The Scottish Government-funded initiative, with £800k available in its first year, aims to address longstanding barriers in the labour market so that everyone – irrespective of gender, age, race, or disability – can fulfil their potential and improve Scotland’s economic performance as a result. 

Applications for the 2022-24 Workplace Equality Fund are now open, and for the first time will be administered by Advice Direct Scotland, the country’s national advice service. 

Charities, third sector organisations, public sector organisations and private sector businesses can apply for up to £75k in each year of the fund to carry out activities that will help to improve diversity in the workplace. 

The funding is used for projects focused on one or more priority groups from the following list: 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. 

Projects can take place within any sector, industry or geographic area provided that they demonstrate the impact on priority groups through addressing systemic inequalities in the workplace. 

The Workplace Equality Fund was first launched by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in 2018. 

Last year, funds offered immediate support during the pandemic to ensure that efforts to promote and embed workplace equality could continue so that equality groups were not further disadvantaged by the economic impact of Covid-19. 

Organisations and businesses that wish to apply for funding should visit www.equalityadvice.scot.

Applications are open until 11 April, 2022. 

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