Statement from Jackie Irvine, chief executive
As Chief Executive, I am proud to announce the Care Inspectorate’s participation in the Equally Safe at Work employer accreditation programme. This initiative is part of our commitment to advancing gender equality in the workplace and will equip us with the tools needed to create lasting change.
Over the next 18 months, we will undertake a series of actions to progress gender equality and to better support victim-survivors of violence against women. By participating in this programme, we aim to position ourselves as leaders in gender equality, demonstrating our commitment by taking meaningful action. This programme will enable us to review and update policies and practices to ensure they are reflective of the needs of all our employees.
During this time, we will:
- update and develop employment policies to better support victim-survivors of violence against women
- run awareness-raising campaigns on gender equality and violence against women
- offer e-learning to line managers on flexible working and violence against women
- develop initiatives to tackle occupational segregation.
Leadership and investment in gender equality are essential steps in addressing women's labour market inequality, which is a critical factor in the prevention of violence against women, both within and outside of the workplace. As the scrutiny and quality improvement body that regulates refuge accommodation for women, and often their children, who have experienced domestic abuse, we know we have a significant role to play and we will continue to act to influence change.
We recognise that women's experiences in the workforce are shaped by multiple, intersecting inequalities, including race, disability, sexual orientation, and other factors. Our goal is to promote fairness in recruitment, retention, and career progression, ensuring that every woman, regardless of her background, feels supported, valued and empowered to succeed.
A diverse and inclusive workplace leads to better decision-making, fosters creativity, and drives innovation, all of which benefit not only our staff but also the communities we serve.
We will be working to embed this work throughout the organisation. We will consistently review the changes to ensure they still reflect the needs of the organisation and its employees.
We will continue to integrate our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy into our core practices, ensuring ongoing training, clear data measurement, and employee feedback. We will also collaborate with external organisations to share good practice and learn from each other.
Together, we can create a workplace where everyone thrives, free from discrimination and violence, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Jackie Irvine, chief executive
Jackie Mackenzie, executive directror of corporate and customer services