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Equality in Argyll and Bute HSCP

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Promoting equality in Argyll and Bute HSCP and meeting our legal requirements.

Argyll and Bute HSCP recognises the need to promote equality of opportunity across our population and ensure that people are not disadvantaged due to direct or indirect discrimination. 

Equality Impact Assessments

The HSCP’s process for conducting Equality Impact Assessments (EIAs or EQIAs) - also known as Equality and Socio-economic Impact Assessments (EQSEIAs) - was developed in 2019. We now have one form for all health and social care services which replaces separate NHS Highland and Argyll and Bute Council forms. Our most recent EIAs are listed here.

2025 (6)

2024 (6)

2023 (6)

2022 (1)

2021 (1)

2020 (13)

2019 (13)

Equality Outcomes 2025-2029 and Mainstreaming Progress Report 2021-2025

We are committed to promoting equality, eliminating discrimination and advancing fairness across all of our services in line with the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) (Scotland) Regulations 2012.

Our latest report - Argyll and Bute HSCP - Equalities Mainstreaming Progress Report 2021-2025 and Equalities Outcomes 2025-2029 (June 2025) - sets out how we continue to embed equality and human rights in everything we do. It describes the progress we’ve made since 2021 and our new priorities for the next four years.

Our Equality Outcomes 2025-2029

Outcome 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.

Outcome 2: Communities in shaping services

We want to work alongside people, especially those often left out of decision-making, to help shape local services.

Outcome 3: Build services that feel safe, inclusive and respectful

We want everyone, patients and staff, to feel welcome, respected and supported in our services.

Outcome 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.

How we will measure progress

We will track and report progress against these outcomes through:

  • regular equality and mainstreaming reports
  • staff and workforce data
  • community feedback and engagement
  • integrated impact assessments

Equality Act (Scottish Specific Duties)

The Integration Joint Board of Argyll and Bute HSCP is classed as a 'public body' under the Equality Act (2010). As such, we are required to ensure that equality and diversity are embedded into all our functions and activities. The Public Bodies Specific Duties lay out that all Scottish Public authorities must publish a report on 'mainstreaming' equality. In setting out refreshed equality outcomes and a timeline for interim and mainstreaming reports, Argyll and Bute HSCP are meeting the Scottish Specific Duties of the Equality Act.

Outcomes

Both Argyll and Bute Council and NHS Highland have published equality outcome frameworks:

Last updated: 13 November 2025

Next review date: 9 November 2026