Resource content
Context: SQA needed robust equality data to effectively understand workforce demographics and make evidence-based decisions that advance equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Approach: Launched ‘Data Matters’ campaign collaborating with employee networks to improve data collection and demonstrate practical value of equality data.
Implementation:
- Reviewed and amended equality data questions in business systems to align with Scotland’s Census 2022 for accurate benchmarking
- Collaborated with employee networks and internal groups on preferred language and terminology
- Separated combined parent and carer categories into distinct categories to better understand different caring roles
- Employee networks provided concrete examples of data use, including evidence of Disability Confident scheme success showing increased interviews for disabled applicants meeting minimum requirements
Impact:
- Over 80% declaration rates achieved across all equality categories
- Increased staff completion of equality data, including those who previously selected ‘prefer not to say’
- Over 100 staff identified as unpaid carers (growing from 87 in February 2024 to over 100 by November 2024)
- Carer declaration rates increased from 61.1% to 72% over the same period
- Led to development of new Carers Network (June 2024), Carer Support Hub, carers policy, and internal awareness workshops
Key Learning:
- Employee networks add credibility and authenticity to data campaigns by providing concrete examples of how data creates positive change
- Demonstrating practical value of data encourages participation
- Aligning with national standards enables meaningful benchmarking
- Specific, tangible examples of data impact motivate staff engagement