Our Equalities Officer is George McColl
If you have any questions for George please contact us at [email protected]
January 2025
Fife Violence Against Women Partnership (FVAWP)
The above Partnership are having a Commercial Sexual Exploitation Conference on 30th January 2025 in Kirkcaldy.
I will be attending along with Jackie Bence and hopefully Jenna Frew and will report back to the next Executive.
Fife results from the Scotland’s Census 2022
The results were published recently. Some of the key findings were that:-
The population of Fife is estimated at 371,781 as of 20th March 2022, (Census Day), an increase of 1.8 % since 2011.
Fife age structure continues to change, with fewer children and working age people now than in 2011, and a significant increase in its older population (+15,939). Since 2011, the number of older people have overtaken the number of children in 2022.
Sexual Orientation
This was a voluntary question for people aged 16 or over, around 8% of people did not answer the sexual orientation question in Fife, however this was the same for the whole of Scotland
88% of people (aged 16 and over) identified as straight or heterosexual. There were 11,919 LGBT+ people (4%) aged 16 or over, similar to Scotland as a whole, with more LGBT+ people in younger age groups than in older groups.
Living Arrangements
One significant change to household sizes is the increase in single person households, which is as common as two person households. For people aged 55 and over, (63.7%) of this age group say they live alone. Around 17,045 households containing lone parent families in Fife. This is around 1 in 10 households, which is similar to the national average
Disability and Health
In 2022, 289,322 (77.8%) said their health was good or very good, however this is a decrease of 9,569 from 2011.
The number of people with health problems that limit their day-to-day activities increase across all age groups from 2011 to 2022.
In 2022, 95,552 Fife people reported they have a health problem or disability that limits their day to day activities. This equates to 1 in 4 people.
The most common reported health conditions were long term illness, disease or condition. This is defined as a condition that you may have for life, that may be managed with treatment or medication, however it is not Arthritis, Cancer, Diabetes or Epilepsy.
Mental Health was reported as the second most common reported health condition, This was 4.1% in 2011, this has now risen to 11.9% in 2022. There has been a huge increase amongst young people.
Ethnic groups
The majority of people in Fife identify their ethnic group or background as white (96%) , although this has fallen from 97.6% in 2011. The percentage of people in Fife with an ethnic minority background has increase from 2.3% in 2011 to 3.9% in 2022. This is lower than the Scottish average of 12.9 %
Conclusion
Demand for public services: with fewer children and fewer people of working age, an older population that will continue to increase calling on a bigger demand on Public Services
Housing need with the continuing trend towards smaller household size, causing a shortage in housing. This will add to the housing crisis already existing in Fife and
Scotland as a whole.
Cost of living and local economy with more people living alone and increase economic inactivity among people of working age.
Health and wellbeing with one in four people having health problems or disability that limits their day to day activities, an increase in people reporting a long-term health condition or illness (particularly in mental health) and an increase in unpaid care for working age people. This will have a major impact on NHS and H & SCP.
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Tuesday 12 November 2024
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Policy has been put before Fife Council Senior Equalities Group and Joint Trade Unions.
The policy sets out Fife Council commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion as an organisation, whilst highlighting Fife Councils zero tolerance to discrimination, harassment, bullying and victimisation.
The guiding principals are that everyone that works with Fife Council should be treated fairly, with respect and should feel free to be themselves. Fife Council expects all their employees to work together to create an inclusive working environment. Fife Council believes that everyone should be treated equally. There are laws in place to protect people from discrimination, based on the following characteristics:
· Age
· Disability
· Gender Reassignment
· Marriage or Civil Partnership
· Pregnancy and Maternity
· Race
· Religion and Belief
· Sex
· Sexual Orientation
This policy will be kept under review, to ensure that it reflects best practice.
New Duty to prevent sexual harassment.
Fife Council have a duty to prevent sexual harassment from taking place. Starting from 26th October this new duty will reinforce the current and ongoing commitment towards preventing sexual harassment. There is a commitment to taking reports of sexual harassment seriously if it happens.
In order to raise awareness about sexual harassment prevention, Fife Council will produce new leaflets which will be widely distributed, developing a new process of raising and reporting incidents, toolbox talks, manager specific training , sexual harassment training to be included as part of employee induction, a new monitoring and review process in a bis to minimize them, and a possible workplace Champion network to set the tone for expectations and behaviours across the workforce.
Dates for Diary.
11th November Remembrance Day.
14th November Diabetes Day (A day to highlight the physical and mental challenges associated with Diabetes.)
19th November International Men’s Day (To highlight the day to day struggles of men, including abuse, homelessness, violence and suicide)
20th November Transgender Day of Remembrance (This is a day to remember of those who have died because of transgender bigotry and Violence)
1st December World Aids Day
2nd December International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
3rd December International Day for People with Disabilities (To promote the rights and well being of people with Disabilities in every walk of life)
10th December Human Rights Day.
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Suicide Prevention month, September.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month – a time to remember the lives lost to suicide, acknowledge the millions more who have experienced suicidal thoughts, and the many individuals, families and communities that have been impacted by suicide. It’s also a time to raise awareness about suicide prevention.
The 10th of September is World Suicide prevention day. It is everybody’s responsibility to look out for a colleague or member of your family who you think is struggling to cope with life challenges.
Just start the conversation.
Senior Equalities Group
A Translation App is being trialed. It is machine readable software which translates a document from English to a Community language and vice versa. The advantage of the app over human translation is the reduced cost and quick turnaround with translations available within minutes. The disadvantages are that the translation will be as per document to be translated. It will be the staff’s responsibility to ensure the source document is in plain language to begin with to reduce any errors or translation difficulties.
Edinburgh Council is currently using the Translation App, and this will be monitored by Fife Council. A test document will be provided and Fife Council to seek public opinion.
What a wonderful day! 
Until next year folks…..
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