- Asked by: Stephen Kerr, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
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Date lodged: Thursday, 05 June 2025
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Current Status:
Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 18 June 2025
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason £233,750 was provided to Positive Action in Housing Ltd between 2017-18 and 2020-21 as part of the Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund; what this funding was used for, and what the outcomes were of the New Migrants Action Project.
Answer
The Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund initially ran from 2017 to 2020, and was then extended to October 2021 due to the impacts of covid-19. It was superseded by a revised funding programme: the current Equality and Human Rights Fund.
The Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund was used to fund projects that would contribute to one or more of four outcomes:
- Discrimination against people who share protected characteristics is reduced and multiple discrimination is addressed so that barriers to participation are reduced.
- People covered by hate crime legislation experience lower levels of hate crime.
- People and communities are supported to participate in and engage with services and civic society; their contribution is recognised, and community cohesion is increased.
- Current imbalances in representation in all aspects and levels of public life, including education and employment are addressed to better reflect our communities
The New Migrants Action Project was funded support work to counter the uncertainty that was facing European Economic Area (EEA) nationals living in Scotland. The project was intended to provide excellent, up-to-date, accessible and impartial advice, information and support on welfare rights, residence rights and housing and homelessness rights. Its service was intended to reach out to otherwise “easy to ignore” EEA nationals to prevent crises of poverty and homelessness as far as possible and tackle crises effectively where they arise.
The specific outcomes to be achieved were:
- EU nationals, especially Romanian Roma people, will better understand and be more able to assert their welfare rights, maintain tenancies and fulfil their responsibilities.
- EU nationals, especially Romanian Roma people, will better understand and be more able to assert their housing and homelessness rights and fulfil their responsibilities.
- EU nationals, especially Romanian Roma people, will better understand and be more able to assert their UK residency rights.
The Fund was managed on a day to day basis on the Scottish Government’s behalf by Impact Funding Partners initially and then Inspiring Scotland. You can find a Final Progress Update report for the Fund summarising its impacts here: Promoting-Equality-and-Cohesion-Fund-Final-Report-Jan-Sep-2021-for-SG-publication.pdf
- Asked by: Stephen Kerr, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
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Date lodged: Thursday, 05 June 2025
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Current Status:
Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 18 June 2025
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason £102,000 was provided to Inverness CAB between 2017-18 and 2020-21 as part of the Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund; what this funding was used for, and what the outcomes were of the Highland Equality and Fair Work in Action Project.
Answer
The Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund initially ran from 2017 to 2020, and was then extended to October 2021 due to the impacts of covid-19. It was superseded by a revised funding programme: the current Equality and Human Rights Fund.
The Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund was used to fund projects that would contribute to one or more of four outcomes:
- Discrimination against people who share protected characteristics is reduced and multiple discrimination is addressed so that barriers to participation are reduced.
- People covered by hate crime legislation experience lower levels of hate crime.
- People and communities are supported to participate in and engage with services and civic society; their contribution is recognised, and community cohesion is increased.
- Current imbalances in representation in all aspects and levels of public life, including education and employment are addressed to better reflect our communities
The Highland Equality and Fair Work in Action Project was funded to provide a local specialist “Equality and Employment Rights Advice and Representation Service” to empower workers in the Highlands who (due to having a protected characteristic and in particular a disability) may suffer unlawful discrimination and/or disadvantage when their rights are breached which will reduce barriers to justice; reduce discrimination and inequality; will promote early intervention; increase in ‘fair work’ practice; increase cohesion/community participation and progress social policy issues.
The specific outcome to be achieved was:
- 1600 Highland workers who (due to having a protected characteristic – mostly notably those who have a disability) suffer unlawful discrimination or related breaches of their equality/employment rights will have improved access to a local specialist advice and representation service which will advise of their individual rights and options and improve access to justice in order to reduce discrimination; reduce disadvantage; increase fair work and reduce barriers to participation.
The Fund was managed on a day to day basis on the Scottish Government’s behalf by Impact Funding Partners initially and then Inspiring Scotland. You can find a Final Progress Update report for the Fund summarising its impacts here: Promoting-Equality-and-Cohesion-Fund-Final-Report-Jan-Sep-2021-for-SG-publication.pdf
- Asked by: Stephen Kerr, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
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Date lodged: Thursday, 05 June 2025
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Current Status:
Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 18 June 2025
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason £85,000 was provided to Scottish Older People's Assembly between 2017-18 and 2020-21 as part of the Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund; what this funding was used for, and what the outcomes were of the Scottish Older People's Assembly (SOPA) project.
Answer
The Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund initially ran from 2017 to 2020, and was then extended to October 2021 due to the impacts of covid-19. It was superseded by a revised funding programme: the current Equality and Human Rights Fund.
The Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund was used to fund projects that would contribute to one or more of four outcomes:
- Discrimination against people who share protected characteristics is reduced and multiple discrimination is addressed so that barriers to participation are reduced.
- People covered by hate crime legislation experience lower levels of hate crime.
- People and communities are supported to participate in and engage with services and civic society; their contribution is recognised, and community cohesion is increased.
- Current imbalances in representation in all aspects and levels of public life, including education and employment are addressed to better reflect our communities
The Scottish Older People's Assembly (SOPA) project was funded to support the Scottish Older People's Assembly to use inclusive communication in different towns to;
- partner with Scottish Council on Deafness, Retired Police Association and Trading Standards Scotland, hold 3 facilitated conversations with older people with sensory impairment and physical impairments to examine experience of hate crime and fear of crime, and inform Lord Bracadale’ review of hate crime legislation and the Scottish Government’s Justice department to increase public confidence, reduce fear of crime and strengthen community engagement and resilience.
- partner with Trust Housing Association (Equalities), Citizens Advice Scotland and Faith in Older People, facilitate 4 conversations with older people from minority communities to examine their experience of health and social care services and improve their chance of receiving effective healthcare appropriate to their needs and have fewer inequalities in their life.
- partner with Women’s Aid, Action on Elder Abuse Scotland, RNIB and Soroptomists International, facilitate 6 conversations with the older LGBTI community to hear about their experience of domestic violence and elder abuse, and prevent ill health, improve their chance of receiving better coordinated support and being less isolated and lonely.
The specific outcome to be achieved was:
- Older people with sensory and physical impairment, and from the minority communities will be supported to better influence policy and service developments and be recognised for their contributions.
The Fund was managed on a day to day basis on the Scottish Government’s behalf by Impact Funding Partners initially and then Inspiring Scotland. You can find a Final Progress Update report for the Fund summarising its impacts here: Promoting-Equality-and-Cohesion-Fund-Final-Report-Jan-Sep-2021-for-SG-publication.pdf
- Asked by: Stephen Kerr, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
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Date lodged: Thursday, 05 June 2025
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Current Status:
Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 18 June 2025
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason £297,500 was provided to Glasgow North West Citizen Advice Service between 2017-18 and 2020-21 as part of the Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund; what this funding was used for, and what the outcomes were of the Equalities Project.
Answer
The Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund initially ran from 2017 to 2020, and was then extended to October 2021 due to the impacts of covid-19. It was superseded by a revised funding programme: the current Equality and Human Rights Fund.
The Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund was used to fund projects that would contribute to one or more of four outcomes:
- Discrimination against people who share protected characteristics is reduced and multiple discrimination is addressed so that barriers to participation are reduced.
- People covered by hate crime legislation experience lower levels of hate crime.
- People and communities are supported to participate in and engage with services and civic society; their contribution is recognised, and community cohesion is increased.
- Current imbalances in representation in all aspects and levels of public life, including education and employment are addressed to better reflect our communities
The Equalities Project was funded to enable Maryhill and Possilpark Citizens Advice Bureau to broaden volunteering opportunities for protected characteristics individuals to increase confidence, skills/knowledge, aspirations, and community cohesion by ensuring equal participation and representation in public life. Volunteers with the CAB would gain workplace experience to access paid employment and/or further education/training. It was intended that the CAB would continue to strengthen its partnerships with local equality organisations and Glasgow CABx to address the needs of protected characteristics individuals.
The specific outcomes to be achieved were:
- People from equalities groups have increased access to quality advice and information services and are enabled to inform service design and delivery.
- People from across the protected characteristics will have increased opportunities to access quality volunteering opportunities, training and support which will increase their skills, knowledge and experience to enhance employability and representation in public life.
The Fund was managed on a day to day basis on the Scottish Government’s behalf by Impact Funding Partners initially and then Inspiring Scotland. You can find a Final Progress Update report for the Fund summarising its impacts here: Promoting-Equality-and-Cohesion-Fund-Final-Report-Jan-Sep-2021-for-SG-publication.pdf
- Asked by: Stephen Kerr, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
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Date lodged: Thursday, 05 June 2025
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Current Status:
Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 18 June 2025
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason £148,750 was provided to the British Red Cross between 2017-18 and 2020-21 as part of the Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund; what this funding was used for, and what the outcomes were of The STAR project.
Answer
The Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund initially ran from 2017 to 2020, and was then extended to October 2021 due to the impacts of covid-19. It was superseded by a revised funding programme: the current Equality and Human Rights Fund.
The Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund was used to fund projects that would contribute to one or more of four outcomes:
- Discrimination against people who share protected characteristics is reduced and multiple discrimination is addressed so that barriers to participation are reduced.
- People covered by hate crime legislation experience lower levels of hate crime.
- People and communities are supported to participate in and engage with services and civic society; their contribution is recognised, and community cohesion is increased.
- Current imbalances in representation in all aspects and levels of public life, including education and employment are addressed to better reflect our communities
The “STAR Project” was funded to provide emergency humanitarian and integration assistance to vulnerable asylum seekers in Glasgow. There were three aspects to the work:
1. Providing asylum support to individuals facing immediate crisis (particularly destitution) coming through our Triage clinic.
2. Providing more in-depth and specialist casework support and advocacy
3. Gathering an effective evidence base
The specific outcomes to be achieved were:
- The impact of crisis facing individual asylum seekers will be mitigated, enabling people to experience fewer barriers to participation
- Information will be collected and shared, and key advocacy points developed, to work together with other key stakeholders towards a longer term solution
The Fund was managed on a day to day basis on the Scottish Government’s behalf by Impact Funding Partners initially and then Inspiring Scotland. You can find a Final Progress Update report for the Fund summarising its impacts here: Promoting-Equality-and-Cohesion-Fund-Final-Report-Jan-Sep-2021-for-SG-publication.pdf
- Asked by: Stephen Kerr, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
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Date lodged: Thursday, 05 June 2025
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Current Status:
Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 18 June 2025
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason £212,500 was provided to Dundee International Women's Centre between 2017-18 and 2020-21 for the Gaining Recognised Employment and Training project, as part of the Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund; what this funding was used for, and what the outcomes were of this project.
Answer
The Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund initially ran from 2017 to 2020, and was then extended to October 2021 due to the impacts of covid-19. It was superseded by a revised funding programme: the current Equality and Human Rights Fund.
The Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund was used to fund projects that would contribute to one or more of four outcomes:
- Discrimination against people who share protected characteristics is reduced and multiple discrimination is addressed so that barriers to participation are reduced.
- People covered by hate crime legislation experience lower levels of hate crime.
- People and communities are supported to participate in and engage with services and civic society; their contribution is recognised, and community cohesion is increased.
- Current imbalances in representation in all aspects and levels of public life, including education and employment are addressed to better reflect our communities
The ‘Gaining Recognised Employment and Training’ project was funded to provide an employability service for Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) women including: a) sector specific English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes for women who speak English as a second language (six weeks), followed by a placement with a local employer (eight weeks); b) accredited training courses; c) one to one advice on cv writing, application forms, interview skills, etc.
The specific outcomes to be achieved were:
- Women from BME and Migrant Communities will have increased access to employment through the provision of vocational ESOL classes and supported volunteer placements with local employers
- Women from BME and migrant communities will have improved opportunities to gain qualifications and move towards employment through the provision of accredited training
- Employers in Dundee will become more confident to employ women from BME communities
The Fund was managed on a day to day basis on the Scottish Government’s behalf by Impact Funding Partners initially and then Inspiring Scotland. You can find a Final Progress Update report for the Fund summarising its impacts here: Promoting-Equality-and-Cohesion-Fund-Final-Report-Jan-Sep-2021-for-SG-publication.pdf
- Asked by: Stephen Kerr, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
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Date lodged: Thursday, 05 June 2025
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Current Status:
Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 18 June 2025
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason £250,000 was provided to Scottish Council on Deafness (SCOD) between 2017-18 and 2019-20 as part of the Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund; what this funding was used for, and what the outcomes were of the "Equality, Access and Citizenship for Deaf People: Deaf Sector Partnership (DSP) support" project.
Answer
The Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund initially ran from 2017 to 2020, and was then extended to October 2021 due to the impacts of covid-19. It was superseded by a revised funding programme: the current Equality and Human Rights Fund.
The Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund was used to fund projects that would contribute to one or more of four outcomes:
- Discrimination against people who share protected characteristics is reduced and multiple discrimination is addressed so that barriers to participation are reduced.
- People covered by hate crime legislation experience lower levels of hate crime.
- People and communities are supported to participate in and engage with services and civic society; their contribution is recognised, and community cohesion is increased.
- Current imbalances in representation in all aspects and levels of public life, including education and employment are addressed to better reflect our communities
"Equality, Access and Citizenship for Deaf People: Deaf Sector Partnership (DSP) support" project was funded to support Scottish Council on Deafness (SCOD) to provide specific infrastructure to support the national planning cycle, the BSL National Advisory Group (BSL NAG) set up to lead the BSL National Plan and contribute to the engagement required to include and involve Deaf / Deafblind and other people to develop the national plan priorities.
The specific outcomes to be achieved were:
- DSP activities and communications are effective, planned and co-ordinated to increase and improve the quality of communications, engagement and involvement of the Public Sector and Deaf / Deafblind people whose first or preferred language is BSL
- Public bodies supported to increase and improve engagement with Deaf / Deafblind people in their local areas when they are drafting their local plans
The Fund was managed on a day to day basis on the Scottish Government’s behalf by Impact Funding Partners initially and then Inspiring Scotland. You can find a Final Progress Update report for the Fund summarising its impacts here: Promoting-Equality-and-Cohesion-Fund-Final-Report-Jan-Sep-2021-for-SG-publication.pdf
- Asked by: Stephen Kerr, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
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Date lodged: Thursday, 05 June 2025
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Current Status:
Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 18 June 2025
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason £40,375 was provided to Stirling Citizens for Sanctuary between 2017-18 and 2020-21 as part of the Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund; what this funding was used for, and what the outcomes were of the Volunteer and Project Coordinator project.
Answer
The Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund initially ran from 2017 to 2020, and was then extended to October 2021 due to the impacts of covid-19. It was superseded by a revised funding programme: the current Equality and Human Rights Fund.
The Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund was used to fund projects that would contribute to one or more of four outcomes:
- Discrimination against people who share protected characteristics is reduced and multiple discrimination is addressed so that barriers to participation are reduced.
- People covered by hate crime legislation experience lower levels of hate crime.
- People and communities are supported to participate in and engage with services and civic society; their contribution is recognised, and community cohesion is increased.
- Current imbalances in representation in all aspects and levels of public life, including education and employment are addressed to better reflect our communities
The Volunteer and Project Coordinator project was funded to enable Stirling Citizens for Sanctuary to continue to employ Continue employment of a Volunteer and Project Coordinator (VPC) to manage and support a growing body of volunteers; ensure checks on background prior to acceptance as volunteers; deliver induction and regular training; and monitor and support volunteers. This is critical to our ability to deliver, through our volunteers, sensitive and effective support to refugee families who have fled violence in their country and whose friends and extended families are still in camps or relocated to other countries
The specific outcomes to be achieved were:
- Syrians will feel confident in their new surroundings and be aware of local services and facilities and how to access them
- Syrian families, both adults and children, will become integrated into the community and be involved in local activities
- Develop Volunteer Skills for supporting vulnerable refugees
The Fund was managed on a day to day basis on the Scottish Government’s behalf by Impact Funding Partners initially and then Inspiring Scotland. You can find a Final Progress Update report for the Fund summarising its impacts here: Promoting-Equality-and-Cohesion-Fund-Final-Report-Jan-Sep-2021-for-SG-publication.pdf
- Asked by: Stephen Kerr, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
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Date lodged: Thursday, 05 June 2025
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Current Status:
Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 18 June 2025
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason £127,500 was provided to Dundee Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) between 2017-18 and 2020-21 as part of the Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund; what this funding was used for, and what the outcomes were of the Equalities in Advice project.
Answer
The Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund initially ran from 2017 to 2020, and was then extended to October 2021 due to the impacts of covid-19. It was superseded by a revised funding programme: the current Equality and Human Rights Fund.
The Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund was used to fund projects that would contribute to one or more of four outcomes:
- Discrimination against people who share protected characteristics is reduced and multiple discrimination is addressed so that barriers to participation are reduced.
- People covered by hate crime legislation experience lower levels of hate crime.
- People and communities are supported to participate in and engage with services and civic society; their contribution is recognised, and community cohesion is increased.
- Current imbalances in representation in all aspects and levels of public life, including education and employment are addressed to better reflect our communities
The ‘Equalities in Advice’ project was funded to contribute to reducing discrimination against people with protected characteristics by widening access to advice and support. Dundee Citizens Advice Bureau (DCAB) would continue with and develop further targeted out-reach advice clinics in partner agencies that provide services in Dundee for people with protected characteristics such as older persons, people with a disability or long-term health condition, people with mental health issues, and minority ethnic people. As well as out-reach clinics home visits would be offered to people unable to access the main Bureau or out-reach clinics because of a physical or mental health issue. Information, advice and support and where appropriate representation would be provided on any issue, so that people are more informed of their rights and responsibilities, thus enabling them to engage more fully in civic society.
Advice Support Workers told staff the out-reach clinics which would be provided through both open door drop-in or appointments. Home visits would be arranged to suit the person seeking advice. Staff of partner agencies would signpost or refer users of their services to the out-reach or home-visiting advice service. Individuals would also be able to access the service directly without being signposted or referred in.
The specific outcomes to be achieved were:
- There will be improved access to advice, support and assistance to people with protected characteristics which will assist them to fully engage in civic society
- There will be an improvement in partner agencies ability to meet the wider needs of their service users
The Fund was managed on a day to day basis on the Scottish Government’s behalf by Impact Funding Partners initially and then Inspiring Scotland. You can find a Final Progress Update report for the Fund summarising its impacts here: Promoting-Equality-and-Cohesion-Fund-Final-Report-Jan-Sep-2021-for-SG-publication.pdf
- Asked by: Stephen Kerr, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
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Date lodged: Thursday, 05 June 2025
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Current Status:
Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 18 June 2025
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason £297,500 was provided to Youthlink Scotland between 2017-18 and 2020-21 as part of the Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund; what this funding was used for, and what the outcomes were of the Action on Prejudice project.
Answer
The Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund initially ran from 2017 to 2020, and was then extended to October 2021 due to the impacts of covid-19. It was superseded by a revised funding programme: the current Equality and Human Rights Fund.
The Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund was used to fund projects that would contribute to one or more of four outcomes:
- Discrimination against people who share protected characteristics is reduced and multiple discrimination is addressed so that barriers to participation are reduced.
- People covered by hate crime legislation experience lower levels of hate crime.
- People and communities are supported to participate in and engage with services and civic society; their contribution is recognised, and community cohesion is increased.
- Current imbalances in representation in all aspects and levels of public life, including education and employment are addressed to better reflect our communities
The Action on Prejudice project was funded to enable Youthlink Scotland to develop and build a new national interactive platform called ‘Action on Prejudice’. This would be based on the ‘Action on Sectarianism’ model, adopting an assets-based approach, drawing together the wealth of content created by young people, adults, community groups and practitioners tackling prejudice and discrimination in their community. The central online presence would challenge hate crime, promote intersectionality and ensure a joined-up approach.
The specific outcomes to be achieved were:
- People and communities are better informed about prejudice, the protected characteristics and hate behaviour and the work taking place to tackle it.
- Practitioners have improved access to a wide range of resources to tackle prejudice and can adapt these to better reduce barriers to participation.
- Young people and communities are engaged in online discussion about prejudice, the protected characteristics and what can be done to prevent prejudice and hate crime.
The Fund was managed on a day to day basis on the Scottish Government’s behalf by Impact Funding Partners initially and then Inspiring Scotland. You can find a Final Progress Update report for the Fund summarising its impacts here: Promoting-Equality-and-Cohesion-Fund-Final-Report-Jan-Sep-2021-for-SG-publication.pdf