The FDA approach: fairness for all

FDA President David Watts comments on the union's approach to equality and diversity following the recommendations of a TUC-led review, which were considered by the Executive Committee during a two-day meeting in October.

In early summer the FDA invited the TUC to advise the union on improving its race and equality procedures, policies and practices, partly to address some concerns raised by an individual member. The Annual Delegate Conference also called upon the Executive Committee to review FDA diversity policy and strategy. Wilf Sullivan from the TUC carried out this review and produced a report with 25 recommendations. The Executive Committee (EC) has spent two days considering in detail the FDA's approach to equality and diversity throughout the union including these recommendations, assisted by an external facilitator.

In broad terms, the review found that the FDA has a good story to tell, but like all such stories, there are areas where we might do things better or with a clearer focus. One of the recommendations that the EC felt was important, was to appoint an equalities champion from within the EC itself. That champion is Sarah Guerra.

Equalities and diversity is for everyone. We are all different. We welcome and accept such differences. They make life more interesting. But where they can create disadvantage we must address that disadvantage to ensure fairness for all. Some disadvantage is evident, for example in the levels of women or minority ethnic staff in the SCS. But there are many occasions when it is less easily measured. We will all know of occasions when one person (whatever their background) may have had easier access to a promotion or temporary promotion opportunity, which was not available to others. The FDA approach is to seek fairness for all.

Unsurprisingly, the EC's reflections on equalities also highlighted areas for improvement through improved openness and transparency, which should assist all members. This will include building on the opportunities offered by the new FDA website. We also recognise that the nature of the union means that one size does not fit all. What works for procurator fiscals (prosecutors in Scotland) may be very different to what statisticians need. We plan to build on the outcome of the review - not only through the central parts of the FDA, but also through branches and sections.

However, what is very clear is that resources will not allow us to do everything at once. We need to be very clear about our priorities.