This is a matter for NHS National Services Scotland. The information requested is not held centrally.

This is a matter for NHS National Services Scotland. The information requested is not held centrally.

This is a matter for NHS National Services Scotland. The information requested is not held centrally.

This is a matter for NHS National Services Scotland. The information requested is not held centrally.

This is a matter for NHS National Services Scotland. The information requested is not held centrally.

The Scottish Government is actively exploring the use of Regulation 11 of the Scottish Specific Duties. This includes considering how this regulation might be used to encourage public bodies to make more effective use of intersectional equality data in policymaking. In the meantime, we continue to implement the Equality Evidence Strategy to support public bodies in this area.

The Scottish Government regularly engages with stakeholders to discuss the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED). Over the past six months, we have met with various groups to ensure ongoing collaboration. This includes regular monthly meetings with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and frequent catch-up conversations. Director for Equalities, Inclusion and Human Rights, John Somers, also met with Head of EHRC Scotland, John Wilkes in June 2024.

Additionally, we have engaged with key stakeholders such as Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and Zero Waste Scotland. We participated in a sectoral event with the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) and EHRC, and held discussions with the NDPB Equalities Forum, Communications Inclusion People, and Engender. These engagements are crucial in shaping our approach to equality and human rights across Scotland.

The Scottish Government has further engagement planned to continue our discussions on the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED). In late autumn, we will be holding roundtable discussions with both duty bearers and equality advocacy groups. These sessions will focus on the 2025-2029 equality outcome setting process as part of the ongoing improvement of the PSED regime.

The Scottish Government is planning to require ScotRail to procure replacement trains for the current fleet, known as the High Speed Trains (HST) fleet which operate on its InterCity routes between Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Inverness.

The aim for the replacement trains will be to provide a more consistent, comfortable experience for passengers on the InterCity routes.

This will ensure the reliability of Intercity routes for the long-term, will reduce emissions from Intercity services and will provide a path towards a decarbonised Intercity network.

The decision follows a process of appraisal to look at different options to replace the trains. These options take into consideration the potential transition from diesel power to electric trains, the availability of funding and affordability challenges.

A contract notice will be published in the coming weeks, with a more detailed delivery timeline available at the point of contract award.

As one of the five main drivers of biodiversity loss and a barrier to nature restoration, the Scottish Government takes the control of invasive non-native species (INNS) seriously and we work with a range of partners to minimise their negative impacts. We recognise that more action is needed on tackling invasive non-native plants; as a key component of the Biodiversity Delivery Plan, we are developing an INNS Action Plan to better focus resources on preventing and tackling INNS where possible.

In addition the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative (SISI) is tackling a range of invasive non-native plants including giant hogweed alongside water courses in an area of rivers of 29,500km2 within northern Scotland (approximately a third of mainland Scotland). Last year phase two of the SISI was awarded over £2 million under the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund. Phase two will run for three years and will focus on continuing the work to control and eradicate invasive non-native plants in current control areas as well as expanding this programme to many new downstream catchment locations.

The Scottish Government is considering how climate change will impact the introduction and spread of INNS. INNS that pose a threat to GB are currently being assessed for addition to both the GB and Scottish lists of species of special concern. Once added to these lists these species will become subject to a range of restrictions. In 2021 the Scottish Government commissioned a horizon scanning study on INNS. This work involved analysis of pathways of spread of INNS into Scotland and is feeding into decisions on listing species. Horizon scanning will be repeated every five years and the next exercise will take place in 2026.

The Scottish Government is currently reviewing the effectiveness of the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) and is committed to improving its implementation through a phased approach, within the limits of devolved competence.

We are progressing key initiatives under the improvement regime of the PSED, including our approach to inclusive communications, pay gap reporting, and utilising ministerial powers under Regulation 11. Insights from commissioned international research are also being considered to inform our policies.

Our focus remains on effectively implementing and improving the current frameworks.