Agenda Document Pack - Equal Opportunities Forum - 07/08/2024
South Lanarkshire Council · 7 August 2024
Back to Equal Opportunities Forum — 7 August 2024 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Council Offices, Almada Street Hamilton, ML3 0AA Tuesday, 30 July 2024 Dear Councillor Equal Opportunities Forum The Members listed below are requested to attend a meeting of the above Forum to be held as follows:- Date: Wednesday, 07 August 2024 Time: 14:00 Venue: Hybrid - Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0AA The business to be considered at the meeting is listed overleaf. Yours sincerely Paul Manning Chief Executive Members Mo Razzaq (Chair), Mark McGeever (Depute Chair), Janine Calikes, Ross Clark, Poppy Corbett, Margaret Cowie, Grant Ferguson, Monique McAdams, Kirsten Robb, Bert Thomson Substitutes Mathew Buchanan, Cal Johnston-Dempsey, Gavin Keatt, Richard Lockhart, Katy Loudon, Norman Rae 1
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BUSINESS 1 Declaration of Interests 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting Minutes of the meeting of the Equal Opportunities Forum held on 8 May 2024 submitted for approval as a correct record. (Copy attached) 3 - 6 Item(s) for Consideration 3 Annual Report on Mainstreaming Equalities and Diversity – Education Resources Report dated 9 July 2024 by the Executive Director (Education Resources). (Copy attached) 7 - 22 4 Hamilton Grammar School: Respect, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Our School Video presentation by K Reilly, Quality Improvement Officer (East Kilbride Area), Education Resources 5 Lanarkshire British Sign Language Plan 2018 to 2024 Update; Proposed Shared Lanarkshire British Sign Language Plan 2024 to 2030 Report dated 26 June 2024 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 23 - 40 6 Date of Next Meeting - Wednesday 11 December 2024 Urgent Business 7 Urgent Business Any other items of business which the Chair decides are urgent. For further information, please contact:- Clerk Name: Elizabeth-Anne McGonigle Clerk Telephone: 07385403101 Clerk Email: elizabeth-anne.mcgonigle@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 2
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EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FORUM Minutes of meeting held via Confero and in Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton on 8 May 2024 Chair: Councillor Mo Razzaq Councillors Present: Councillor Janine Calikes, Councillor Ross Clark, Councillor Margaret Cowie, Councillor Grant Ferguson, Councillor Richard Lockhart (substitute for Councillor Poppy Corbett), Councillor Mark McGeever (Depute), Councillor Kirsten Robb, Councillor Bert Thomson Councillors' Apologies: Councillor Poppy Corbett, Councillor Monique McAdams Attending: Community and Enterprise Resources A Brown, Head of Enterprise and Sustainable Development; G Currie, Divisional Trading Standards Officer Finance and Corporate Resources A Bell, Team Leader, Consultation, Organisational Development and Equality; S Jessup, Administration Assistant; E-A McGonigle, Administration Officer; M Milne, Head of Personnel Services 1 Declaration of Interests No interests were declared. 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting The minutes of the meeting of the Equal Opportunities Forum held on 27 February 2024 were submitted for approval as a correct record. The Forum decided: that the minutes be approved as a correct record. 3 Annual Report on Mainstreaming Equalities and Diversity – Community and Enterprise Resources A report dated 9 April 2024 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted on work being undertaken by Community and Enterprise Resources to meet the commitments within the “Mainstreaming Equalities Progress Report 2021 to 2023” and the “South Lanarkshire Working for You” Mainstreaming Equalities Report 2021 to 2025. The Council had published its “Mainstreaming equalities report 2021 to 2025” in April 2021. The new Equality Outcomes set for 2021 to 2025 would focus on actions to produce results intended to achieve specific and identifiable improvements in people’s life chances. The Resource would lead on Equality Outcome 2:- ‘Older people, those from vulnerable groups and individuals who live alone are protected from scams and nuisance calls and their wellbeing is improved through increased awareness and preventative action.’ 2 3
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This Outcome would be progressed by Environmental Services’ Consumer and Trading Standards Services and details were provided at section 4 of the report. The Resource continued to build on progress and remained committed to embedding equalities across all aspects of service provision. The equality activity of the Resource was aligned to, and reported against, the following 6 Council plan “Connect” outcomes:- ♦ caring, connected, sustainable communities ♦ inspiring learners, transforming learning, strengthening partnerships ♦ people live the healthiest lives possible ♦ our children and young people thrive ♦ good quality, suitable and sustainable places to live ♦ thriving business, fair jobs and vibrant town centres Progress of activity and details of the differences each had made was detailed at Appendix 1 to the report. The report detailed strategic and operational activities that had been undertaken or planned by the Resource in relation to the following:- mainstreaming equalities and key areas of progress during 2023/2024 Equality Impact Assessments (EQIAs) and the Fairer Scotland Duty training and development access to information consultation, involvement and engagement Details of the next steps and priorities for the Resource over the next year were detailed at section 10 of the report. Officers responded to members’ questions on various aspects of the report and, where information was not immediately available, undertook to provide this to the relevant members. The Forum decided: that the report be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 29 March 2023 (Paragraph 3)] 4 Nicotine Vaping Products (NVPs) – Underage Sale Enforcement G Currie, Divisional Trading Standards Officer, Community and Enterprise Resources gave a presentation on underage sale enforcement of Nicotine Vaping Products (NVPs). The presentation provided detailed information on the following areas:- health issues associated with NVPs marketing, the target customer and the success of marketing complaints regarding the sale of vapes to under 18 year olds the litter impact of NVPs legislation, specifically the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 enforcement sanctions for repeat offenders the future, including:- proposed Scottish Government legislation banning single use vapes the Tobacco and Vaping Framework, setting out actions to be taken to create a tobacco-free generation by 2034 4
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Having responded to members’ questions, G Currie was thanked for his informative presentation. The Forum decided: that the presentation be noted. 5 Urgent Business There were no items of urgent business. 5
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Equal Opportunities Forum Date of Meeting: 7 August 2024 Report by: Executive Director (Education Resources) Subject: Annual Report on Mainstreaming Equalities and Diversity – Education Resources 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to: - [purpose] update the Forum of the strategic and operational work being undertaken and planned by Education Resources to meet the commitments within the “Mainstreaming Equalities Progress Report 2019 to 2021 and Mainstreaming Equalities Report 2021 to 2025”. 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Forum is asked to approve the following recommendations: - [recs] (1) that the work being undertaken by Education Resources in terms of mainstreaming equalities be noted. 3. Background 3.1. In April 2021, the Council published its “Mainstreaming equalities report 2021 to 2025”. There are five Equality Outcomes set for 2021 to 2025 with a focus on actions to produce results intended to achieve specific and identifiable improvements in people’s life chances. The 5 outcomes are:- Equality Outcome 1: Increase the number of people from minority ethnic backgrounds employed in the South Lanarkshire Council workforce to reflect the diversity of the South Lanarkshire population. Equality Outcome 2: Older people, those from vulnerable groups and individuals who live alone are protected from scams and nuisance calls and their wellbeing is improved through increased awareness and preventative action. Equality Outcome 3: ‘Counselling through schools’ service is accessible for all children/young people aged 10 and over. Equality Outcome 4: Prevent homelessness occurring and significantly reduce homelessness. Equality Outcome 5: Increase the number of affordable homes for rent. 3.2. Education Resources leads on Equality Outcome Three. This outcome is being progressed by the Education Psychological Service and a Quality Improvement Officer (Inclusive Education Service). 3.3. Counselling is one of a variety of supports available within South Lanarkshire primary and secondary schools to help support the emotional wellbeing needs of our young people, with 45 counsellors currently providing support across the authority. 3 7
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3.4. From July 23 until March 24, 1411 pupils accessed this support across the authority with 119 from primary school and 1279 from secondary school. Within the primary schools, improved outcomes were recorded:- for 89% of pupils who completed the Stirling Wellbeing Scale in 94% of Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires completed by parents/carers 3.5. In secondary schools, 83% of pupils who completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, recorded improved scores. 3.6. Evaluations submitted by pupils reported that: 97% reported that they felt safe; 88% agreed it improved their mental health and wellbeing; 82% agreed that it helped them cope with difficult situations; 82% agreed it helped them to understand their feelings. Further information is included in Appendix 1. 3.7. Education Resources continues to progress the SLC priority of ensuring that Equality, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of our service provision. 3.8. Rights and Equalities is one of 4 overlapping themes that Education Scotland have identified as being central to the current drivers of Inclusive Practice in Scotland: The ASL review (Morgan Review), UNCRC and The Promise. 3.9. The recently published resources in the new Inclusion, Wellbeing and Equalities Professional Learning Resource explores six areas where inequality can cause the greatest impact on wellbeing: 3.10. These areas will be a focus of Equalities work for Education Services over the next few years. During session 2024/2025 all schools will include an Equalities priority in their School Improvement Plan. Inclusive Education Services and the Curriculum and Quality Improvement Service are working together to provide schools with resources 8
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to support this and to ensure that there is a cohesive framework in place which draws together the main elements of the UNCRC, Rights and Equalities and Sustainability. 3.11. In addition, the Inclusive Education Service is responsible for South Lanarkshire’s ‘Framework for Inclusion and Equality’ which brings together the key areas of practice of schools, establishments and education services in delivering an inclusive service. It provides information on the policy and principles underpinning our inclusive approach and details over 30 practice guides on a range of aspects of inclusive practice. A revised and updated version will be available for schools in August 2024. 4. Equality Impact Assessments (EQIAs) 4.1. Equality Impact Assessments assess the impact of new or revised policies practices or services against the requirements of the public sector equalities duty and help ensure the needs of service users are taken into account during their development and implementation. 4.2. This year the service has carried out 12 EQIAs. 4.3. The Resource follows corporate guidance for carrying out EQIAs. Training for new users of the EQIA system is being arranged and refresher training is also being provided as requested by Services. 5. Education Resources Developments 5.1. Race Equality and Anti-Racist Education In June 2023, the Equalities Forum heard from pupils and staff at Strathaven Academy who had participated in an anti-racist project involving S1 pupils and P7 pupils from primary schools from across the Learning Community. The lead teacher for this project was seconded to Education Resources as a Development Officer to progress the work on anti-racism across the authority. 5.2. An Education Resources Officer worked closely with specialist colleagues in the Scottish Government and other leading experts to ensure support for South Lanarkshire schools is in line with current national guidance and research. 5.3. The Officer now sits on Education Scotland’s Curriculum Co-Design group on Social Justice, Rights and Equalities, thus giving Education Resources insight into work being done nationally in relation to equalities. This also developed a contact network for Education Resources across Scotland. 5.4. A South Lanarkshire Framework for Developing an Anti-Racist and Decolonised Curriculum resource was launched to schools on 18 January 2024. The launch was accompanied by a series of online presentations to support schools. Speakers included individuals nationally recognised for their work on anti-racism such as Dr Khadija Mohammed, Associate Dean of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Glasgow University. Dr Mohammed developed and wrote the anti-racism framework for Initial Teacher Education. 5.5. Many schools in South Lanarkshire are taking forward anti-racist work. Earlier this year, the EIS together with Show Racism the Red Card charity, organised an online showcase for schools to send in examples of anti-racist work. The following South Lanarkshire schools had pupil work included in this:- Strathaven Academy 9
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Canberra Primary school Western Overton Primary Lesmahagow High School Underbank Primary Tinto Primary School Examples of work are included in Appendix 2. 6. Supporting LGBT young people in school 6.1. During September 2023, an audit was conducted across Head Teachers in South Lanarkshire schools to ensure a clear baseline was established to further progress LGBT+ work. 6.2. There were 64 respondents and the audit highlighted the following main themes:- 33% of respondents did not feel confident in supporting LGBT+ children and young people 64% of respondents were not aware of the LGBT+ Inclusive Education national platform 32% of respondents have a pupil equality group 24% of respondents have carried/partially carried out an audit of class/library texts to ensure LGBT+ representation there is a need to further develop partnership with parents in promoting understanding of LGBT+ inclusive education approaches 6.3. The audit highlighted areas of good practice but also that a more strategic, authority wide approach was needed. 7. Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) Showcase Event 7.1. A highly successful LGBT+ Inclusive Education showcase event including workshops presented by TIE, took place on 8 November 2023 at Council Headquarters, Hamilton. 7.2. The session was attended by 100 staff from across Education Resources and covered key information including national expectations, principles for effective practice and a showcase of available resources. 7.3. The feedback was very positive with 100% of attendees feeling that their confidence in delivering LGBT+ Inclusive Education had increased and helped them in considering the next steps for their establishments. Comments from participants include:- “Giving me the confidence and enthusiasm to take this forward in my school as we have lots of LGBT families. Thank you” "The various blend of approaches and resources which could be used to build an appropriate curriculum. The training and support on offer to schools from TIE is very reassuring" "This was an excellent training session. I’m looking forward to doing the Stage 1 modules and looking at the website and toolkit. Thanks to you all, what a lovely, welcoming and inclusive team you all are" "Well done, a great morning. Really pleased the resources are created by teachers for teachers" 7.4. The resources highlighted are available on the National Learning Platform LGBT Inclusive Education | National Platform (lgbteducation.scot) which also includes professional learning materials for teachers. 10
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7.5. Following this input the number of SLC teachers signed up to complete the Stage 1 e- learning module training available on this platform, increased from 183 to 340. During Session 2024/2025, the Stage 1 e-learning module will be included as an element of the annual mandatory training programme for all teaching staff. 7.6. In addition to the input from TIE, many of our secondary schools have achieved or are working towards the LGBTYS charter award. LGBTYS Scotland is Scotland’s national charity for LGBT+ young people and they deliver the LGBT Charter Programme to schools, organisations and businesses at Gold, Silver or Bronze Level. This enables schools to review their polices, practice and training to ensure their schools are proactively LGBT+ inclusive. 7.7. The following SLC secondary schools have achieved the LGBT Charter Award:- Silver Award: Calderglen High School, Cathkin High School, Lesmahagow High School, Duncanrig Secondary School Bronze Award: Stonelaw High School Strathaven Academy, Larkhall Academy, Biggar High School have started the journey towards accreditation. 7.8. Education Psychological Services are also currently undertaking the Charter Award and all Educational Psychologists have undertaken initial training with a development group taking this forward for the service. 8. Poverty 8.1. Education Resources has focused on Cost of the School Day initiatives to ensure that poverty is not a barrier to education. Although Education is free in Scotland there are lots of costs associated with attending school which can place families under considerable financial pressure. 8.2. In South Lanarkshire Council Schools:- 19.7% of learners live in Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation SIMD1 or SIMD2 areas (2023/2024) 21.5% are entitled to Free School Meals (based on P6-7 pupils for 2023/2024) 8.3. In March 2024, Education Resources produced robust guidance for schools, launched at a conference with keynote speech from well-known anti-poverty campaigner Darren McGarvey. 8.4. The completed Guidance contains ten SLC Proposals to reduce the cost of the school day in all our schools and Early Years Establishments alongside advice on communicating with families. (Appendix 3) 8.5. The guidance is complemented by additional resources to support schools in this area. Additional resources to support establishments can be found on the Cost of the School Day sections on the SLC Staff Learning Centre and the Equity Hub. Resources include exemplars, materials from the recent Conference, resources to help consult with pupils, staff and parents/carers, professional learning materials and examples of good practice from SLC Schools to ensure that developments become embedded in everyday school practice. 11
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9. Supporting Children and Young People with Disability and Autism 9.1. In session 2023/2024, three schools with ASN Bases received very positive Inspection Reports following inspection by Education Scotland: Robert Owen Memorial Primary School, Greenhills Primary and Carstairs Junction Primary. 9.2. The Inclusive Education Service continues to work with schools to develop and extend the use of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC). All ASN Bases received a Go Talk and Big Mac device following consultation with Speech and Language Therapists. Reading pens which use text to speech technology were issued to the Specialist Support Teachers to provide digital support to pupils in mainstream schools. One member of staff in each locality has attended a course in Inclusive Technology run by Call Scotland. 9.3. An ‘Inclusion Hub’ was created to provide a range of training opportunities for staff around the key themes of Rights and Participation, Relationships, Inclusion and Universal Support, and Wellbeing and Care. 9.4. On the site there is a range of different materials to support professional learning, provide updated guidance and curriculum resources and offer support on equalities issues e.g. anti-racist education and LGBT inclusive education. Seventy percent of staff who have visited the Hub report that they prefer to use online opportunities for Continuing Professional Development. For example:- “Having all the documents on one place such as Complex Needs Training is really useful”. “The training sessions that were recorded and the reminders from the Inclusion team were appreciated”. “The Equality and Diversity Calendar was a new resource and helped us to plan activities” and “it’s really helpful to have a one stop shop”. 9.5. Additional training was offered to practitioners in ASN Bases in supporting learners with a complex needs profile and network meetings have been set up to share good practice. Training developed by NAIT (National Autism Implementation Team) will be delivered to Primary 1 teachers in the new term to assist teaching staff in adapting the classroom environment for autistic learners. To ensure that we are continuing to offer the best support to schools a survey has been sent out to all class teachers and this will shape the training offer to schools this year. 9.6. The South Lanarkshire Autism Framework is being updated by a working party including representatives from Schools, Early Years Establishments and Educational Psychologists. In additional the guidelines for supporting pupils with complex additional support needs are also being updated and will be launched in August 2024. 10. Spotlight on Gaelic 10.1. The Equalities Forum receives many enquiries about Gaelic Education and this is an opportunity to highlight the excellent work in this growing sector. Gaelic Medium Education (GME) in South Lanarkshire continues to work towards priorities outlined in the Draft National Gaelic Language Plan 2023-28. GME is delivered at Mount Cameron Primary school and Calderglen High school. In the academic session 2022- 23, a DHT was appointed for Gaelic Medium Education across the authority, in recognition of the distinct needs of Gaelic education and to further strengthen continuity between different stages of the 3-18 journey. 12
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10.2. Furthermore, the addition of a Gaelic NQT to Calderglen High School’s staffing, allowed the development of the Gaelic Medium curriculum offer within Broad General Education. GME History (Eachdraidh) and PSHE (Eòlas Pearsanta agus Sòisealta) were offered to all S1/2 pupils, with an expanded offer of RMPS (Creideamh) this session (23-24), due to the successful full-time appointment of this member of staff. Students can also study Gaelic at all National Qualifications Levels and it is hoped that the GME offer can be more fully developed over the coming years. 10.3. Demand for GME is increasing – an Early Years Worker has been appointed to meet increasing demand in the GME nursery and so that a fully immersive curriculum can be delivered for 3 to 4-year-olds. In addition, the roll at Mount Cameron is due to increase from 64 to 75 pupils in August 2024 with 18 Primary 1 pupils enrolling. 10.4. One of the biggest successes to the credit of Mount Cameron and Calderglen staff is the development of a 3-18 Parent Council which is helping to build an active GME community in South Lanarkshire. Alongside supporting other Gaelic events in the community, such as the Local Mòd and annual Fèis, the Parent Council has enabled the promotion of the GME offering in SLC, at grassroots level, through their wider parental networks and created more opportunities for children to use their Gaelic outside of school. 10.5. A big highlight this year was GME Community Cèilidh Dance to mark the end of Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week). This event, which had over 300 attendees from across the community in South Lanarkshire, (spanning from the youngest cèilidh-goer, age 2, to the grandparents of current pupils/alumni), really highlighted that there is an appetite in South Lanarkshire for further events of a social nature, particularly those which broaden the opportunities for Gaelic to be used and celebrated across the community. 10.6. Mount Cameron have been successful in bidding for external funding and have successfully delivered Gaelic Parent Classes and a Gaelic Youth Club throughout the session as well as successfully being able to commission visiting specialists in music, drama and the arts. 10.7. At secondary level in 2023 Calderglen worked in partnership with the Gaelic Digital / Communications Agency, “Astar”, to develop a unit of work for S2 pupils. Across 6 weeks, pupils were taught about how to develop and deliver a successful TV pitch and were ultimately tasked with “selling” their idea to Gaelic industry experts. This helps highlight Gaelic specific career routes of the young people. 10.8. There are challenges in recruiting enough Gaelic speaking staff to ensure that the pupils experience full immersive experience at all times. Despite this, the staff involved are working hard to promote Gaelic Education and create a vibrant Gaelic community. 11. Next Steps and Priorities 11.1. During the next academic year, Education Resources will continue to work to embed Equalities work across establishments. In order to achieve this aim:- Funding from the Scottish Government for training School Support staff will be used to run training for approximately 500 staff across 3 Inservice Days. This will be supported by a resource folder for schools focusing on de-escalation and emotional regulation. 13
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Inclusive Education Services will continue to develop the Equalities Section in the Online Inclusion Hub. The resources will ensure that schools are supported to include Equalities priorities in their School Improvement Plans. Gender Based Violence will be a priority for schools to take forward. A new cohort of secondary staff have recently been trained in Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) and most schools will be delivering this next year. We will also be taking forward the Equally Safe for Schools Programme. We will continue to build capacity in schools to enable staff to work effectively with pupils who have complex additional support needs. We will continue our commitment to staff training and development in relation to equality and diversity related issues. An Education Resources working group is in place to further progress the Equalities agenda along with the UNCRC and Sustainability. 13 teachers have completed the national Building Racial Literacy Programme and will be implementing an action plan in their own establishments. The continued development of Gaelic Medium Education. 12. Employee Implications 12.1. Mainstreaming equalities are met from within existing employee resources. 13. Financial Implications 13.1. There are no financial implications arising from this report. 14. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 14.1. There are no climate change or environmental implications as a result of this report. 15. Other Implications 15.1. There is a risk to the Council if the Resource does not comply with the relevant Equalities duties and legislation. 16. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 16.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy and, therefore, there is no requirement for an impact assessment to be carried out. 16.2. The Resources discuss activities on an on-going basis through Joint Consultative Forums. Carole McKenzie Executive Director (Education Resources) 9 July 2024 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Values Focused on people and their needs Working with and respecting others Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Ambitious, self-aware and improving Fair, open and sustainable Excellent employer 14
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Priorities We will work to put people first and reduce inequality We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places We will work to recover, progress and improve Outcomes Our children and young people thrive Good quality, suitable and sustainable places to live Thriving business, fair jobs and vibrant town centres Caring, connected, sustainable communities People live the healthiest lives possible Inspiring learners, transforming learning, strengthening partnerships Previous References Equal Opportunities Forum, 14 June 2023 List of Background Papers South Lanarkshire Working For You: Mainstreaming Equalities Progress Report 2019- 2021 and Mainstreaming Equalities Report 2021 to 2025 Provision of LGBT+ Inclusive Education in South Lanarkshire Schools December 2023 Framework for Developing an Anti-Racist and Decolonised Curriculum February 2024 Cost of the School Day Guidance for Schools and Early Years Establishments March 2024 Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Anne Donaldson, Head of Education (Inclusion Services) Ext: 4452 (Tel: 01698 454452) E-mail:- anne.donaldson@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 15
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COUNSELLINGCOUNSELLING THROUGHTHROUGH SCHOOLSSCHOOLS July 2023 toJuly 2023 to March 2024March 2024 EvaluationsEvaluations Between July 2023 and March 2024, 195 young people from SLC secondary schools completed an online evaluation 97% agreed they felt safe 88% agreed it improved their general mental health and wellbeing 82% agreed it helped them to cope with difficult situations 82% agreed it helped them to understand their feelings What I liked about Counselling Through Schools... “How safe I felt to talk. I feel more confident and more grown up. I’m able to open up more and take the positives from situations. I have developed deeper relationships with friends and I’m getting out more’ “The calm, kind, and compassionate environment in the room as well as through the counsellor. Nothing but honest and supportive in helping me find my stance on where I could improve myself’” 1411 pupils attended counselling in SLC schools between July 2023 and March 2024 119 were primary pupils 1279 were secondary pupils 13 were young people attending the Aspire/YES service School referral 77% Self-referral 19% Parent request 3% Other 1% REFERRAL TYPEREFERRAL TYPE 34% were male 64% were female 1% were non-binary 1% other/prefer not to say 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 Anxiety Family issues Relationships/friendships Behavioural/Emotional Anger Depression/low mood Other Bereavement/grief/loss Self-esteem/confidence School related Trauma Self-harm Academic Body image/confidence Bullying Suicidal thoughts Eating disorder Gender identity Sexuality Drugs/alcohol Number of pupils REASON FOR COUNSELLINGREASON FOR COUNSELLING OUTCOMESOUTCOMES ONWARD REFERRALSONWARD REFERRALS 5% are care experienced 58% are in SIMD deciles 1-4 CAMHS: 39 Supported with another programme in school: 12 Social work: 10 GP: 4 Child protection: 2 Educational Psychology: 2 LGBT Youth Scotland: 3 LIAM: 2 Liber8: 1 Victim Support: 1 Pathways: 1 GIVIT: 1 Other counsellor: 1 The average number of sessions attended was 5.8 (range 1-23) Improved scores were recorded for: Primary 77% of completed teacher SDQs 94% of completed parent/carer SDQs 89% of completed Stirling Wellbeings Secondary 83% of completed YP-COREs YEAR GROUPYEAR GROUP 25% had attended counselling prior to this period Counselling is ongoing for 30% of pupils S3 21.5% S4 20.6% S2 18.5% S1 12.3% S5 11.2% S6 6.9% P7 4.5% P6 3.6% P5: 0.3% Unknown: 0.6% A p p e n d i x 1 3 17
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Appendix 2 Examples of Anti-racism work 3 19
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Appendix 3 South Lanarkshire Council Cost of the School Day Proposals March 2024 The proposals are:- WE PROPOSE: All South Lanarkshire schools will promote the use of affordable, inclusive and flexible uniforms for children and young people. WE PROPOSE: South Lanarkshire Schools will encourage and support young people to apply for their Under 22 free bus pass. WE PROPOSE: No child or young person will need to pay for any aspect of their core curriculum/education. WE PROPOSE: All South Lanarkshire schools will take part in the annual Challenge Poverty Week to raise awareness among our children and young people. WE PROPOSE: Cost will never prevent any South Lanarkshire pupil attending an Educational Excursion held during the school day. WE PROPOSE: All children and young people within South Lanarkshire schools will be encouraged to maintain healthy eating habits in line with the Schools Act (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland ) Act 2020. WE PROPOSE: All South Lanarkshire schools/Early Years Establishments will complete a Cost of the School Day calendar at the start of each year to ensure fun events are spread evenly through the year and include cost-free events. WE PROPOSE: every child or young person will be able to take part in at least one free extracurricular club each school year. WE PROPOSE: no learning at home activity will have financial implications for families. WE PROPOSE: All South Lanarkshire Schools and Early Years Establishments will have a Cost of the School Day Policy which will be:- Regularly reviewed Recognised within the Equity section of Establishment Improvement Plans Written in consultation with all stakeholders Shared annually with staff during the first in-service day and available to families through usual communication methods 3 21
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Equal Opportunities Forum Date of Meeting: 7 August 2024 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Lanarkshire British Sign Language Plan 2018 to 2024 Update; Proposed Shared Lanarkshire British Sign Language Plan 2024 to 2030 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] provide the Forum with an update on the progress of the shared Lanarkshire British Sign Language (BSL) Plan 2018 to 2024, which shared the long-term goals of the National BSL Plan, developed to meet the requirements of the British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2015 outline the proposed shared Lanarkshire British Sign Language (BSL) Plan for 2024 to 2030 [purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Forum is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- (1) that the progress on the Lanarkshire BSL Plan 2018 to 2024, as detailed at section 4, be noted; and (2) that the shared BSL plan for 2024 to 2030, as detailed at Appendix 1, be noted. [1recs] 2. Background 3.1. Scotland's first British Sign Language (BSL) National Plan, as required by the BSL (Scotland) Act 2015, was published by the Scottish Government on 24 October 2017. The Council, with its partners, North Lanarkshire Council and the NHS, created their first shared BSL plan, developed on a joint basis to meet the requirements of the British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2015. The plan was approved at the Executive Committee meeting held on 21 November 2018 and, thereafter, published on the Council intranet. 3.2. The second Scottish National BSL Plan 2023 to 2029 was published on 6 November 2023. This plan sets out a range of government actions to tackle barriers faced by BSL users to help make Scotland the best place in the world for BSL users to live, work, visit and learn and identifies further priorities based on discussions with the BSL community and the organisations representing them. 3.3. The British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2015 requires listed authorities in Scotland to publish BSL plans every six years, showing how they will promote, and facilitate the promotion of the use and understanding of BSL in Scotland. 3.4. As a specified public authority, South Lanarkshire Council has a Duty under the Act to write and publish a BSL plan every 6 years, showing how the Council will promote and 5 23
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support BSL. The plan will set out measures to increase or improve the use of BSL in delivery of our services. At present through the Council’s equality outcomes and its Translation and Interpretation Policy, it demonstrates a proactive approach to meeting the needs of any member of the community that is using its services. 4. Progress to Date BSL Shared Plan 2018 to 2024 4.1. A BSL Steering Group was set up to develop the first shared plan and the Group is responsible for monitoring and reviewing the impact the Plan is having on the lives of Deaf and Deafblind BSL users and ensuring that the long-term goals are realised. 4.2. Membership of the Steering Board is detailed below:- Deaf Blind Scotland Deaf Equality and Access Forum South Lanarkshire Deaf Services Lanarkshire Lanarkshire Deaf Club NHS Lanarkshire North Lanarkshire Council South Lanarkshire Council 4.3. The role of the Steering Group is to ensure:- BSL plans are developed any BSL plans are accessible and realistic any BSL plans reflect the views of the Deaf and Deafblind BSL communities of Lanarkshire that they co-ordinate the engagement on the development of any plans in preparation for publishing 4.4. Progress from the first shared Lanarkshire BSL plan has been fed back to the British Deaf Association (BDA), through their annual survey. In addition, the Council attended the BDA Scotland hosted event on ‘Your Views: BSL National Plan 2017 to 2023’ in Glasgow, October 2022. This event was attended by representatives from councils and NHS services as well as Deaf community members. 4.5. The event was described on the BDA website as a wonderful, informative, and successful event, with many participants highlighting positive examples of good practices across Scotland where Deaf people are working collaboratively with Public Services. Deaf people on the panel at the event shared their personal experiences and everyone was able to contribute to the valuable discussions that took place. This was an opportunity for people to review the BSL National Plan ahead of the governmental review set for next year, 2023. 4.6. The event was seen as good progress in the development of access to BSL resources and with engagement with Deaf community members in Scotland. This project was funded by the Scottish Government and the Equality and Human Rights Fund. 4.7. Work has been ongoing within South Lanarkshire to support the long-term goals identified in the first Lanarkshire shared BSL plan. Progress has been made in the following key areas:- a service review has taken place in schools to establish the best and most cost- effective means of supporting young people with BSL support has been provided to South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture (SLLC) to facilitate signed theatre performances 24
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there has been more BSL content incorporated onto the SLC website BSL awareness classes have been delivered to employees and to elected members a ‘button’ on the Council website (similar to the Reciteme button) has been developed to enable BSL information to be easily accessed. This has been discussed with the BSL Steering Group to assess the best location on the website for this 5. BSL Plan 2024 to 2030 5.1. The second shared BSL Local Plan for Lanarkshire 2024 to 2030, attached at Appendix 1, covers the work of NHS Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire Council and South Lanarkshire Council. It was co-produced in partnership with the Deaf and Deafblind BSL communities of Lanarkshire:- Deaf Services Lanarkshire Deafblind Scotland D.E.A.F. South Lanarkshire Lanarkshire Deaf Club 5.2. The shared plan 2024 to 2030 mirrors the National BSL Plan aims to make Scotland the best place in the world for BSL users to live, learn, work and visit. The plan promotes South Lanarkshire aspirations and aims to both improve the use of and understanding of British Sign Language in Lanarkshire and the lives of Deaf and Deafblind BSL users living in Lanarkshire. 5.3. The focus of the National Plan (link at 3.2) over the next 6 years will be to deliver actions that will lead to improved equality, opportunities, and outcomes for BSL users. The Shared BSL Plan for Lanarkshire, reflects those same priorities and sets out the long-term goals and actions that the Council will take from 2024 to 2030. 5.4. The priorities included in the Lanarkshire shared plan for 2024 to 2030, are shown below: Priority Lanarkshire’s long-term goal: 1 Delivering the Lanarkshire BSL Local Plan 2024 to 2030 To improve outcomes for BSL users by embedding BSL in our policies, plans and strategies to develop solutions to the barriers faced by BSL users in their daily lives. 2 BSL Accessibility To remove accessibility as a barrier for BSL users in all aspects of life, recognising the importance of having accessible information in the right format at the right time, utilising technology and increasing people’s awareness of communication tools. 3 Children, young people, and their families The Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) approach will be fully embedded, with a D/deaf or Deafblind child and their family offered the right information and support at the right time to engage with BSL. 4 Access to Employment BSL users will receive person-centred support to develop their skills, consider what route to employment is right for them and enter the workforce so that they can fulfil their potential, and improve Lanarkshire’s economic performance. They will be provided with support to enable them to progress in their chosen career. 25
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Priority Lanarkshire’s long-term goal: 5 Health and wellbeing BSL users will have access to the information and services they need to live active, healthy lives, and to make informed choices at every stage of their lives. 6 Celebrating BSL culture BSL users will have full access to the cultural life of Lanarkshire, an equal opportunity to enjoy and contribute to culture and the Arts and are encouraged to share BSL and Deaf Culture with the people of Lanarkshire. 7 BSL Data To strengthen the evidence and data on the BSL community in Lanarkshire to better inform decision making in public policy and service design. 8 Transport BSL users will have safe, fair, and inclusive access to public transport and the systems that support all transport use in Scotland. 9 Access to Justice BSL users will have fair and equal access to our justice services. 6. Rationale for a Shared BSL Plan 6.1. As with the first Local BSL Plan for Lanarkshire, producing a shared second plan was, once again, viewed by all BSL member organisations as the best approach. 6.2. In Lanarkshire, the Deaf and Deafblind BSL community is small and closely linked through their shared language and culture. People in this community go to the same clubs and social events across Lanarkshire. 6.3. For both councils and the NHS there is already a strong commitment to partnership working, and developing a shared plan has many benefits:- having the support and expertise of BSL users when engaging with the wider BSL community reducing consultation fatigue as the Council would be consulting with the same people maximising the availability of BSL interpreters and Deafblind guide communicators as this is a finite resource sharing experiences across authorities to promote best practice; and most importantly putting in place a BSL Plan, co-produced with Deaf and Deafblind BSL users, ensuring it is meaningful and accessible 7. Developing the Plan - consultation and engagement 7.1. The BSL Steering Group, has continued to be the driving force for monitoring and delivering the ambitions of the first local plan since 2018 and will continue this approach with the BSL plan for 2024 to 2030. 7.2. As a first step, the BSL Steering Group considered the new National Plan and how its priorities and long-term goals could be aligned within our local context. To do this, it held a one-day workshop to consider:- priorities and long-term goals actions which required to be carried over from the first Local Plan new actions needed in relation to the new priorities 7.3. Once this workshop was complete, a first draft of the new plan was developed. The Lanarkshire BSL Steering Group again met in March 2024 where the draft Plan was agreed as ready for consultation with the wider community. 26
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7.4 The shared plan was approved by the Council’s Executive Committee on 8 May 2024 and has also been approved by the NHS and North Lanarkshire Council. The shared plan is now published. 8. Next Steps 8.1. As the Shared BSL Plan for Lanarkshire is a high-level plan, the next step for the public body partners, through the Steering Group, is to produce their own working BSL action plans, pertinent to their own organisation, ensuring accountability and compliance with the requirements of the Act. 8.2 A requirement of developing the action plan is to ensure this reflects the views of the Deaf and Deafblind BSL community of each partner. Therefore, within South Lanarkshire, community consultation and engagement events will take place during August and September 2024 to engage with the community to ensure the plan has input at a local level, for example, through the See Hear Group. 8.3 The implementation of the Shared Plan and related action plan will be the subject of regular reports to Council elected members and NHS Board Members, as appropriate. Within the South Lanarkshire Council, this will be reported to the Equal Opportunities Forum on an annual basis. 8.4 Ensuring the BSL Shared Plan is making a difference to the lives of BSL users in Lanarkshire requires the ongoing involvement of the BSL community. The BSL Steering group will be responsible for monitoring and reviewing the impact the Shared Plan and action plan is having on the lives of Deaf and Deafblind BSL users and that the long-term goals are realised. 9. Employee Implications 9.1. Employees will need to be fully aware of the shared plan and action plan and the range of interpretation and translation services available across Lanarkshire and how to best work with customers to ensure they receive a fair and equal level of access. 9.2. The Shared Plan will be communicated to employees as part of the agreed action plan. 10. Financial Implications 10.1. The cost of implementing the plan will be met within the existing budget. 11. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 11.1. There are no climate change, sustainability or environmental implications associated with this report. 12. Other Implications 12.1. There are no other implications contained within this report. 13. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 13.1. An impact assessment in relation to the shared plan has been undertaken. The assessment identifies positive impact for Deaf and Deafblind BSL across all ages and sex. The impact assessment is available for members on request from the Head of Personnel. 13.3. The Consultation activity that has taken place is detailed within this report for both the BSL Plan 2018 to 2024 and for the BSL Plan 2024 to 2030. 27
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Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 26 June 2024 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Focused on people and their needs Working with and respecting others Ambitious, self-aware and improving Fair, open and sustainable Excellent employer Previous References Executive Committee, 21 November 2018 - Proposed shared Lanarkshire British Sign Language Plan Executive Committee, 8 May 2024 - Lanarkshire British Sign Language Plan 2018 to 2024 Update; Proposed Shared Lanarkshire British Sign Language Plan 2024 to 2030 List of Background Papers British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2015 British Sign Language (BSL): National Plan 2023 to 2029 Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Michelle Milne, Head of Personnel Services Ext:4330 (Tel: 01698 454660) E-mail: michelle.milne@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 28
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Appendix 1 A Shared British Sign Language Plan for Lanarkshire 2024-2030 29
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Appendix 1 1 Contents Foreword 2 Executive Summary 3 Introduction 3 About Us 3 BSL Support in Lanarkshire 4 Rationale for a Shared Plan 4 Developing the Plan – consultation and engagement 5 Next Steps 5 Our long-term goals 6 1. Delivering the Lanarkshire BSL Local Plan 2024-2030 6 2. BSL Accessibility 6 3. Children, Young People and their Families 7 4. Access to Employment 8 5. Health and Wellbeing 8 6. Celebrating BSL Culture 9 7. BSL Data 9 8. Transport 10 9. Access to Justice 10 10. Democratic Participation 10 30
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Appendix 1 2 Foreword We are delighted to present the second British Sign Language (BSL) Plan for Lanarkshire. The BSL (Scotland) Act 2015 continues to provide opportunities to:- • show our continuing commitment to protecting and supporting BSL including in its tactile form. • recognise and value BSL as a language in its own right; and • ensure the needs of Deaf and Deafblind BSL users are brought into the mainstream in our organisations. The Plan aims to make Lanarkshire a place where people, whose first or preferred language is BSL, have the same opportunities to be active healthy citizens and are able to make informed choices about every aspect of their lives. We want to thank the Deaf and Deafblind BSL representatives who worked with us for their valued support in the development of this Plan. Signed NLC Leader of the Council – Cllr Jim Logue NLC Chief Executive – Des Murray SLC Leader of the Council- Cllr Joe Fagan SLC Chief Executive – Paul Manning NHS Lanarkshire Chair – Martin Hill NHS Lanarkshire Chief Executive – Professor Jann Gardner 31
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Appendix 1 3 Executive Summary This is the second shared BSL Local Plan for Lanarkshire covering the work of NHS Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire Council and South Lanarkshire Council. It was co-produced in partnership with the Deaf and Deafblind BSL communities of Lanarkshire -Deaf Services Lanarkshire, Deafblind Scotland, D.E.A.F. South Lanarkshire and Lanarkshire Deaf Club. The Plan mirrors the National BSL Plan which aims to make Scotland the best place in the world for BSL signers to live, learn, work and visit. This local plan has those same aspirations for Lanarkshire and aims to both improve: the use of and understanding of British Sign Language in Lanarkshire; and the lives of Deaf and Deafblind BSL users living in Lanarkshire. The plan for Lanarkshire sets out actions around ten priority areas: 1. Delivering the Lanarkshire BSL Local Plan 2024-2030 2. BSL Accessibility 3. Children, Young People and their Families 4. Access to Employment 5. Health and Wellbeing 6. Celebrating BSL Culture 7. BSL Data 8. Transport 9. Access to Justice 10. Democratic Participation Introduction The BSL National Plan 2023 - 2029 was published by the Scottish Government on 6 November 2023. Within this plan there are ten priority areas with an emphasis on the following: children, young people and their families; health and wellbeing; celebrating deaf culture; and tackling accessibility for BSL users that impacts on a number of areas such as transport, democratic participation and access to justice. The focus of the National Plan over the next six years will be to deliver actions that will lead to improved equality, opportunities and outcomes for BSL users. This Shared BSL Plan for Lanarkshire reflects those same priorities and sets out our long- term goals and the actions we will take from 2024 – 2030. About Us Lanarkshire Situated in the heart of Scotland, Lanarkshire has the second largest populated region in Scotland with a working age population of 425,000 (and total population of 652,300) over 896 square miles. Scattered in a diverse mixture of urban, rural and isolated settlements it covers urban towns including Motherwell, Hamilton, Airdrie, Rutherglen, the new town of East Kilbride and the market town of Lanark, as well as smaller towns, villages and agricultural areas. Ongoing social and economic changes in Lanarkshire have resulted in an ever-changing environment. Modern business ventures and increasing employment opportunities are replacing traditional heavy industries. NHS Lanarkshire NHS Lanarkshire is responsible for improving the health of more than 654,490 people living within the North and South Lanarkshire local authority areas. 32
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Appendix 1 4 There are three university hospitals in the area – Hairmyres, Monklands and Wishaw. Primary health care is provided in the community and includes general practitioners (GPs), dentists, health visitors and a wide range of health professionals. NHS Lanarkshire’s primary care facilities include health centres and community and day hospitals. North Lanarkshire Council North Lanarkshire is Scotland’s fourth largest council covering around 181 square miles. Stretching from Stepps to Harthill the area has eight main towns interspersed with many villages and hamlets. With a population of around 340,000, our people and communities are diverse. According to the last census in 2011 there were 848 active British Sign Language users living in North Lanarkshire. The most recent census results are awaited, and this plan will be updated when available. South Lanarkshire Council South Lanarkshire is the fifth largest council area in Scotland with a population of 320,000, a working age population of 203,000 and around 145,000 households. It is a varied area, with heavily populated towns and extensive rural areas. According to the last census in 2011 there were 722 people living in South Lanarkshire using BSL at home. The most recent census results are awaited, and this plan will be updated when available. British Sign Language support in Lanarkshire Across our organisations we provide BSL interpretation to anyone who requires support when accessing our services or attending meetings and appointments. In addition, we aim to raise awareness for all of our employees and provide access to a number of learning opportunities including:- • BSL training • Sensory Impairment training and • Deaf Culture etc. Rationale for a Shared BSL Plan As with the first Local BSL Plan for Lanarkshire, producing our second plan, as a shared one, was once again viewed by all BSL member organisations as the best approach. In Lanarkshire the Deaf and Deafblind BSL community is small and closely linked through their shared language and culture. They go to the same clubs and social events across Lanarkshire. There are no borders. For both council’s and the NHS there is already a strong commitment to partnership working, and developing a shared plan has many benefits: • having the support and expertise of BSL users when engaging with the wider BSL community • reducing consultation fatigue as we would be consulting with the same people. • maximising the availability of BSL interpreters and Deafblind guide communicators as this is a finite resource; • sharing experiences across authorities to promote best practice; and most importantly 33
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Appendix 1 5 • putting in place a BSL Plan, co-produced with Deaf and Deafblind BSL users, ensuring it is meaningful and accessible. Developing the Plan - consultation and engagement Our Plan was produced in a partnership between the Deaf and Deafblind BSL user led organisations of Lanarkshire and NHS Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire Council and South Lanarkshire Council via Lanarkshire BSL Steering Group. This group has continued to be the driving force for monitoring and delivering the ambitions of the first local plan since 2018. As a first step the BSL Steering Group considered the new National Plan and how its priorities and long-term goals could be aligned within our local context. To do this it held a one-day workshop to consider: • Our priorities and long-term goals • Actions which required to be carried over from our first Local Plan; and • New actions needed in relation to the new priorities. Once this exercise was complete a first draft of the new plan was developed. The Lanarkshire BSL Steering Group again met in March 2024 where the draft Plan was agreed as ready for consultation with the wider community. A programme of consultation and engagement was then developed which included: • the draft Plan being uploaded onto our websites in BSL and in English along with an on-line questionnaire and people were invited to comment. • hosting a face-to-face event with the BSL community to discuss the Shared Plan; and • within our own organisations seeking the views of services who would have a part to play in ensuring the Plan is progressed. Feedback was then used to prepare this Second Shared BSL Plan for Lanarkshire Next Steps As our Shared BSL Plan for Lanarkshire is a high-level plan, a first step for the public body partners is to produce its own working action plan, pertinent to its own organisation, ensuring accountability and compliance with the requirements of the Act. Furthermore, the implementation of the Plan will be the subject of regular reports to our respective Council Elected and NHS Board Members. Critically, ensuring the BSL Plan is making a difference to the lives of BSL users in Lanarkshire requires the ongoing involvement of the BSL community. The BSL Steering group will be responsible for monitoring and reviewing the impact the Plan is having on the lives of Deaf and Deafblind BSL users and that the long-term goals are realised. 34
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Appendix 1 6 Our long-term goals and what we will do by 2030 Priority 1 - Delivering the Lanarkshire BSL Local Plan 2024-2030 The Lanarkshire BSL Local Plan will span six years. We are committed to the actions within it, starting from the time of publication by creating the right conditions required to facilitate the discussions, learning and sharing of knowledge required to improve outcomes for BSL users in Lanarkshire. Our long term goal: To improve outcomes for BSL users by embedding BSL in our policies, plans and strategies to develop solutions to the barriers faced by BSL users in their daily lives. We will: 1. Continue in partnership with Deaf and Deaf blind representative organisations operating in Lanarkshire to help us deliver the actions within this plan and make the cross-cutting connections required to progress BSL equality in Lanarkshire. This plan will not be static, the ambitions set out within it requires flexibility and leadership to respond to opportunities and challenges. Collaborative working will help us achieve this aim. 2. Ensure consideration of the needs of BSL users are integrated into our equality impact assessment processes. 3. Consider guidance on BSL access for public engagement when published by Scottish Government. Priority 2 - BSL Accessibility For many BSL users, BSL is their first language. We recognise that for public services to be truly accessible for BSL users, there should be awareness around the culture of BSL, providing vital information in BSL, and enabling people to access services using their own language. Our long-term goal: To remove accessibility as a barrier for BSL users in all aspects of life, recognising the importance of having accessible information in the right format at the right time, utilising technology and increasing people’s awareness of communication tools. We will: 1. Improve accessibility of our websites for BSL users by: • Including signed videos to provide information about available services • Reviewing guidance on accessing interpretation and translation • Increasing staff awareness, knowledge and understanding of Deaf culture, language and service provision issues; and • Working with local Deaf organisations to develop a programme of training and awareness raising for front-line staff. • Explore the potential to mirror the Scottish Government’s Citizen Space locally 2. Ensure BSL users can access information in a variety of ways including face to face, leaflets, social media etc and explore the use of QR codes and link with BSL user organisations 35
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Appendix 1 7 3. Ensure that BSL users are included in Lanarkshire’s See Hear strategy as part of the wider group of deaf people, with a focus on living a good life. 4. Promote the use of Contact Scotland BSL, Scotland’s BSL online interpreting Video Relay Service, throughout our organisation, making improvements to this service to ensure it meets the needs of BSL users. Priority 3 - Children, young people and their families Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) is our commitment to provide all children, young people and their families with the right support at the right time. We recognise the need to develop a clear pathway for deaf and deafblind children that helps promote the use of BSL at each stage in their education journey helping to maximise their potential at school, ensuring they have the right support to engage with BSL. Parents who use BSL will have the same opportunities as other parents to be fully involved in their child’s education. Our long-term goal: The Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) approach will be fully embedded, with a D/deaf or Deafblind child and their family offered the right information and support at the right time to engage with BSL. We will: In Health 1. Roll out training and awareness raising for maternity services. 2. Create a directory of services and community-based support for parents to ensure support can be accessed as early as possible at each stage of a child’s journey. 3. Consider how we can effectively implement Deaf role model support. In Early Years and school education 1. Provide Early Year’s staff and childcare workers with access to training and awareness raising of Deaf and Deafblind BSL. 2. Ensure children learn in an environment that best suits their needs and are supported through appropriate GIRFme pathway in North Lanarkshire and their ASP - Additional Support Plan in South Lanarkshire. 3. Ensure communication used is appropriate to child – i.e. not Makaton or other type which are learning support needs. 4. Ensure Deaf parents have access to information in BSL. This includes report cards, parent evenings, routine information, IT Apps, etc. 5. Consider accessibility of school trips, parent councils, work placements and day to day information. 6. Take account of any new guidance for teachers or support staff working with pupils who use BSL. 7. Review training and qualification needs of teachers working with Deaf and Deafblind pupils in mainstream settings, linking in with local Hearing-Impaired Services 8. Share the Education Scotland BSL toolkit for practitioners who work with deaf children, young people and their families, parents and carers who use British Sign Language (BSL) and Tactile BSL in education. Share any resources from partner agencies such as SCILT regarding BSL delivery. 36
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Appendix 1 8 9. Support opportunities for teachers of the deaf and teachers working with deaf and deafblind children and young people in obtaining qualifications for instance Deaf Teachers Charter from Moray House. Promote the culture of BSL within schools as part of 1+2 languages by working in partnership with communities. Priority 4 - Access to Employment We aim to build an employability system that tackles inequalities in Lanarkshire’s labour market by creating a more responsive, joined up and aligned employability system that meets the needs of employers and the local labour market helping support people on their journey towards, into and within employment. This complements our approach to Fair Work that is underpinned by the principles of equity and equality of opportunity for all. Our Long-term goal: BSL users will receive person-centred support to develop their skills, consider what route to employment is right for them and enter the workforce so that they can fulfil their potential, and improve Lanarkshire’s economic performance. They will be provided with support to enable them to progress in their chosen career. We will: 1. Through No One Left Behind, deliver place-based employability services which support individuals to overcome structural barriers to entering and sustaining employment. 2. Use guidance when available from the Scottish Government on solutions to specific barriers for BSL users accessing devolved employability support. 3. Work with local employment services to help highlight specific advice and guidance required by BSL users. Priority 5 - Health and wellbeing Under the law, patients who are BSL users are entitled to the same health and social care access as their hearing peers, in their first or preferred language. NHS Lanarkshire is committed to providing high-quality healthcare services that are person-centred, safe and effective. Good communication is a vital component in delivering high-quality healthcare and in enabling equitable and inclusive access to services and health information. Our long-term goal: BSL users will have access to the information and services they need to live active, healthy lives, and to make informed choices at every stage of their lives. We will: 1. Signpost BSL users to health and social care information available in BSL (to be produced by NHS Health Scotland and NHS24). 2. Work with Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, third sector partners and the Lanarkshire BSL community to develop appropriate information in appropriate formats, signed information on the internet, provision of easy read information etc. • Raise awareness of ‘alert’ systems across services, for example Public health teams’ multi-disciplinary ‘disaster’ responses 37
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Appendix 1 9 • Community alerts • Contacting emergency services - 999 App 3. Provide Public Protection information in BSL. 4. Raise awareness mental of health support available across the range of partner organisations. 5. Improve access to information about active health provision, local sports facilities and sporting opportunities. Priority 6 - Celebrating BSL culture Culture can improve the life chances of all people at every stage in their life. In Lanarkshire, cultural activity can be an important element to help reduce poverty and mitigate its impacts. Our long-term goal: BSL users will have full access to the cultural life of Lanarkshire, an equal opportunity to enjoy and contribute to culture and the Arts and are encouraged to share BSL and Deaf Culture with the people of Lanarkshire. We will: 1. Enable BSL users to take part in culture and the arts as participants, audience members and professionals. 2. Increase information in BSL about culture and the arts on our websites and at venues 3. Improve access to the historical environment, cultural events and performing arts and film for BSL users. Work in partnership with providers of cultural events and activities across Lanarkshire to increase availability of signed performances and enhance individuals’ access to engagement in cultural activities. Explore the use of technology to enhance the experience of BSL users when visiting exhibitions or accessing museum collections. Priority 7 - BSL Data Building up evidence and data around BSL users, deaf and deafblind people is essential for informing public policy and shaping services to meet people’s needs. Our long-term goal: To strengthen the evidence and data on the BSL community in Lanarkshire to better inform decision making in public policy and service design. We will: 1. Include a question in our equalities questionnaires/monitoring forms in relation to the use and understanding of BSL. Example question To what extent can you use British Sign Language (BSL)? Use BSL Understand BSL None of these 38
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Appendix 1 10 Priority 8 - Transport We know not all BSL users identify themselves as disabled but like disabled people, access to, and confidence in, public transport is important. Our long-term goal: BSL users will have safe, fair and inclusive access to public transport and the systems that support all transport use in Scotland. We will: 1. Work with Strathclyde Partnership for Transport to identify practical solutions to make public travel more accessible for BSL users. 2. Encourage inclusion of BSL awareness within partners regulated transport service driver training, including school transport. 3. Promote BSL awareness training to our patient transport service, licensed taxi drivers/owners Priority 9 - Access to Justice Issues of justice affects us all. Justice is the concept of fairness. We must be able to exercise our human and civil rights, to live in a just and fair society. Our long-term goal: BSL users will have fair and equal access to our justice services. We will: 1. Ensure offenders and their families have access to BSL support when needed. 2. Raise awareness with our Community Justice Partnerships of the needs of BSL users when accessing justice systems. Priority 10 - Democratic Participation BSL users should be involved in and able to influence the decisions affecting them Our long-term goal: BSL users will be fully involved in democratic and public life in Lanarkshire, as active and informed citizens, as voters, as elected politicians and as board members of our public bodies. We will: 1. Promote the Access to Elected Office Fund locally, which can meet the additional costs of BSL users wishing to stand for selection or election in local or Scottish Parliament elections 2. Promote Access to Work support that can help pay for practical support in the workplace. 3. BSL interpreters will be booked for public meetings we organise to encourage participation of BSL users. 4. Raise awareness among elected members about ContactScotlandBSL. 5. Ensure that BSL users have access to information about Elected Members/Public Appointments in BSL. 6. Provide information on local democratic elections in BSL. 39
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Appendix 1 11 For further information on the plan please contact: NHS Lanarkshire: Hina.sheikh@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk North Lanarkshire Council: equality@northlan.gov.uk South Lanarkshire Council: equalities@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 40