Workplace Equality Fund Opens for Applications

That the Parliament welcomes the launch of the Workplace Equality Fund, which aims to make workplaces more inclusive and diverse; understands that the two-year fund will make £800,000 available in its first year to address longstanding barriers in the labour market, and that it aims to ensure that everyone, irrespective of gender, age, race, or disability, can fulfil their potential and help improve Scotland’s economic performance as a result; notes that applications for the 2022-2024 Workplace Equality Fund are now open, and will be administered for the first time by Advice Direct Scotland, the country’s national advice service; understands that charities, third sector organisations, public sector organisations and private sector businesses can apply for up to £75,000 in each year of the fund, to carry out activities aimed at improving diversity in the workplace, and encourages any organisation or business interested in funding for a project focusing on addressing systematic inequalities in the workplace affecting women, minority ethnic workers, disabled workers, older workers (those aged over 50), people who experience gender-based violence, workers who are experiencing social isolation and/or loneliness, workers experiencing symptoms of the menopause, and veterans and spouses of veterans, to consider applying before 11 April 2022.