New: Foundation Inclusive Communication Toolkit – Enabling easier communication between people and services.

SCRA: Embedding EDI Through Distributed Leadership

Last Updated
30 March 2026

Resource Tags

Content Types:

Case Study

Relevant Driver(s):

1. Strengthening leadership 2. Developing accountability and transparency 4. Using evidence and experience 5. Enhancing capability and culture

Specific Action(s):

1A. Take a strategic approach to equality and human rights 2A. Set up staff forums 4C. Share learning and best practice 5A. Put in place comprehensive training programmes 5B. Promote cultural initiatives

Implementation Levels:

Advanced
Development

Prior Knowledge Required:

Basic

Organisation Size:

Large Medium Small

Sector:

Government Justice

Role:

Analysts Board Members Communications Staff Community organisations Data Managers Education Professionals Elected members Equality/Diversity/Human Rights Specialists Frontline Staff Governance specialists Healthcare Professionals HR Professionals Legal & Compliance Staff Middle managers Other Policy Officers/Makers Procurement Staff Senior Leaders/Management Training & Development Staff

Resource content

Context:
SCRA is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all children, young people, and families engaging with the Children’s Hearings System. SCRA recognises that meaningful progress in EDI requires both national leadership and local ownership, and identified a need to embed EDI into everyday practice across all localities — not just as a strategic priority managed from the centre.

Approach:
SCRA developed a dual structure of Inclusion Ambassadors (a national staff champion network) and Locality EDI Leads (designated local leads in each locality), designed to connect strategic goals with operational delivery at local level.

Implementation:
• Established a national group of Inclusion Ambassadors to champion EDI, share best practice, and support organisational learning, acting as a bridge between strategy and operations.
• Designated Locality EDI Leads in each locality to lead local EDI initiatives and tailor national priorities to local contexts.
• Introduced regular joint meetings between Inclusion Ambassadors and Locality Leads to share insights, co-develop resources, and support each other.
• Provided ongoing training for both groups across a range of topics.
• Co-created toolkits, guidance documents, and awareness campaigns reflecting the diversity of children, young people, and families engaging with the Hearings System.

Impact:
• Localities are empowered to take ownership of EDI, leading to more relevant and impactful local initiatives.
• Staff feel more equipped to address EDI issues and support diverse service users.
• A feedback loop between localities and national teams supports continuous improvement.
• EDI is increasingly seen as everyone’s responsibility rather than solely a central function.

Key Learning:
• Distributed leadership fosters innovation and accountability at local level.
• Peer support networks create a safe space for learning and growth.
• Local flexibility is essential — one-size-fits-all approaches do not work.
• Recognising and celebrating local EDI efforts boosts morale and motivation.

Was this page helpful?

If you need help or support you can email us at ehrmainstreamingtoolkit@gov.scot

Secret Link