five or more. There was an increase in the number of instances of exclusions of pupils with additional support needs from 25.4% in 2022/23 to 27.8% in 2023/24. In North Lanarkshire 1,026 children aged 3-15 provide unpaid care. Of those 279 provide over 20 hours unpaid care a week, including 129 children who provide more than 50 hours of unpaid care a week. School Based Counselling: 2915 logins and 1567 messages received via our online mental health service, Kooth. 127 young people aged between 10-18 used this service to engage in 1:1 chats to support their mental health and wellbeing. School counselling figures. Our Lives research reported that some girls who wear the Hijab experience harassment at school. Boys continue to be more likely to be excluded than girls, and there has been a slight increase in exclusions (6 more instances) from 11.3% to 11.5% (all sectors included). The service is committed to continuing focus on reducing exclusions moving forward. There has been a reduction in girls gaining higher level qualifications in STEM subjects from 2022/23 – 23/24 period. Physics, Design and Manufacturing and Computing Science. STEM subjects will continue to be a focus moving forward. Page 152 of 200
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EQUALITY STRATEGY 2025-2029 18 Levels are higher for Gypsy Traveller pupils leaving school without a positive destination. The Positive Pathways Programme, We Aspire College and Virtual Schools initiatives are impacting positively on the children and young people participating Is Scotland Fairer reported that • There is a drop off in girls’ participation in sport that coincides with the move from PS to HS. The proportion of 13–15-year-olds meeting physical activity guidelines drops to 11% for girls and 24% for boys. • Analysis of 2020/21 local authority data shows the highest number of racially motivated bullying incidents reported in Scotland’s schools on record (since 2007/08). • Despite improvements in the proportion of adults with degree-level qualifications, there are indications that Islamophobia is impacting on educational outcomes of Muslims. Research revealed evidence that Islamophobia creates barriers in all tiers of education from nursery and school through to college and university. These barriers lead to social anxiety and a lack of attendance and performance. • Many trans young people have said they are bullied at school, with a self-selecting survey of LGB&T young people conducted in 2022 finding that 57% of 526 trans young people reported experiencing transphobic bullying. However, reported confidence levels in reporting transphobia to school staff or authority figures have fallen. Employment All of the following is about people who are economically active aged 16+ in North Lanarkshire Unemployment has been at historically low levels since 2020 and there are continued vacancies in almost all sectors of the labour market with employers competing for staff. Growth in economic inactivity is mainly due to ill health and in North Lanarkshire coincides with less economic activity in women aged 16-64 and reflects post covid trends nationally. Economic inactivity is of concern especially among those with long term health issues and those caring for others. Unemployment rates, people on low incomes especially lone parents; women and disabled people. Employment rates are the lowest for African, Caribbean and some Asian groups. However, the employment rates show for all BME groups in North Lanarkshire, a higher than the Scottish average. Self-Employment is highest among Asian people at 21.86% in comparison to white people at 9.38%. The employment rate of disabled people is 53% compared to 82% of non-disabled people. Disabled people are almost twice as likely to be unemployed as non-disabled people, and 3 times as likely to be economically inactive. Poverty The cost-of-living crisis has impacted across the board, however, young single adults have been significantly affected, as have families/lone parents in regard to income, cost of living and access to childcare/employment. The Is Scotland Fairer Report stated that: • Poverty rates are highest for single women with dependent children (36.2%) and single men without dependent children (35.6%), some 16 percentage points higher than for the total Page 153 of 200
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EQUALITY STRATEGY 2025-2029 19 adult population. Poverty rates are also higher for single female pensioners (23.1%) compared to single male pensioners (17.9%), though both have rates higher than pensioner couples (11.1%). • Levels of poverty and child poverty among ethnic minorities in Scotland remain worse than for White British people. In 2019/20, 36.9% of ethnic minority adults were in poverty compared with 17.5% of White British adults. • The poverty rate for Muslim adults has remained persistently higher than the rate for non- religious adults. In 2017–2022, the poverty rate for Muslim adults was 63.1%. • Households containing a disabled person are more likely to be financially vulnerable The average disabled household faces £975 a month in extra costs. This figure was £550 /month in 2019. As inflation is expected to rise over the next five years, the extra cost of disability is estimated to reach £1,224 per month by 2029. • After housing costs, the proportion of working age disabled people living in poverty is 27%. Which is higher than the proportion of working age non-disabled people at 19%. • In August 2022, 7 in 10 families in Scotland where someone is disabled had cut back on essential expenditure. Communities Households 34.6% of all households are occupied by only 1 person. The national average is 37%. 13.5% of one person households are occupied by someone aged over 66. 19,433 are lone parent households, 12.83% of all households. 10,885 are lone parent households with one or more dependent children. 26% of households have no car or van. Households from ethnic minority backgrounds are over-represented in the private rented sector. Homelessness 16–25-year-olds remain disproportionately represented in homelessness statistics compared to the general population. 23.6% of all homeless applications in 2023-24 were from 16-25 year olds, and between April 2021 and April 2024, 991 young adults were supported through the Rapid Rehousing Transition Programme. Crime In 2024 -2025 Police Scotland received, 4209 reports of domestic abuse incidents in North Lanarkshire a slight decrease from the previous year. In 2023-24 4398 referrals were made to Violence Against Women specialist services. 98% of all referrals were for women. There were 324 recorded hate crimes in North Lanarkshire in 2022-23 a slight reduction in previous years. The rate has remained at 10 in every 10,000 for the past 3 years Language Skills 169 people use British Sign Language at home, 3958 speak Polish at home and 5259 speak a language at home other than English. 13.892 people do not write English and a further 3319 people have limited or no English skills. Page 154 of 200
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EQUALITY STRATEGY 2025-2029 20 Participation We know that most of the formal engagement and participation mechanisms are not reflective of the demographic makeup of our communities. An equality monitoring exercise undertaken on our Community Board community members in April 2024 found that Community Boards make up consisted of: • 26%of members are disabled which is proportionate with the local population. • No community boards have any young people under 25 participating. • All Community Board members aged under 40 are women and 25% are from a minority ethnic background. • 12% of those aged 65+ are from a minority ethnic background. • All but one Community Boards have more women participating than men. Health, Wellbeing and Care Domestic abuse remains the leading cause of homelessness amongst women, both in North Lanarkshire and across Scotland. Since 2021, 1223 women experiencing domestic abuse were rehoused. 846 of those applications included children (57.3%). 279 children under 16 provide over 20 + hours of unpaid care every week. 4448 people aged over 65 provide over 35 hours of unpaid care every week. 12,816 working age people provide over 35 hours / week of unpaid care – that is 5.8% of the working age population 26.4% of the population have said their activities are limited a little or a lot. 13.2% of the population (over 45000) are limited a lot. Of those, over half are of working age. 11.9% of the population have said they have a mental health condition with the white population experiencing the greatest incidence at 12%. 5% of the Asian population experience poor mental health. Our own local research has found that many people from a Black and Minority ethnic background, particularly South Asian, feel that mental health and care services do not meet their needs. Many Asian women are prevented from walking alone due to fear of harassment and access to a car is crucial for getting out and about. North Lanarkshire Council’s Workforce Since our last Equality Strategy was published in 2019 the Council has taken many steps to increase and sustain a diverse workforce. The following is information we gathered to inform the development of our NLC employment equality outcome for the next four years. Disabled Employees Disabled people in our workforce increased from 2.4%- 3.55% between 2022 and 2024. While 45%% of our workforce have not self-recorded in this category the levels of non—recording is improving. 1% females are disabled and 8.3% males and over 1/3 (34%) of disabled employees are under 40. Nearly 60% are working in grades 1-7. 3.5% are working in grades 15-18. No Chief Officers have recorded a disability. 2% of teachers are disabled and 41.8% of disabled employees work p/time Page 155 of 200
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EQUALITY STRATEGY 2025-2029 21 Minority Ethnic Employees The number of recorded minority ethnic workers increased from 92 to 214 between 2020 and 2024 an increase of 132.6%. 53.7% of minority ethnic employees work p/time and 44.9% of Minority ethnic workers are in NLC grade 1-6. There are no minority ethnic employees in NLC 15 and above or Deputy Head and Head Teachers or Principal Teachers. There are 20 minority ethnic teachers across the whole estate. We know that in some schools there is a 12% minority ethnic pupil population with some of those schools having no minority ethnic teachers. This has a known impact on pupils and their aspirations to become a teacher. There are only 5 recorded minority ethnic employees working in all areas of Home Support – out of 1430 (0.3%). The Our Lives research told us that people are rejecting home care due to the lack of cultural and language competence of carers. Women and Men 77% of our workforce are women, and just under half of the entire workforce work part-time - 90% of whom are women. Approx 4000 female employees – ¼ of the workforce - are part-time and working in our lowest pay grade. 97% of NLC1 grades are occupied by women. Part time work and low pay creates a lower average hourly rate and contributes towards the overall gender pay gap of 6.9% in the single status workforce. The overall pay gap across all sectors is 3.98%. The lowest paid grades are mainly in the occupations of – care, cleaning, catering and clerical – known as the 4 Cs and where occupational segregation is very evident. At the other end of the scale there is a reduction in part-time work opportunities, and this means females are more likely to be in lower graded roles when returning to work in order to combine work with other responsibilities – caring for young children for instance. There is strong gender-based segregation noted in traditional female dominated roles of caring and catering. The only service with more males than females is Enterprise and Communities – the host service for more male traditional roles like cleansing, gardeners, cemetery workers and drivers. Occupations Occupations Female % Male % Composition 77% Composition 23% Early Years 98.78% Drivers 100% Home Support Workers 93.4% Estate Officers 91.86% Primary Teacher 94.17% Refuse Collector 100% Cleaning 96% Gardener 100% Admin and clerical 93% Streetscene Operative 92% Page 156 of 200
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EQUALITY STRATEGY 2025-2029 22 Grades Grades and part-time working Chief Officers have more males than females, illustrating occupational segregation in grades and there is a pay gap between men and women at 8.5%. Having work and paid employment provides financial independence, control and having policies that support women to sustain employment recognising their responsibilities as carers is crucial. Until there is gender equality in employment –women will continue to be in lower paid roles, affecting not only their financial independence during their working lives but affecting their future pensions. It is well document that women disproportionately live in poverty compared to men. Financial dependence throughout many women’s lives can be a key factor in being in a position to live a safe life, as are the networks and support that women can access at work. Age 5% of our workforce are under 25 and 12.3% are over 60. Nearly 1/3 of our employees are women aged over 50. Page 157 of 200
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EQUALITY STRATEGY 2025-2029 23 With an aging workforce comes the need to support that workforce with health conditions and age specific conditions such as the menopause for our predominantly female workforce. WE also know that about 80% of people acquire a disability or long-term condition during their working life. Sexual Orientation Approx 2% of our workforce have recorded their sexual orientation as lesbian, gay or bisexual – an increase from previous years and more people are recording in this category. But there is still 36 .6% of the workforce who have not recorded. Gender re-assignment For the first time we have employees who have recorded in this category – 59 in total. 17 were recruited in 2024. Page 158 of 200
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EQUALITY STRATEGY 2025-2029 24 Our Delivery Plan 2025-2029 The following diagram shows some of the main legislative duties and regulations that informs our work, and how through our objectives and enablers we will meet the requirements of those duties, and particularly our ten equality outcomes for the next four years. • • Governance Since the publication of our last Equality Strategy in 2019, significant changes have taken place in relation to the governance of equality matters. A new Equalities Board was established in March 2023 to both oversee the work to mainstream equalities across the Council and the progress in relation to the Council's equality outcomes. The Board reports progress to the Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee. Our work to advance equality is not a standalone project. Equality matters are woven through our Programmes of Work that deliver the priorities in support of the Plan for North Lanarkshire. Page 159 of 200
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EQUALITY STRATEGY 2025-2029 25 Roles and responsibilities Everyone who works for the council, whether directly or through commissioning, is responsible for ensuring that the objectives of the Equality Strategy are reflected in the planning and delivery of their services. Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee This Committee is responsible for taking a lead in ensuring that the Equality Strategy 2024 – 2029 represents a robust and shared vision, meets the needs of the Council, is adopted across the council, and that measures are in place to monitor, challenge and review its progress. Elected Member Equality Champion This senior political role demonstrates support for equality and diversity matters and initiatives both within the council and across North Lanarkshire’s communities. Elected Members Elected Members have a role to play in championing equal opportunities and promoting cohesion and fostering good relations within their constituencies. They are responsible for paying due regard to equality and human rights in all of their constituency work. Corporate Management Team CMT is responsible for ensuring that the Equality Strategy is robust, integrated into all aspects of service planning and delivery, and is effectively implemented across the council. Individual members are expected to have oversight of the strategy in their areas and ensure that information about the impact of their services on equality and human rights is gathered, made available and evaluated Chief Officers Chief Officers are responsible for ensuring that officers within their areas understand their roles in Page 160 of 200
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EQUALITY STRATEGY 2025-2029 26 implementing the strategy and that the strategy is monitored and reviewed. Equality Board The Equality Board is responsible for ensuring all equality matters are advanced and fit for purpose. Managers All managers are responsible for ensuring that the objectives of the strategy are pursued appropriately within their teams, for gathering and making available information about the impact of their work on different communities and for ensuring that individual staff members understand their specific responsibilities with regard to equality and human rights. Employees All council staff are responsible for conducting their work in a way that supports delivery of the strategy and which demonstrates the council’s values of fairness, respect, equality and excellence. Employee Equality Forum This forum comprises employees from all areas of the council. It is involved in consultation on workforce diversity and equality initiatives. Trades Unions Three recognised public sector trade unions and two teaching unions are responsible for supporting their members on matters including diversity and equality and for ensuring that they are consulted on diversity and equality initiatives. Our contactors Every year the Council contract external businesses to carry out work and deliver services on our behalf. In doing so, they must reflect our values and duties in relation to equality. How will we know we are making a difference We have to know the measures we are taking are making a difference for our communities and within our workforce. Our equality outcomes are supported by a performance management framework. The following provides some of the ways we will know. The framework can be found in Appendix 1 of this Strategy. Equality outcome 1. Care experienced young people, disabled people, minority ethnic people and women experiencing domestic abuse have warm, safe, affordable and accessible housing (including housing support) that meets their needs. Fewer care Number of Monitoring the Number of ethnic Increase in experienced adaptations and number of minority people number of new young people equipment housing allocated a home homes that become provided in approaches through the meet Housing homeless direct people’s homes from women Common Housing for Varying from a care is maintained. due to domestic Register Needs setting abuse. Standards Page 161 of 200
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EQUALITY STRATEGY 2025-2029 27 Equality outcome 2. More disabled people, women and minority ethnic people have access to Council funded employability support programmes and business support. Increase in % Disabled Increase in % Increase in Increase in number of BME, People Project Search numbers of number of disabled and progressing graduates into women, disabled women (unique) lone parents from the service work within 12 and BME people receiving 1-2-1 supported into that no longer months of receiving Business mentoring employment by require in work graduating Start-up Grant support NLC support from through the employability the service Hive programme. Equality outcome 3. Young adults, lone parents, women, disabled people and those from different faith groups access the services of the Tackling Poverty Team. Increase in Fewer people Increase in Reduce the Costs Number of free Number of accessing the income levels of Living – (Fuel period products Working Age Tackling Poverty via Social Debt, Rent Arrears, distributed BME and Team in relation Security Debt/Total Debt across North disabled people to Food Poverty Benefits dealt with) Lanarkshire assisted with benefits advice Equality outcome 4. The educational attainment for children and young people with disabilities and/or additional support needs, Gypsy/ traveller children and young carers continues to improve. Decrease in Increase in % of Increase in % of young carers % of Gypsy number of ASN care attendance achieving Scottish Traveller pupils excluded experienced rates for Credit and children children children Qualification achieving achieving assessed as Framework (SCQF) Scottish Credit Scottish Credit disabled awards and and Qualification Qualification Framework Framework (SCQF) awards (SCQF) awards Equality outcome 5. Our schools are safe, accessible and inclusive. Number of Increase in Increase in the The Majority (50- Monitor % of children and access to number of 74%) of racist incidents young people Language Line establishments establishments with satisfactory accessing interpreting in gaining equality that have outcome School Based schools related completed the Counselling, certification e.g. racial equality and Rights inclusion audit Respecting and/or training Page 162 of 200
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EQUALITY STRATEGY 2025-2029 28 Schools, LGBT Chartermark Equality outcome 6. Increased opportunities for children and young people with protected characteristics to develop their employability skills to enable them to leave school with a positive destination. Increase in the number of females gaining higher level qualifications in STEM subjects. % increase in the number of children achieving a positive destination. Disabled ASN Most (75-90%) of secondary schools are offering bespoke/ alternative curriculum for pupils with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. Improved attendance rates for children (primary and secondary) identified as ‘at risk of disengaging’/social, emotional and behavioural needs. (Care Experienced ASN) 90% of young people completing positive pathways programme will secure a positive destination. G&T Young carers Care experienced Equality outcome 7. Decision-making processes and services are influenced by the contributions of young people, women, minority ethnic people and disabled people Increase in staff trained in Equality Impact Assessments Increase funding from council grants schemes to organisations focused on: Young people Women BME people Disabled people % Licensing Forum members who are: Young people Female BME people Disabled people Increase in those participating in community engagement activity or delivery of local priorities that are: Young people BME people Disabled people Increase in organisations receiving capacity building or developmental support who are focused on: Young people Women BME people Disabled people Equality outcome 8. Our buildings, places and spaces are safe, vibrant, inclusive and accessible, better serving the needs of people with protected characteristics through effective planning, design and development. Monitor Number of Number of Number of public Number of new number of licensed Changing Places play spaces that town and licensed premises toilets in are accessible for community premises linked referred to operation and individuals with hubs / public to hate crime accessibility accessible disabilities facing delivery incidents standards across Council spaces that assets have been created in line with trauma Page 163 of 200
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EQUALITY STRATEGY 2025-2029 29 informed design principles Equality outcome 9. The services and information we provide are accessible and tailored to different people's needs. Complaints received re access to services (decrease) Increase in number of BSL videos on our website Increase number of Easy Read publications about our services Increase in number of employees accessing Language Line / Contact Scotland BSL Increase in numbers of hits on BSL pages on website Equality outcome 10. Our employment practices actively encourage people to work for us, thrive and progress in their employment in NLC. % of females in top 2% of earners (increase) More BME people in the teaching workforce More males working in Home Support Our ethnicity pay gap has reduced Increase in numbers of BME and disabled employees promoted. Page 164 of 200
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Appendix 2 North Lanarkshire Equality Outcomes Performance Management Framework 2025 – 29 Equality outcome 1: Care experienced young people, disabled people, minority ethnic people and women experiencing domestic abuse have warm, safe, affordable and accessible housing (including housing support) that meets their needs. General Duty Indicator/How will you know this outcome has been achieved? Baseline – 31 March 2024 Target Dec 26 Actual Dec 26 Service Corrective Action RAG a) Number of care experienced young people becoming homeless direct from a care setting 4 reduce Housing Strategy (contact Julie Smith) b) Number of care experienced young people (looked after less than 5 years ago) becoming homeless 24 reduce Housing Strategy (contact Julie Smith) c) Number of care experienced young people (looked after more than 5 years ago) becoming homeless 16 reduce Housing Strategy (contact Julie Smith) d) Number of ethnic minority people on the Common Housing Register (expressed as a % of overall applicants in addition to number) 476 (3.23%) - Housing Strategy (contact Chris Harvey) e) Number of ethnic minority people allocated a home through the Common Housing Register (expressed as a % of all allocations in addition to number) 42 (1.15%) - Housing Strategy (contact Chris Harvey) f) Number of housing approaches from women due to domestic abuse 312 - Housing Strategy (contact Margaret Kelly) Page 165 of 200
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Appendix 2 Equality outcome 1: Care experienced young people, disabled people, minority ethnic people and women experiencing domestic abuse have warm, safe, affordable and accessible housing (including housing support) that meets their needs. General Duty g) Number of people with health points on the Common Housing Register 4,463 - Housing Strategy (contact Chris Harvey) h) Number of people with health points on the Common Housing Register allocated a home 155 903 NLC lets and 202 partner RSL lets - Housing Strategy (contact Chris Harvey) i) Number of adaptations and equipment provided Approx 3,900 adaptations completed across tenures Maintain or increase H&SC – Carrie McLeod j) Number of additional homes built or acquired (buy back/off the shelf purchases) that meet the needs of people who use a wheelchair (i.e. wheelchair standard homes) 178 Increase Housing Strategy (contact Chris Harvey) k) Total number of new homes built/acquired that meet Housing for Varying Needs Standards (HfVNS) (NLC and RSL) 3,598 (from lhs annual progress report Feb 2025 data as at 31 March 2024) Increase Housing Strategy (contact Chris Harvey) l) Number of people receiving housing support (as a snap shot as at 31 March 2024) Chris to check Maintain or increase Housing Strategy (contact Chris Harvey) Page 166 of 200
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Appendix 2 Equality outcome 1: Care experienced young people, disabled people, minority ethnic people and women experiencing domestic abuse have warm, safe, affordable and accessible housing (including housing support) that meets their needs. General Duty Action Start date End date Section/ Officer Progress RAG Deliver 6,000 new/additional council homes and increase supply via Registered Social Landlords through the Strategic Investment Plan started 2035 Housing 3,795 council and RSL homes delivered since 2010/11. Of which 2,376 are council homes. Deliver wheelchair housing on all council new development sites where feasible (at least 10% on council sites and 5% on RSL) started 2028 Housing 104 council wheelchair new homes; 74 RSL new build homes Provide equipment and adaptations across tenures started 2028 H&SC 3,900 adaptations completed across tenures over 2023/24 Complete re-modelling of specialist linked corridor retirement complex provision to provide more accessible and sustainable accommodation to meet the needs of adults with more complex needs started 2035 Housing Investment Re-modelling complete at Dundyvan Gardens, Drummond Drive site start due 2025 and remaining complexes option appraisal and priority investment order identified Undertake pilot to provide internet infrastructure and smart homes as part of the council’s digital connectivity housing masterplan to evaluate the benefits of telehealth and assistive tech in improving health and wellbeing Autumn 2025 2028 Housing Committee approval gained in March 2025 to progress – project group established Implement a new Housing Management System that has capacity to provide greater functionality to improve equality analysis and reporting started Spring 2028 Housing New system procured and work underway to migrate data and prep for the new system Progress the actions contained with the pan Lanarkshire Gypsy/Traveller action plan started 2028 All partners (Housing updates the plan) Action plan revised in January 2025 and pan Lanarkshire group created which meets twice per year Embed domestic abuse informed systems and practice across the wider housing sector in North Lanarkshire started 2028 Housing RSL and Council Social Landlord Domestic Abuse Forum established – facilitated by NLC Housing to share good practice and develop improved responses for domestic abuse. Page 167 of 200
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Appendix 2 Equality outcome 1: Care experienced young people, disabled people, minority ethnic people and women experiencing domestic abuse have warm, safe, affordable and accessible housing (including housing support) that meets their needs. General Duty Online digital domestic abuse directory created, roll out of Safe and Together training for both council and RSL staff and domestic abuse housing policy created. Develop and implement trauma informed practice across all aspects of Housing Services started 2028 Housing Training Needs Analysis undertaken to identify appropriate training for each housing service role and training well underway with housing locality staff and in house housing trauma trainers. Implement the Temporary Accommodation Strategy actions started 2029 Housing Temporary Accommodation Strategy approved at Housing Committee in May 2024 – includes a range of actions targets to improve options for CEYP, trauma informed space etc. Page 168 of 200
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Appendix 2 Equality outcome 2: More disabled people, women and minority ethnic people have access to Council funded employability support programmes and business support. General Duty Indicator/How will you know this outcome has been achieved? Baseline – Dec 24 Target Dec 26 Actual Dec 26 Service Corrective Action RAG a) Number of low income parents engaged on NLC employability programmes 410 820 E&F Employabili ty b) Number of low income parents supported into employment by NLC employability programmes 190 448 E&F Employabili ty c) Number of disabled parents engaged on NLC employability programmes 26 60 E&F Employabili ty d) Number of disabled parents supported into employment by NLC employability programmes 8 15 E&F Employabili ty e) Number of disabled people engaged on NLC employability programmes 50 120 E&F Employabili ty f) Number of disabled people supported into employment by NLC employability programmes 15 40 E&F Employabili ty g) Number of BME people engaged on NLC employability programmes 263 600 E&F Employabili ty h) Number of BME people supported into employment by NLC employability programmes 109 230 E&F Employabili ty Page 169 of 200
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Appendix 2 Equality outcome 2: More disabled people, women and minority ethnic people have access to Council funded employability support programmes and business support. General Duty i) % Disabled People progressing from the service that no longer require in work support from the service. 12% 24% E&F Employabili ty j) Number of people supported via the Supported Employment 5 stage model 214 300 E&F Employabili ty k) People who have kept their job via SES for up to 2 years 49 100 E&F Employabili ty l) Disabled people average hours worked / week 23 25 E&F Employabili ty m) Number of Project Search Graduates 16 16 E&F Employabili ty n) % Project Search graduates into work within 12 months of graduating 87.5% 90% E&F Employabili ty o) Number of women setting up in self-employment following Business Gateway support Baseline to March 2025 164 250 Business Gateway Lanarkshire p) Number of disabled people setting up in business following Business Gateway support 10 18 Business Gateway Lanarkshire q) Number of young people setting up in business following Business Gateway support 27 50 Business Gateway Lanarkshire Page 170 of 200
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Appendix 2 Equality outcome 2: More disabled people, women and minority ethnic people have access to Council funded employability support programmes and business support. General Duty r) Number of Minority Ethnic Background persons setting up in business following Business Gateway support 18 30 Business Gateway Lanarkshire s) Number of women completing a Planning to Start Review (Enquiry) 315 500 Business Gateway Lanarkshire t) Number of disabled people completing a Planning to Start Review (Enquiry) 61 100 Business Gateway Lanarkshire u) Number of Minority Ethnic Background persons completing a Planning to Start Review (Enquiry) 48 80 Business Gateway Lanarkshire v) Number of women receiving a Business Start-Up Fund grant Baseline 18months to March 25 58 63 E&C Place Enterprise w) Number of disabled people receiving a Business Start-Up Fund grant Baseline 18months to March 25 5 10 E&C Place Enterprise x) Number of young people (16-25) receiving a Business Start- Up Fund grant Baseline 18months to March 25 8 16 E&C Place Enterprise y) Number of Minority Ethnic Background persons receiving a Business Start-Up Fund grant Baseline 18months to March 25 8 16 E&C Place Enterprise Page 171 of 200
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Appendix 2 Equality outcome 2: More disabled people, women and minority ethnic people have access to Council funded employability support programmes and business support. General Duty z) Number of women led businesses receiving a Business Growth Fund grant Baseline 18months to March 25 18 36 E&C Place Enterprise aa) Number of disabled person led businesses receiving a Business Growth Fund grant Baseline 18months to March 25 1 3 E&C Place Enterprise bb) Number of Minority Ethnic Background led businesses receiving a Business Growth Fund grant Baseline 18months to March 25 2 4 E&C Place Enterprise cc) Number of young people (16-25) led businesses receiving a Business Growth Fund grant Baseline 18months to March 25 0 2 E&C Place Enterprise dd) Number of Hive Registrations by women 20 Feb 24 to 31 Mar 25 444 600 E&C Place Enterprise ee) Number of women (unique) receiving 121 mentoring support through the Hive August to March 2025 7 50 E&C Place Enterprise ff) Number of female school pupils attending the Hive for entrepreneurship training N/A 150 E&C Place Enterprise Page 172 of 200
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Appendix 2 Equality outcome 2: More disabled people, women and minority ethnic people have access to Council funded employability support programmes and business support. General Duty Action Start date End date Section/ Officer Progress RAG a-h) Targeted support and engagement continuing in NLC Employability Programmes Started Dec 26 E&F Employabili ty i-l) Support continuing through NLC Supported Employment Service Started Dec 26 E&F Employabili ty m-n) Continue with Project Search Started Dec 26 E&F Employabili ty o-u) Targeted support continuing via Business Gateway Started Dec 26 Business Gateway Lanarkshire v-y) Business Start-up support available Started Dec 26 E&C Place Enterprise z-cc) Business Growth Fund support available Started Dec 26 E&C Place Enterprise dd-ff) Opportunities afforded via the Hive Women’s Business Incubator Hub. Started Dec 26 E&C Place Enterprise Page 173 of 200
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Appendix 2 Equality outcome 3: Young adults, lone parents, women, disabled people and those from different faith groups access the services of the Tackling Poverty Team General Duty Indicator/How will you know this outcome has been achieved? Baseline – March 25 Target March 26 Actual March 26 Service Corrective Action RAG a) Number young parents accessing income maximisation 314 345 E&F Tackling Poverty Team b) Number of working age disabled people assisted with benefits advice 5698 6267 E&F Tackling Poverty Team c) Number of Working Age BAME people assisted with benefits advice 164 180 E&F Tackling Poverty Team d) Increase in characteristics recorded for disability and ethnicity via TPT 4.19% recorded with a disability 66% have ethnicity recorded 4.6% 72% E&F Tackling Poverty Team e) Number of Working Age assisted with benefits advice by sex 8120 – females 6774- males 13 - other 8932 (F) 7451 (M) 14(O) E&F Tackling Poverty Team f) Number of people accessing the Tackling Poverty Team in relation to Food Poverty 1564 people 1408 people E&F Tackling Poverty Team Page 174 of 200
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Appendix 2 Equality outcome 3: Young adults, lone parents, women, disabled people and those from different faith groups access the services of the Tackling Poverty Team General Duty g) Increase in income levels via Social Security Benefits £51 million £51 million E&F Tackling Poverty Team h) Reduce the Costs of Living – (Fuel Debt, Rent Arrears, Debt/Total Debt dealt with) Fuel - £528,949 Rent - £262,214 Total debt - £5,314,992 Fuel - £581,843 Rent - £288,435 Total debt - £5,846,491 E&F Tackling Poverty Team i) Number of free period products distributed across North Lanarkshire 876,91 1,350,000 Community Partnership Team G j) Increased educational institutions engagement 77 140 Community Partnership Team G k) Number of free period product distribution points across North Lanarkshire 100 130 Community Partnership Team G Action Start date End date Section/ Officer Progress RAG (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) • dedicated welfare rights officer working within Employability, together with working closer with Families Here and Now Service • Improved recording – with the introduction of Mosaic and auditing by senior officers, demographic recording to improve April 2025 April 2025 E&F Tackling Poverty Team Page 175 of 200
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Appendix 2 Equality outcome 3: Young adults, lone parents, women, disabled people and those from different faith groups access the services of the Tackling Poverty Team General Duty (f) • The Scottish Government Cash First Funding ends in November 2025, and it is anticipated that there may be a reduction in the demand for food poverty referrals to the Tackling Poverty Team as a result of this November 2025 E&F Tackling Poverty Team (g) (h) Continued social media posts as per Tackling Poverty Communications Policy April 2025 E&F Tackling Poverty Team (i) Continue to promote and raise awareness of the access to free period products, this will be done through marketing of the project, the delivery of an annual period dignity week, working with hard-to-reach communities. 01/04/2025 Ongoing CPT G (j) Continue to promote and raise awareness of the access to free period products within schools and communities, along with developing targeted initiatives and arrangements with schools in relation to the holiday periods I.E. • High Schools staying open during summer for students to access products. • Produce targeted marketing towards schools. • Information in School newsletters. 01/04/2025 Ongoing CPT G (k) Continue the review of existing access points to reduce clustering of sites. 01/04/2025 Ongoing CPT G Page 176 of 200
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Appendix 2 Equality outcome 3: Young adults, lone parents, women, disabled people and those from different faith groups access the services of the Tackling Poverty Team General Duty To ensure no duplication or grouping of access points in location of nearby public buildings. The better used site, with longer opening hours will be preferred. Page 177 of 200
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Appendix 2 Equality outcome 4: The educational attainment for children and young people with disabilities and/ or additional support needs, Gypsy/ traveller children and young carers is improved. General Duty Indicator/How will you know this outcome has been achieved? Baseline – Dec 24 Target Dec 26 Actual Dec 26 Service Corrective Action RAG a) Increase in % of children assessed as disabled achieving Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework (SCQF) awards / award bearing courses. Need baseline or monitor first year E&F b) Increase in % of ASN children achieving Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework (SCQF) awards / award bearing courses. 2407/2545 ASN learners achieved. 94.6% Increase E&F c) Increase in % of care experienced children achieving Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework (SCQF) awards / award bearing courses. Need baseline or monitor first year E&F d) Increase in % of Gypsy Traveller young people achieving Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework (SCQF) awards / award bearing courses. Need baseline or monitor first year E&F e) % of young carers achieving Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework (SCQF) awards / award bearing courses. Need baseline or monitor first year E&F f) Number of exclusions for children with Additional Support needs will decrease Need baseline or monitor first year (figures from last year were incorrect) E&F Page 178 of 200
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Appendix 2 Equality outcome 4: The educational attainment for children and young people with disabilities and/ or additional support needs, Gypsy/ traveller children and young carers is improved. General Duty g) Increase in attendance rates for children assessed as disabled 87.1% (across all sectors) E&F Action Start date End date Section/ Officer Progress RAG a) Link with vocational/eternal providers to identify award bearing courses. Aug 25 Jun 26 L.McB b) Link with vocational/external providers to identify award bearing courses. Aug 25 Jun 26 L.McB c) Link with vocational/external providers to identify award bearing courses. Aug 25 Jun 26 L.McB d) Link with vocational/external providers to identify award bearing courses. Aug 25 Jun 26 LMcB e) Link with vocational/external providers to identify award bearing courses. Aug 25 Jun 26 L.McB f) Dis-regulated Behaviour Policy implementation Bespoke curriculum packages offered to increase motivation, engagement and attendance. Aug 25 Jun 26 L.McB g) Establishment of monitoring procedures at establishment and cluster level. Aug 25 Jun 26 L.McB Page 179 of 200
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Appendix 2 Equality outcome 5: Our schools, are safe, accessible and inclusive. General Duty Indicator/How will you know this outcome has been achieved? Baseline – Dec 24 Target Dec 26 Actual Dec 26 Service Corrective Action RAG a) Most (75-90%) of feedback from stakeholders (pupils and parents) is positive evidencing that the new Additional Support delivery model is effectively meeting young people and parent/carers’ needs. Need baseline or monitor first year E&F Relocation of Bothwell Park HS Enhanced support provision in Mainstream PS b) Most (75-90%) of referrals to the Support Around the School Team (SAST) result in a positive outcome for a child or young person Need baseline or monitor first year E&F c) Number of children and young people accessing School Based Counselling, facilitated by Cluster secondary school has increased by 10%. 1900 E&F d) 5% increase in the number of establishments gaining equality RRSA– 148 E&F related certification e.g. Rights Respecting Schools, LGBT LGBT Chartermark Chartermark (Secondary Schools only) - 5 Page 180 of 200
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Appendix 2 Equality outcome 5: Our schools, are safe, accessible and inclusive. General Duty e) Numbers of schools participating in equality educational programmes Mentors in Violence Prevention Equally Safe in School Time for Inclusive Education Need baseline or monitor first year E&F f) The Majority (50-74%) of establishments that have completed the racial equality and inclusion audit and/or training. 24 (last record in 2022) Increase E&F g) % of racist incidents with satisfactory outcome % of bullying incidents with satisfactory outcome Need baseline or monitor first year E&F h) % of girls participating in (extra-curricular) sport Need baseline or monitor first year E&F i) Number of calls to Language Line – academic year 25/26 13 (24/25) Increase E&F Action Start date Aug 23 End date June2 4 Section/ Officer Progress RAG a) Evaluation and consultation with parents and pupils Aug 25 Jun 26 L.McB b) Support Around the School Teams and wellbeing hubs established in every cluster (11 clusters). Aug 25 Jun 26 L.McB c) Training uploaded to Innovation Hub. User guides available. Support Officer appointed. Monitor staff training figures. Monitor usage across the service Aug 25 Jun 26 L.McB Page 181 of 200
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Appendix 2 Equality outcome 5: Our schools, are safe, accessible and inclusive. General Duty d) Promote and track RRSA & LGBT Chartermark in schools Aug 25 Jun 26 L.McB e) Promote and track: Mentors in Violence Prevention Equally Safe in School Time for Inclusive Education Aug 25 Jun 26 L.McB f) Collated evidence of Equality Audit & Training. Equality audit and challenge questions and sketch note produced to support establishments Aug 25 Jun 26 L.McB g) Monitor racist and bullying incidents and satisfaction rates with outcomes Aug 25 Jun 26 L.McB h) Engage with Active Schools Aug 25 Jun 26 L.McB i) Promote use of Language Line and other interpreting support Aug 25 Jun 26 L.McB Page 182 of 200
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Appendix 2 Equality outcome 6: Increased opportunities for children and young people with protected characteristics to develop their employability skills to enable them to leave school with a positive destinations. General Duty Indicator/How will you know this outcome has been achieved? Baseline – Dec 24 Target Dec 26 Actual Dec 26 Service Corrective Action RAG a) Most (75-90%) of secondary schools are offering bespoke/ Need E&F alternative curriculum for pupils with social, emotional and baseline or behavioural difficulties. monitor first year b) Reduction in the number of exclusions across the service 11.5% Reduction E&F c) Improved attendance rates for children (primary and secondary) identified as ‘at risk of disengaging’/social, emotional and behavioural needs. (Care Experienced ASN) ASN - 84.6% CE - 83.3% Increase in attendance for each identified group E&F d) % increase in the number of children achieving a positive destination. Disabled ASN G&T Young carers Care experienced Need baseline or monitor first year E&F e) 5% increase in the number of females gaining higher level (Higher (A-C Increase E&F qualifications in STEM subjects. passes) Physics – 73% Higher design and Manufacturin g –64.3% Page 183 of 200
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Appendix 2 Equality outcome 6: Increased opportunities for children and young people with protected characteristics to develop their employability skills to enable them to leave school with a positive destinations. General Duty Computing Science – 63.9% f) 90% of young people completing positive pathways programme will secure a positive destination. 98% Maintain 90+ % E&F Action Start date End date Section/ Officer Progress RAG a) Secondary schools are offering bespoke/ alternative curriculum Aug 25 Jun 26 L.McB b) Monitor exclusion data Aug 25 Jun 26 L.McB c) Secondary schools are offering bespoke/ alternative curriculum for pupils with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. Virtual Schools Aug 25 Jun 26 L.McB d) Monitor Modern Apprenticeship and college data for leavers with protected characteristics. Aug 25 Jun 26 L.McB e) STEM ambassadors used in schools. Young Women in STEM promote through the use of the Virtual Classrooms. Aug 25 Jun 26 L.McB f) Positive pathways implemented for children most at risk of being NEET. Aug 25 Jun 26 L.McB Page 184 of 200
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Appendix 2 Equality outcome 7: Decision-making processes and services are influenced by the contributions of young people, women, minority ethnic people and disabled people General Duty Indicator/How will you know this outcome has been achieved? Baseline – Dec 24 Target Dec 26 Actual Dec 26 Service Corrective Action RAG a) Increase in those participating in community engagement activity or delivery of local priorities that are: • Young people (4of 9) • BME (4 of 9) • Disabled - 26% • Young people (4 of 9) • BME (4 of 9) • Disabled - 26% Increase b) Increase in organisations receiving capacity building or developmental support who are focused on: • Young people • Women • BME • Disabled No baseline c) Increase funding from council grants schemes to organisations focused on: • Young people • Women • BAME • Disabled £784,933 (61%) of the overall budget across Community Grants schemes was allocated to organisations delivering Increase Page 185 of 200
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Appendix 2 Equality outcome 7: Decision-making processes and services are influenced by the contributions of young people, women, minority ethnic people and disabled people General Duty work targeted to equalities groups as follows Community Grants – 14% (£100,222 budget) Grant Award Programme 78% (£554,914 budget) Recover NL 31% (£23,863 budget) Community Empowerme nt Fund 48% (£273,600 budget) UK SPF Microfund 22% Page 186 of 200
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Appendix 2 Equality outcome 7: Decision-making processes and services are influenced by the contributions of young people, women, minority ethnic people and disabled people General Duty (£77,000 budget) Community Asset Transfer Support Fund 40% (£36k budget) Campsies Grant Fund 73% (Budget £164,759) d) % Licensing Forum members who are: Young people Female BME Disabled tbc e) % of staff trained in Equality Impact Assessments 50 increase CEx Action Start date End date Section/ Officer Progress RAG a) Awareness raising and improvement activity with Community Boards, their subgroups and partners to minimise any barriers to participation for • Young people • Women • BAME • Disabled Already started 2029 CPT Page 187 of 200
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Appendix 2 Equality outcome 7: Decision-making processes and services are influenced by the contributions of young people, women, minority ethnic people and disabled people General Duty Undertake EQIA and Equalities Awareness Training with Community Boards and sub-groups. Undertake action and improvements to make community boards more physically accessible and inclusive Create guidance where improvements are made in response to identified barriers/needs Targeted engagement with equalities groups through the LOIP review process b) Identify actions to target capacity building based on gaps and under representation across key work streams • Groups applying for and receiving grants • Groups receiving developmental support • Groups participating in the CAT process • Groups participating in comm unity boards or LOIP activity Aug 2025 Dec26 Implement equalities questions in all areas of CPT business to establish a baseline and ensure a focus on continuous improvement c) Identify groups under represented in grant • application process • successful applications and undertake targeted engagement and associated action to understand capacity needs Aug 25 Apr 26 Ensure all relevant staff are trained in EQIA’s and that this is built into the early stages of relevant engagement, committee recommendations or review work d) Promote the Forum to new members and target organisations which represent: • Young people June 25 June 26 LB / Rachel Blair Page 188 of 200
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Appendix 2 Equality outcome 7: Decision-making processes and services are influenced by the contributions of young people, women, minority ethnic people and disabled people General Duty • Female • BME • Disabled e) Monitor applications for Adult SEV Licenses June 25 Dec 26 LB/Rachel Blair Page 189 of 200
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Appendix 2 Equality outcome 8: Our buildings, places and spaces are safe, vibrant, inclusive and accessible, better serving the needs of people with protected characteristics through effective planning, design and development. General Duty Indicator/How will you know this outcome has been achieved? Baseline – Dec 24 Target Dec 26 Actual Dec 26 Service Corrective Action RAG a) Number of hate crimes linked to licensed premises New monitor CEx/LB b) Number of licensed premises referred to accessibility standards New TBC CEx /LB c) Numbers of licensed premises participating in Ask Angela initiative. CEx/LB d) Number of Access Panel meetings attended by Council Officers 10 10 CEx e) Numbers of consultations with Disability Access Panel at planning / design stage (NLC property) New 7 10 E&C f) Number of improvement actions completed following Access Panel consultation recorded through meetings attended by Council officers New- TBC Await SH Monitor CEx g) Number of Changing Places toilets in operation and accessible across Council assets New – TBC Monitor Adult SW/E&C/C Ex h) Number of Council assets that are digitally enabled to increase digital inclusion for all groups with protected characteristics i.e: Public Wi-Fi available Digital hub/zone New 133 23 137 monitor CEx F&T E&C Page 190 of 200
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Appendix 2 Equality outcome 8: Our buildings, places and spaces are safe, vibrant, inclusive and accessible, better serving the needs of people with protected characteristics through effective planning, design and development. General Duty i) Number of public play spaces that are accessible for individuals with disabilities New- TBC Monitor Place/CEx j) Number of establishments with hearing loop systems (fixed and or portable) to increase inclusion for individuals with hearing impairments New- TBC Monitor E&C/E&F CEx k) Number of new town and community hubs / public facing delivery spaces incl. educational establishments that have been created in line with trauma informed design principles 7 8 E&C/Place/ CEx/E&F l) Number of of new Town and Community Hubs / service delivery areas with public facing services that have undertaken an annual trauma informed walkthrough 4 7 E&C/Place/ CEx m) Number of NL venues audited by AccessAble 347 Monitor Adult SW n) Usage of AccessAble i.e. number of hits on website and number of page views 34,514- TBC 54,784- TBC Await CMc Monitor Adult SW Action Start date End date Section/ Officer Progress RAG a) In partnership with Community Safety teams monitor June 25 Dec 26 L&D b) Highlight areas via Licensing Support Officers (LSOs) June 25 Dec 26 L&D c) LSOs to monitor existing licensed premises and promote to new licensed premises June 25 Dec 26 L&D Page 191 of 200
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Appendix 2 Equality outcome 8: Our buildings, places and spaces are safe, vibrant, inclusive and accessible, better serving the needs of people with protected characteristics through effective planning, design and development. General Duty d) Continue to support Access Panel through attendance June 25 Dec 26 CEx / EqT e) Promote the Inclusive Design Protocol and apply the principles of trauma design in Council toolkit launched June 2025 June 25 Dec 26 E&C/Place CEx f) Continue to deliver improvement action in response to Access Panel feedback June 25 Dec 26 E&C/Place/ CEx g) Changing Place audit Nov 24 with wider dialogue across identified Council services to gather consistent understanding with annual review of as is/improvement action. Position statement going through Adult SW governance group. June 25 Dec 26 E&C/CEx/ Adult SW h) Delivery of Comms world public Wi-Fi roadmap and ongoing review. Delivery and maintenance of digital zones within Digital NL POW. June 25 Dec 26 E&C/CEx i) Delivery of ‘Our Place’ local development projects and progress of community led local place plans. With assessment mechanisms through Open Space strategy consultations, play sufficiency assessment, Your Place survey 2025. June 25 Dec 26 Place/CEx j) Audit completed in July across E&F, Community Operations and Corporate Property June 25 Dec 26 E&C/CEx/E &F Page 192 of 200
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Appendix 2 Equality outcome 8: Our buildings, places and spaces are safe, vibrant, inclusive and accessible, better serving the needs of people with protected characteristics through effective planning, design and development. General Duty k) Hub projects taken forward through One Service have applied the principles. Trauma Design toolkit launched across all services in May 2025 with input at Place Team session during June to encourage application across all relevant projects. Expectation that services apply to projects therefore evidence will need to be requested to demonstrate this. June 25 Dec 26 E&C/CEx E&F/Place l) Engaged with HIS to formally and consistently trial annual walkthroughs at community hub spaces during 2025/25 leveraging groups with people who have lived experience June 25 Dec 26 m) Partnership with Adult SW/AccessAble to capture as is position, with review carried out October 2024 June 25 Dec 26 Adult SW/E&C/C ex n) Partnership with Adult SW/AccessAble to capture data as needed June 25 Dec 26 Adult SW/E&C/C Ex Page 193 of 200
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Appendix 2 Equality outcome 9: The services and information we provide are accessible and tailored to different people's needs. General Duty Indicator/How will you know this outcome has been achieved? Baseline – Dec 24 Target Dec 26 Actual Dec 26 Service Corrective Action RAG a) Complaints received re access to services (decrease) - Digital Hubs - Improved Customer Experience TBC decrease b) Language Line usage all services – monitor 307 calls Monitor EqT c) Numbers of Easy Read publications about our services 2 Increase +10 All Services d) Number of BSL videos published on Council website (+5) 0 Increase +5 E&C E&F CEx e) Number of hits on website BSL pages 0 Monitor EqT f) Numbers of employees accessing training Deaf awareness Working with interpreters Easy Read Social Model of Disability New output Monitor for baseline TOD g) Number of Home Support Workers trained to deliver culturally competent services New output Monitor EqT/ HSC Equality outcome 9: The services and information we provide are accessible and tailored to different people's needs. General Duty Page 194 of 200
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Appendix 2 Action Start date End date Service/ Officer Progress RAG a) Monitor Council’s complaints received Aug 25 Dec 26 CEx b,c,d,e) Develop new interpretation and translation guidance and monitor requests via services. Aug 25 Dec 26 Equality Board d,e) Create and promote new BSL pages to BSL community organisations and monitor. Aug 25 Dec 26 All services f) Review current training and monitor uptake of training. Develop bespoke Social Model of Disability and working with interpreters training. Aug 25 Dec 26 TOD g) develop training and awareness raising materials for HSW Aug 25 Dec 26 ET / HSCP Page 195 of 200
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Appendix 2 Equality outcome 10: Our employment practices actively encourage people to work for us, thrive and progress in their employment in NLC. Outcome i). Young, disabled, minority ethnic and LGB&T people work with us at all levels and are supported. Outcome ii). Reduce vertical and horizontal gender occupational segregation. Outcome iii). Increase Minority Ethnic people in teaching and Social Work workforce. Indicator/How will you know this outcome has been achieved? Baseline – Dec 24 Target Dec 26 Actual Dec 26 Service Corrective Action Outcome i) a) % of employees who are disabled (increase) 606 (3.59%) 85 new appointments Increase CEx/PR b) % of employees who are BME (increase) 214 (1.27%) 26 new appointments Increase CEx/PR c) % of employees aged 18-25 (increase) 4.6% (approx.) Increase CEx/PR d) % of BME employees promoted (increase) 3.2% (8) Increase CEx/PR e) % of disabled employees promoted (increase) 4.42% Increase CEx/PR f) Reduce the ethnicity pay gap 6.78% reduce CEx/PR g) % employees recording under sexual orientation category (increase) 65% Increase CEx/PR Page 196 of 200
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Appendix 2 Equality outcome 10: Our employment practices actively encourage people to work for us, thrive and progress in their employment in NLC. Outcome i). Young, disabled, minority ethnic and LGB&T people work with us at all levels and are supported. Outcome ii). Reduce vertical and horizontal gender occupational segregation. Outcome iii). Increase Minority Ethnic people in teaching and Social Work workforce. Indicator/How will you know this outcome has been achieved? Baseline – Dec 24 Target Dec 26 Actual Dec 26 Service Corrective Action h) Numbers of Dignity at Work and Sexual Harassment complaints (formal and informal) received from employees: Young people <25 Disabled BME LG&B Transgender monitor CEx/PR Outcome ii) i) % of Female Secondary Head Teachers (increase) 36.36% increase E&F j) % of females in top 2% of earners (increase) 57.4% Increase CEx/PR k) % home support workers who are male (increase) 6.6% increase AHSC Equality outcome 10: Our employment practices actively encourage people to work for us, thrive and progress in their employment in NLC. Outcome i). Young, disabled, minority ethnic and LGB&T people work with us at all levels and are supported. Outcome ii). Reduce vertical and horizontal gender occupational segregation. Outcome iii). Increase Minority Ethnic people in teaching and Social Work workforce. Page 197 of 200
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Appendix 2 Indicator/How will you know this outcome has been achieved? Baseline – Dec 24 Target Dec 26 Actual Dec 26 Service Corrective Action Outcome iii) l) % increase in number of BME employees in teaching workforce 0.6% increase E&F m) % of BME employees in the Social Work workforce 0.9% increase E&F Action Start Date End date Section/ Officer Progress a) Disability Working Group action plan. Anonymous recruitment Guaranteed interview Dec 24 Dec 26 PR b) Anonymous recruitment. Race at Work Charter. Race equality workshop Dec 24 Dec 26 PR/ Eq.T c) Anonymous recruitment. Modern Apprentices Summer placements Dec 24 Dec 26 PR/TOD d) Promotion of Leadership programme Mentoring Framework Dec 24 Dec 26 PR/TOD e) Disability Working Group action plan Promotion of Leadership programme Mentoring Framework Dec 24 Dec 26 PR/Eq.T/ TOD f) Promotion of Leadership programme Dec 24 Dec 26 PR/TOD g) Continue with messages to employees Support to the EEF to reach out to LGB and T employees Dec 24 Dec 26 PR/Eq.T Page 198 of 200
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Appendix 2 h) Promotion of renewed policy / Support Officers Dec 24 Dec 26 PR/EPT i) Positive action measures? Upfront Leadership programme targeted at DHT in schools Aug 25 June 27 EF/Ed j) Promotion of leadership academy to females ESAW action plan. Dec 24 Dec 26 PR/TOD k) Promotion of Home Support as a career for males – positive action? Communications campaign Dec 24 Dec 26 HSCP l) Positive action measures in teaching Aug 25 June 27 EF/Ed m) Positive action measures SW Workforce Steering Group Dec 24 Dec 26 EF/Sw Page 199 of 200
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