Diversity and Inclusion

Shetland Islands Council is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and good community relations. Shetland’s community statement contains the following statements:

  • We’ll seek to create fulfilling, well paid jobs for all, whatever their talent
  • Foster confident, thriving communities across Shetland
  • Promote justice and equality, here and overseas
  • Expand knowledge, extend opportunities and improve access

The Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act 2010 puts responsibility on Local Authorities regarding Diversity & Inclusion.

The Equality Act came into force on 1 October 2010. It brings together over 116 separate pieces of legislation into one single Act. Combined, they make up an Act that provides a legal framework to protect the rights of individuals and advance equality of opportunity for all.

The Act simplifies, strengthens and harmonises legislation to provide Britain with a discrimination law which protects individuals from unfair treatment and promotes a fair and more equal society.

Under the Act there is a single public sector duty covering nine protected characteristics. The protected characteristics are:

  • Age
  • Disability
  • Gender reassignment
  • Marriage and Civil Partnership
  • Pregnancy and maternity
  • Race
  • Religion and belief
  • Sex
  • Sexual Orientation

Equality and Mainstreaming Outcomes

The Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) (Scotland) Regulations 2012 require public authorities to publish equality outcomes every four years and to report progress every two years.

The Shetland Islands Council is committed to eliminating unlawful discrimination, advancing equality of opportunity, and fostering good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. For 2025–2029, the Council has adopted an integrated approach by setting both Equality Outcomes and Mainstreaming Outcomes, recognising that equality must be embedded in day‑to‑day decision making and service delivery.

The Mainstreaming and Equality Outcomes for 2025–2029 are:

Mainstreaming Outcomes

  • Decision-makers and staff have access to good quality evidence, including data and lived experience, to inform service improvement.
  • Equality Impact Assessments (EQIAs) are used as meaningful tools to reduce discrimination and disadvantage.

Equality Outcomes

  • We support our communities to be open minded and compassionate.
  • People have access to inclusive and accessible communication methods and resources.
  • Our school communities are open to difference.
  • Our workforce is open-minded and compassionate.

Progress towards achieving these outcomes will be monitored and reported through the Equalities Outcomes and Mainstreaming reporting framework.

The full Equality Outcomes and Mainstreaming report is available to download here.

Equality Outcomes & Mainstreaming Reports

Workforce Diversity and Inclusion

Past Reports