Latest news with #EqualityImpactAssessment
The Herald Scotland
14 hours ago
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Sandie Peggie: NHS Fife tells watchdog it broke law
The watchdog first wrote to bosses at NHS Fife on February 21 to remind them of their "obligations" around single-sex spaces under the Equality Act 2010, including their 'duty to assess and review proposed new or revised policies or practices". That followed the first two weeks of the employment tribunal of Sandie Peggie, a nurse at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy. On Christmas Eve 2023, she experienced a sudden heavy period and was worried she had bled through her scrubs. When she went to the changing room and found Dr Beth Upton, a trans woman doctor, already there, she stated that, in her view, the medic was a man and should not be in the room. Shortly after this, Dr Upton made a formal complaint against Ms Peggie. She was placed on special leave in late December 2023, then suspended from duty in January 2024, pending an investigation into her 'alleged unwanted behaviours towards another member of NHS Fife staff.' Ms Peggie's suspension was lifted in April of that year, but she remained subject to the disciplinary process. She later lodged legal proceedings in the employment tribunal against NHS Fife and Dr Upton, 'alleging multiple breaches of the Equality Act 2010.' In January, The Herald reported that Ms Peggie's legal team had already asked for a copy of any relevant assessments in August 2023 while preparing for the tribunal. When asked 'whether an Equality Impact Assessment or risk assessment was undertaken before the decision' to allow Dr Upton to use the female changing room, the health board simply replied: 'No.' Baroness Kishwer Falkner, chairwoman of the EHRC, said: 'The policies and practices of all Scottish health boards must comply with the Equality Act 2010. 'Earlier this year we asked NHS Fife to provide us with information on the provision of single-sex changing facilities for staff and the rights of different groups in the application of these policies. At that point NHS Fife confirmed that no equality impact assessment was available. 'Undertaking an equality impact assessment of relevant policies or practices, and publishing the results, are requirements of the PSED Specific Duties in Scotland. We believe NHS Fife failed to meet these requirements and told them to carry one out immediately. 'NHS Fife has now confirmed that it has commissioned an equality impact assessment and anticipates it will be published by 30 September. 'Since we first wrote to NHS Fife, the Supreme Court ruled on the definition of 'sex' in the Equality Act. The EHRC has been clear that all duty-bearers should be following the law, as set out in the judgment handed down on 16 April. NHS Fife has assured us that it is following our advice to review the implications of the judgment for its policies and procedures, seeking specialist legal advice where necessary. 'We continue to urge NHS Fife to progress the corrective actions we directed without delay. These steps are essential to protect NHS Fife staff from discrimination and harassment on the basis of protected characteristics, including sex, religion or belief, and gender reassignment. 'We will continue to engage with NHS Fife and monitor its progress and the outcome of the measures it has committed to taking, to ensure compliance with the Equality Act and Public Sector Equality Duty.' In February, the EHRC also wrote to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care on the same issue. On the Scottish Government's role, Baroness Falkner continued: 'As the equality regulator, we will also continue to engage the Scottish Government on ministerial oversight of the provision of staff single-sex facilities across NHS Scotland. 'When we met with the Cabinet Secretaries for Health and Social Care and Social Justice on 10 June, we emphasised that while health boards are responsible for their own compliance with the Equality Act, Scottish ministers have a responsibility to ensure their adherence with the Public Sector Equality Duty.' More to follow...
The National
a day ago
- Politics
- The National
National Library of Scotland debunks claim it 'banned' gender-critical book
The institution came under fire after media claims that The Women Who Wouldn't Wheesht – a collection of essays written by activists including JK Rowling, former MP Joanna Cherry KC, and MSP Ash Regan – had been excluded from a major exhibition. The Times ran a front page headline which read: 'Censorship row as library bans gender-critical book.' The paper further reported that the National Library had 'banned a book about feminists' fight against Nicola Sturgeon's gender self-ID law'. READ MORE: Negative media attention 'making it hard to recruit staff' to gender clinics The claims centred on the 'Dear Library' exhibition, in which 200 books out of 523 nominated by the public were selected for display to mark the library's 100th anniversary. The other 323 books – one of which was The Women Who Wouldn't Wheesht – were placed on shelves in an open reading room, according to the National Library. Refuting that amounted to a ban, a spokesperson for the institution said: "Anyone can visit our reading rooms and access this book as well as the 200 other titles that were not selected for display. A full list of those publications is available as part of the exhibition. 'Libraries are vital places where people can access all kinds of publications for free, and form their own opinions.' Harry Potter author JK Rowling was one of the contributors to the gender-critical book (Image: PA) Freedom of Information papers reportedly showed that The Women Who Wouldn't Wheesht book had received four nominations for the 200-title centenary display, while just two were required to secure inclusion. However, bosses at the library decided not to give the gender-critical book a prominent slot after concerns were raised by the LGBT+ staff network. The network had warned on May 27 that they would have 'no choice' but to notify LGBT+ groups of the library's 'endorsement' if it went on display. The previous week, an Equality Impact Assessment had said that excluding the book risked allegations of censorship – but said that there would be a risk of backlash and protest if it was included. READ MORE: Kate Forbes faces ban from major Scottish arts venue over trans views National Library of Scotland chief executive Amina Shah said the book should not be included in the most public-facing display due to 'the potential impact on key stakeholders and the reputation of the library'. Drummond Bone, the chair of the board, agreed. Susan Dalgety and Lucy Hunter Blackburn, who edited The Women Who Wouldn't Wheesht, wrote to National Library bosses with their concerns. 'You felt unable to stand up to these threats from some of your staff, who also invoked the risk of further disruption from external activists, other parts of the local literary establishment and possibly your funders. In response, you sacrificed our book, and your principles,' the pair said.
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
NLS removes gender-critical book from centenary exhibition
It charts a five-year campaign opposing Nicola Sturgeon's bid to reform Scotland's gender recognition laws to allow so-called self-ID law. READ MORE The collection received four public nominations for the National Library of Scotland's Dear Library exhibition — twice the number usually needed to guarantee inclusion in the 200-title display, which opened in June to mark the library's centenary. The show, billed as a 'love letter to libraries', features the favourite books of Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, Alan Cumming, Pat Nevin and others, alongside public nominations 'that shaped their lives'. However, documents released under Freedom of Information reveal the library's LGBT+ staff network raised concerns at a meeting with managers on May 7, later warning that the book carried 'significant risks' to relationships with authors and stakeholders and could cause 'severe harm' to staff. They claimed it promoted 'hate speech' comparable to racism. The book was banned from the Dear Library exhibition (Image: National Library of Scotland) On May 14, the network was told the book would be included, with 'safeguarding measures' in place. An internal note described it as 'a book that calls for exclusion of a section of society' and asked whether calling it 'divisive' would 'minimise the harm' of including it. The network replied that it was 'disappointed' and alleged 'the group behind it are explicitly exclusionary' — although the book is an edited collection of individual essays. In subsequent emails, the network compared the book's stance to 'racist, homophobic and other discriminatory' viewpoints, warning of a 'detrimental' impact on staff, visitors and marginalised communities. An urgent meeting was held the next day. On May 27, a management paper recorded the network's warning that they would 'have no choice' but to notify LGBT+ partners of the library's 'endorsement' of the book if it was displayed. The library's Equality Impact Assessment, completed on May 21, cited perceived harm, risk of protests, and potential backlash from external partners as reasons to exclude it — but also warned that removal risked accusations of censorship. On May 28, the network suggested changing the public nomination process to avoid similar outcomes in future, and said some staff might refuse to represent the library at events if the book remained. The following day, a staff member described the title as 'essentially promot[ing] hate speech', though another replied they were 'not sure it actually contains hate speech'. National librarian and NLS chief executive Amina Shah then recommended exclusion, 'not due to the content of the book itself or the views expressed, but to the potential impact on key stakeholders and the reputation of the Library'. Board chair Sir Drummond Bone agreed. No equivalent review was carried out for any other book in the exhibition. A total of 523 individual titles were submitted by the public and 200 were selected for display. READ MORE In a letter to Ms Shah, Ms Dalgety and Dr Hunter-Blackburn said: 'The material disclosed makes clear that you, and some of your senior colleagues, allowed activists on your staff to characterise the very existence of the book as harmful, hateful and akin to racism and homophobia. "By conceding to this internal lobbying, not only have you allowed this defamatory misrepresentation to go unchallenged, but you have in effect endorsed it. 'Surely, the role of the National Librarian is to ensure the Library is a place where ideas, debate and discussion take place. "Yet rather than treat this book as a book, you have allowed it to be treated as a dangerous object, not safe for public display in Scotland's national library.' They added: 'It is clear from the papers released that the library has discriminated against this book purely for the position it takes on questions of sex and gender identity, a position now confirmed to be in line with the Equality Act 2010.' The two editors added: 'You felt unable to stand up to these threats from some of your staff, who also invoked the risk of further disruption from external activists, other parts of the local literary establishment and possibly your funders. In response, you sacrificed our book, and your principles. 'This act of cowardice removed from your exhibition the voice of one of the first two women of colour to be elected to the Scottish Parliament since 1999. It has treated the voices of women victims of male violence, already frozen out by the political process, as too shameful to share." Ms Dalgety and Ms Hunter Blackburn called for Ms Shah and chair of the Library, Sir Drummond Bone, to meet them and explain 'why our book was deemed too harmful to the Library to be treated like any other'. Ms Cherry said she was 'appalled' the library had 'bowed to pressure from a small group within their staff to censor a book written by feminists, sex abuse survivors and lesbians, about their experiences during an important period in Scottish recent history'. Bathgate and Linlithgow MP Kirsteen Sullivan tweeted: "Absolutely ridiculous - censoring a book that gives detailed accounts of women who have been unjustly censored! "I've had my copy since day one - if you've still to read it, now's the time to buy!" In July, Ms Shah told a colleague the episode showed 'training on intellectual freedom is required' within the NLS. A spokeswoman for the library said: 'Anyone can visit our reading rooms and access this book as well as the 200 other titles that were not selected for display. A full list of those publications is available as part of the exhibition. Libraries are vital places where people can access all kinds of publications for free, and form their own opinions.'
Edinburgh Reporter
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
Why is this busy bus stop closed in August?
Questions are being asked as to why The City of Edinburgh Council has closed a bus stop outside The Cameo this month for the second year in a row. The cinema is one of several venues to be used by Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF). The stop uniquely serves seven Lothian Bus routes as well as some long-distance services. Local resident Peter Brown uncovered the plan, after the stop was closed for the EIFF last year. He said: 'It is a critical bus stop as it connects Colinton and Morningside with Lauriston Place and Lothian Road. It is the only bus stop that does that. I understand it was closed 'so that VIPs could pull up outside the cinema'.' A council source has said that the application came from EIFF and the stop will be closed from 14 to 21 August inclusive. The request was 'carefully considered and focuses on ensuring the safety of pedestrians, their audiences, and their team. Alternative bus stops are available some 200m away'. The Edinburgh Reporter was also informed that the bulk of the activity will be every day from 9am until midnight and that 'Similar to other buildings used as festival venues, there are unique challenges presented distinct from the normal operations of these buildings, and these require to be addressed so that it can safely accommodate the activities.' Despite contacting event organisers and the council with his concerns, Mr Brown received no explanation until City Centre councillor, Claire Miller, was given information that the closure was for reasons of safety of pedestrians, audiences, and staff. The Edinburgh Reporter understands that to deliver the events at the Cameo, EIFF will have regular load-ins and load-outs of heavy technical equipment, alongside high foot traffic from registration and ticket sales. This combination of equipment movement and audiences gathering before and after films and events creates potential safety risks that they have a duty to actively manage. While the existing loading bay is adequate under normal circumstances it is not sufficient on its own for the extraordinary activity involved. There is no alternative temporary location that would not result in removal of all loading from the vicinity. Absurd argument If it is the case that the existing loading bay cannot cope, Mr Brown said the explanation is 'absurd, as the Cameo has at least three other entrances available'. Edinburgh Living Streets Group said it was 'very concerned', adding 'why is equipment not delivered through the Lochrin Terrace entrance, which would avoid conflict with high footfall on Home Street entirely?' and has asked whether the Council carried out an Equality Impact Assessment. Despite Council and Film Festival claims that the bus stop closure is for safety rather than for ease, local sources say that the closure would help to avoid 'interfering with red carpet visuals'. A spokesperson for Edinburgh Bus Users Group said: 'When bus stops are temporarily closed, a temporary stop is usually put in place. Last September's Council meeting recognised the transport pressures from the Festival and set up discussions with event organisers to encourage the use of sustainable transport. Frankly this hasn't filtered through in this case.' Transport and Environment Convener, Cllr Stephen Jenkinson said: 'I appreciate that the temporary removal of this bus stop will be inconvenient for some residents. However, our overriding priority is rightly safety, both for those visiting and working at the Cameo during the festival season and for people walking nearby or using public transport. 'Alongside our partners, we'll continue to review these arrangements for future editions. We're committed to finding the most effective balance between the needs of residents and of our cultural offering.' Like this: Like Related
The Herald Scotland
09-07-2025
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
NHS Fife release of Sandie Peggie costs raises questions
It is bizarre behaviour. You could almost understand it if there was an attempt at some form of spin doctoring, an Alastair Campbell-like bid to control the story. But there was no control. After months of saying they could not possibly release the costs, they just did. READ MORE So why? Well, last week, it emerged that senior staff at the health board had accused David Hamilton, the Information Commissioner, of being "emotional", "selective" and "not professional" over his decision to rebuke them for withholding the costs. We know this because the board mistakenly sent the comments to the mum of a patient, who then passed them on to the Mail on Sunday. An NHS Fife spokesman later said it "fully respects the role and authority of the Scottish Information Commissioner," but I am not so sure. The paper's report was humiliating for the board. So could this be some petty attempt to try and undermine Hamilton? I know that is a ridiculous thing to suggest of a serious public body, but this is an organisation that has repeatedly failed to act professionally. The Employment Tribunal was supposed to have concluded in February after ten days but was extended, in part because the health board did not hand over documentation it had been ordered to provide by the Employment Judge. And in the paperwork it handed over late, there were suddenly names and people and events that Ms Peggie's legal team had never come across. For example, Dr Kate Searle, who was Dr Upton's supervisor. Her involvement in the row had not been in any of the pre-tribunal disclosure documents. She is now the third respondent in the case. There are also questions over the impact assessment on trans staff using single-sex facilities. Under the Equality Act 2010 and the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) (Scotland) Regulations 2012 (as amended), public bodies have "a duty to assess and review proposed new or revised policies or practices." In February, The Herald reported that Ms Peggie's legal team had already asked for a copy of any relevant assessments in August 2023 while preparing for the tribunal. When asked "whether an Equality Impact Assessment or risk assessment was undertaken before the decision" to allow Dr Upton to use the female changing room, the health board simply replied: "No." There are other issues which will be explored in full next week when the tribunal resumes. But ultimately this is a tribunal that should not be happening. This is a situation that should have been avoided, could have been avoided. But that would have required some professionalism from the higher-ups at NHS Fife. Back in February, Health Secretary Neil Gray said he had full confidence in the management of NHS Fife. I wonder if he still does.
