A two-year equality fund to make Scottish workplaces more inclusive and diverse has been introduced by the Scottish Government. The initiative has been designed to help employers eradicate barriers to employment and career progression due to gender, age, race or disability. It will see £800,000 made available in its first year. Charities, third sector organisations, public sector organisations and private sector businesses can apply for up to £75,000 in each year to carry out activities that will help to improve diversity in the workplace.

Moray MSP Richard Lochhead, Minister for Just Transition, Employment and Fair Work, said:

"Employment rates, pay gaps, occupational segregation, workplace discrimination and progression opportunities within the labour market vary significantly across Scotland. The Scottish Government is committed to inclusive economic growth and helping employers develop their workplace practices to address inequality is key to the Workplace Equality Fund. Promoting growth in employment opportunities and tackling inequality within the labour market is essential to the sustained, long-term prosperity of the Scottish economy. We encourage private, public and third sector organisations to apply for funding through the Workplace Equality Fund."

The Workplace Equality Fund was first launched by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in 2018. An organisation made up of a diverse workforce can utilise employees’ different perspectives when developing new or improved products and services, creating new market opportunities and broadening the organisation’s customer base. In order to achieve this, employees need to feel that their point of view is valued in the organisation. When employees with different backgrounds and perspectives come together, they come up with more solutions, which leads to more informed and improved decision-making processes and results. Last year, funds offered immediate support during the pandemic to ensure that efforts to promote and embed workplace equality could continue.

Applications are open until 11 April 2022. To apply visit here.