Argyll and Bute HSCP Equalities Mainstreaming Progress Report 2021-2025 and Equalities Outcomes 2025-2029
Argyll and Bute Council · 28 May 2025
Back to Argyll and Bute HSCP Integration Joint Board (IJB) — 28 May 2025 and its agenda
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1 Meeting name: Integration Joint Board Date of Meeting: 28 May 2025 Title of Report: Argyll and Bute HSCP Equalities Mainstreaming Progress Report 2021-2025 and Equalities Outcomes 2025-2029 Presented by: Alison McGrory The IJB/Committee/Group is asked to: ▪ Note the content of the report, including progress towards the 2021-2025 Equalities Outcomes, for publication by June to meet the legal requirement ▪ Discuss/agree the proposed new Equalities Outcomes for 2025-2029, for publication by June to meet the legal requirement ▪ Note the requirement for an HSCP process to assess the impact of service changes and decision on children’s rights, as per the UNCRC legislation. These are known as Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessments (CRWIA) ▪ Approve in principle the move to Argyll and Bute Council Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) tool, in order for the HSCP to remain aligned to Argyll and Bute Council processes. 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The report sets out Argyll and Bute Integration Joint Board’s (IJB) continued commitment to advancing equality through the implementation of its statutory duties under the Equality Act 2010 and Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) (Scotland) Regulations 2012. It focuses on progress made in delivering the IJB’s 2021–2025 Equality Outcomes, which are designed to help meet the requirements of the General Equality Duty. The 2021-2025 Equality Outcomes are: 1. People from identified groups, such as those with protected characteristics, will have improved access to the resources needed to support their health and wellbeing. 2. People from identified groups, such as those with protected characteristics, will be empowered to have an influence on how services are delivered, including when changes are made to services. 3. People from identified groups, such as those with protected characteristics, will have improved experiences of services
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2 The report provides an overview of the progress against each outcome, with a wide range of supporting activities and interventions as examples. It builds upon the interim progress report published in 2023 and highlights significant achievements in outcomes 1 and 2. While progress on outcome 3 has been challenging, work is ongoing and this outcome will be carried forward into 2025- 2029 with a renewed focus and clearer delivery plan. The report also outlines the IJB’s new Equality Outcomes for 2025–2029. The outcomes were developed by reviewing the 2021-2025 outcomes and aligning them with the strategies of NHS Highland and Argyll & Bute Council. An online survey was conducted to test the clarity and relevance of the four new outcomes. Feedback highlighted the need for clearer language and more inclusive, practical actions, leading to revisions in the final outcomes 2025-2029 as follows: 1. Work Towards Fairer Health and Social Care for Everyone 2. Involve People and Communities in Shaping Services 3. Build Services That Feel Safe, Inclusive and Respectful 4. Work Together to Reduce Inequality Health inequalities are avoidable, unfair differences in health between groups, such as those defined by protected characteristics, socioeconomic status, or geography. The HSCP is committed to addressing these disparities by ensuring equal access, experience, and outcomes for all residents of Argyll and Bute, helping everyone lead healthier lives. By mainstreaming equalities, the IJB continues to promote equality, tackle inequalities, and ensure that services meet the needs of all people in Argyll and Bute. 2. INTRODUCTION The report outlines Argyll and Bute Integration Joint Board’s (IJB) responsibilities and progress in meeting the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and the Equality Act (Specific Duties) (Scotland) Regulations 2012 through its 2021–2025 Equality Outcomes. It also introduces the IJB’s proposed Equality Outcomes for 2025–2029. 3. DETAIL OF REPORT The report outlines Argyll and Bute Integration Joint Board’s (IJB) responsibilities and progress in meeting the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and the Equality Act (Specific Duties) (Scotland) Regulations 2012 through its 2021–2025 Equality Outcomes. It also introduces the IJB’s proposed Equality Outcomes for 2025–2029. Legal Context The Equality Act 2010 consolidates over 116 pieces of legislation and protects individuals from discrimination based on nine protected characteristics. Public bodies, including the IJB, are legally required to meet the requirements of the General Equality Duty: 1. Eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct which is prohibited under this Act.
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3 2. Advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not. 3. Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not by tackling prejudice and promoting understanding. The Specific Duties (Scotland) Regulations 2012 require the IJB to report on mainstreaming equality, publish and report on equality outcomes, review policies and practices, and ensure accessible equality information. As the IJB does not employ staff directly, workforce-related data (e.g., gender pay gap) is published by NHS Highland and Argyll and Bute Council. Equality Outcomes 2021–2025: Progress Overview In 2021, the IJB updated its equality outcomes for 2021 to 2025, building on the previous ones: 1. People from identified groups, such as those with protected characteristics, will have improved access to the resources needed to support their health and wellbeing. 2. People from identified groups, such as those with protected characteristics, will be empowered to have an influence on how services are delivered, including when changes are made to services. 3. People from identified groups, such as those with protected characteristics, will have improved experiences of services. Progress towards Outcome 1 includes a wide range of initiatives, such as the Child Poverty Action Plan, Planet Youth, Secondary Health Drama Programme, Community Link Worker Programme, and Living Well Grants. These have improved access to essential resources, particularly for families, young people, and under-represented communities. Under Outcome 2, the IJB has strengthened community engagement, ensuring that individuals, including those from protected groups, help shape services. Examples include strategic consultation on the Joint Strategic Plan, development of the Island Strategy, input into the UNCRC implementation, and collaborative efforts with the Alcohol and Drug Partnership and Women’s Health initiatives. While work on Outcome 3 has been challenging, the IJB has implemented equality and diversity training, Equality Impact Assessments, and strategic planning tools to improve service experiences. This outcome will be carried forward into 2025-2029 with a renewed focus and clearer delivery plan. Lessons learned from the current reporting cycle include the need for more robust monitoring and reporting systems to strengthen accountability and better reflect a fuller range of equalities work across the HSCP. Alongside this, to work to raise staff awareness of the new outcomes and how their roles can help embed them across the organisation. Also, the need for more accessible, inclusive and engaging report formats – easy read, youth, and plain English – to support clearer communication and fairer access to information for everyone. New Equality Outcomes 2025–2029 To comply with the four-year cycle required under the Specific Duties, the IJB will
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4 introduce updated outcomes for 2025–2029. The outcomes were developed by reviewing the 2021-2025 outcomes and aligning them with the strategies of NHS Highland and Argyll & Bute Council. An online survey was conducted to test the clarity and relevance of the four new outcomes. Feedback, received from 116 valid responses, highlighted the need for clearer language and more inclusive, practical actions, leading to revisions in the final outcomes 2025-2029 as follows: 1. Work Towards Fairer Health and Social Care for Everyone: We want to improve access to care for everyone, especially people who face extra barriers or have worse health outcomes than others. 2. Involve People and Communities in Shaping Services: We want to work alongside people—especially those often left out of decision-making—to help shape local services. 3. Build Services That Feel Safe, Inclusive and Respectful: We want everyone—patients and staff—to feel welcome, respected and supported in our services. 4. Work Together to Reduce Inequality: We will work with others to tackle the wider issues that affect people’s health, inclusion and access to services. 4. RELEVANT DATA AND INDICATORS Not applicable. 5. CONTRIBUTION TO STRATEGIC PRIORITIES The Joint Strategic Plan 2022–2025 acknowledges the significant impact of inequalities on health and wellbeing and outlines the commitment to embedding equality throughout the delivery of its objectives during this period. 6. GOVERNANCE IMPLICATIONS Guidance: Please ensure that you have followed the appropriate governance structure taking consideration of the following areas prior to submitting your paper. 6.1 Financial Impact None identified. 6.2 Staff Governance/Culture Promoting equality and diversity is essential to fostering an inclusive workplace culture and delivering equitable services. This should remain a core element for all staff, actively supported by the HSCP and made accessible through the employing organisations, NHS Highland and Argyll and Bute Council. 6.3 Clinical & Care Governance None identified. 7. PROFESSIONAL ADVISORY Not applicable.
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5 8. EQUALITY & DIVERSITY IMPLICATIONS Guidance: This section seeks to ensure you have considered implications for equalities the items below meet specific duties in consideration of this over and above general considerations. Please ensure that you have considered the requirement for EQSEIA and fully completed if required. Committee support on recommendation for IJB decision making should be in place if pertinent. a. Fairer Scotland Duty b. Islands Act c. Children and Young People d. Climate Change This report demonstrates the IJB’s compliance with the Equality Act 2010 and the Specific Duties (Scotland) Regulations 2012. Its publication on the NHS Highland website supports transparency and enables monitoring by external bodies such as the Scottish Human Rights Commission. The report highlights the wide-ranging efforts undertaken by the HSCP to promote equality and diversity across its services and functions. The needs of people with protected characteristics—as well as those from remote, rural, and island communities, and other under-served groups—remain a top priority. This is demonstrated through actions such as the delivery of equality and diversity training, the consistent use of Equality Impact Assessments (EQIAs), the integration of inclusive principles within key strategies and plans, and the publication of equality outcomes. In line with national guidance, the 2025-2029 outcomes also incorporate commitments under the UNCRC and net zero obligations, to uphold children’s rights and to ensure climate action is fair—recognising that groups with protected characteristics are often more vulnerable to environmental change. An EQSEIA on the Equality Outcomes is not required, as the outcomes themselves are designed to advance equality. 9. GENERAL DATA PROTECTION PRINCIPLES COMPLIANCE No impact identified. 10. RISK ASSESSMENT Not applicable. 11. PUBLIC & USER INVOLVEMENT & ENGAGEMENT The new Equality Outcomes for 2025–2029 were shaped by policy frameworks, the equality priorities of both NHS Highland and Argyll and Bute Council, and public engagement. A short public online survey in April to gather feedback on the draft outcomes received 116 valid responses (from people living or working
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6 in the area). 89% of these respondents reported one or more protected characteristics (excluding sex and marriage). Based on the feedback, the outcomes and actions were revised to be easier to understand, grounded in real-life action, more accessible and inclusive, and more thoughtfully aligned. While this engagement provided valuable insights, the limited timescale was identified as a key learning point, along with a need for future targeted engagement with under-represented groups. This will be addressed in the monitoring and review plan for the current outcomes, ensuring more robust engagement ahead of the next cycle of refreshed Equality Outcomes in 2029. 12. RECOMMENDATIONS • That the IJB note the Argyll and Bute HSCP Equalities Mainstreaming report, including progress towards the 2021-2025 Equalities Outcomes, for publication by June to meet the legal requirement. • Discuss/agree the proposed new Equality Outcomes for 2025-2029, for publication by June to meet the legal requirement. • Note the requirement for an HSCP process to assess the impact of service changes and decision on children’s rights, as per the UNCRC legislation. These are known as Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessments (CRWIA). • Approve in principle the move to Argyll and Bute Council Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) tool, in order for the HSCP to remain aligned to Argyll and Bute Council processes. 13. DIRECTIONS Directions required to Council, NHS Board or both. Directions to: tick No Directions required x Argyll & Bute Council NHS Highland Health Board Argyll & Bute Council and NHS Highland Health Board REPORT AUTHOR AND CONTACT Author Name: Helen Moffat Email: helen.moffat4@nhs.scot This paper has previously been reviewed in draft format at: Meeting Reviewed (tick) Date Finance & Policy Committee e.g. Audit & Risk Committee Clinical & Care Governance Committee
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7 Strategic Planning Group Argyll & Bute Council NHS Highland Board Community Planning Partnership Other SLT 30.04.2025