Mission statement 

The CARES Equality Charter exists to proactively address existing inequalities within the service delivery of the local energy sector and by doing so improve access to local energy support and services for everyone. 

The Charter is not a regulatory instrument, but a shared values-based agreement. 

Guiding principles and approach 

The following guiding principles will underpin our approach and resulting actions towards equality: 

  1.  As a consortium of organisations, we will work inclusively, transparently, and fairly through every aspect of our work and as ambassadors of this Charter. We will proactively tackle inequalities that currently exist within the local energy sector. 
  2. Equality and diversity lie at the heart of our corporate planning process and informs our investment decisions, how we design and deliver value for money services, how we procure services; and how relationships with partners, suppliers, contractors, and our community is sustained.  
  3. We expect our partners, contractors and anyone who works alongside us to aim to achieve this, too. This is because we believe that only by fully embracing equality and diversity will we be able to deliver our overall vision.  
  4. We will ensure that all staff at Local Energy Scotland are informed and empowered to advance equality. Where appropriate we will arrange for training to take place on equalities issues. 
  5. We will adapt our customer service provision to ensure accessible language, information, meeting venues, and to overcome cultural or other barriers. 
  6. We will ensure that all our services and funding streams are accessible to everyone and will proactively encourage and support participation from under-represented groups. 
  7. We will ensure that the CARES programme is designed to be delivered in line with the Principles of this Charter. 
  8. The implementation and delivery of this Charter and its associated action plan will be monitored and reviewed on an annual basis. 
  9. We will require funding recipients to comply with the Principles of this Charter as conditioned within grant offers. CARES funding recipients must not discriminate against any protected characteristics. Recipients will be expected to feedback within their reporting about steps they have taken to address inequalities and promote inclusion and accessibility for everyone.  

Date charter reviewed and updated: May 2026