Advancing Diversity in Public Appointments: Our Current Research with the Ethical Standards Commissioner

At Leading Kind, we are proud to be working with the Ethical Standards Commissioner (ESC) to deliver a comprehensive research project aimed at shaping the future of diversity in public appointments across Scotland. This work builds on the foundations laid by the 'Diversity Delivers' strategy, with a focus on understanding progress to date and identifying new opportunities for meaningful change.

Our Approach:
We are employing a multi-method research design to ensure a thorough and evidence-based exploration of the current landscape. Our approach is designed to be iterative, with each phase informing the next, and carried out in close collaboration with the ESC.

Research Phases:

1. Desk Research:
   We are analysing a wide range of existing data sources, including Census data, progress reports related to 'Diversity Delivers,' and public appointment records. This will help us map historical goals against current realities and identify gaps.
2. Engagement with Special Interest Groups:
   Recognising the importance of diverse voices, we are conducting targeted engagements with organisations who represent people who are underrepresented in public life. This phase includes online surveys, regional in-person sessions, and focus groups to capture a broad spectrum of experiences and insights.
3. Public Engagement:
   To ensure we hear from voices beyond traditional networks, we are launching a public survey to reach individuals who may not have previously considered public appointments but possess valuable skills and experiences.
4. Advisor-Led Research:
   We are working closely with Public Appointment Advisors to gather perspectives from panel members, focusing on understanding the value and impact of diversity in public appointments.
5. Validation Workshops:
   These sessions will involve key stakeholders, including Scottish Ministers and civil servants, to test and refine our findings and recommendations.

Deliverables:
Our first output will be a State of the Nation Report, due in Spring 2025, which will provide:

• A comprehensive assessment of diversity in public appointments.
• Identification of enablers and barriers to diversity.

Why This Matters:
Diverse public boards can lead to better governance, consideration of broader perspectives, and more inclusive decision-making.

Get Involved:
We want to understand if perceptions, and awareness, of public appointments have changed, and in the first instance we are interested in the views of people who do not sit on the board of a public body. If that's you, you can complete our survey here.  The survey is open until 9th March 2025.