Introduction

The Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) contract is delivered by Local Energy Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government. Our equalities charter sets out guiding principles that we follow in our delivery of CARES, and which successful CARES applicants are also expected to uphold. Some examples of how applicants can uphold the principles are provided towards the end of this page.

CARES supports communities across Scotland to engage with, participate in and benefit from the energy transition to net zero emissions. We are committed to ensuring that all of our services are accessible to everyone, with a particular focus on including those from underrepresented and/or marginalised groups. Our Charter reflects this commitment and our priority in addressing inequality and provides a framework for Local Energy Scotland and others in how this can be achieved. When delivering the contract, developing actions and analysing data, we will consider the complexities and sensitivities involved in working with people and communities – all of which are unique.

Our Charter has been developed in partnership with CEMVO Scotland following focus group consultation with people from minority ethnic groups to better understand their awareness and barriers to accessing our services. We have also incorporated learnings from a Close the Gap report exploring gender equality in renewable energy.

Through our Charter we will take active steps to champion a local energy sector that is accessible and inclusive and reflects the Just Transition Principles.

This Charter is implemented through an annual action plan that sets annual objectives. Implementation and monitoring of the action plans inform the regular review of this Charter.

If you have questions about the Charter or would like to provide feedback on this Charter please contact info@localenergy.scot or 0808 808 2288.

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.

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 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. We will ensure that all staff at Local Energy Scotland are informed and empowered to advance equality.
  3. We will adapt our customer service provision to ensure accessible language, information, meeting venues, and to overcome cultural or other barriers.
  4. 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.
  5. We will ensure that the CARES programme is designed to be delivered in line with the Principles of this Charter.
  6. The implementation and delivery of this Charter and its associated action plan will be monitored and reviewed on an annual basis.
  7. We will encourage and support funding recipients to comply with the Principles of this Charter as conditioned within grant offers. 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: October 2021

 

Guidance for applicants:

Guidance for applicants on complying with the principles of this charter as noted in point 7 above.

Here are a few of the ways in which you can demonstrate that you meet the principles of the CARES equalities charter:

  • General
    • Your organisation is transparent, inclusive and fair in its practices and has up-to-date policies and procedures to demonstrate this.
    • You involve a wide cross section of your community in your activities and the running of your organisation.
    • Your board/committee takes proactive steps to reflect the diversity of the community you work in. For example, recruitment of new committee members is advertised widely and people without committee experience are encouraged and supported to join.
    • You share good practice that you are already undertaking in this area, or plan to undertake, with Local Energy Scotland.

 

  • Community buildings
    • The community building that you run is open to all and no-one is excluded. You might have an equalities statement or information on your website that supports this.
    • Where possible, your building is physically accessible to all.

 

  • Shared ownership/ community benefits/ revenue generation projects
    • At the point of having funds to distribute you will have:
      • a community action plan that represents, and encourages participation from, all members of your community.
      • a fund strategy that enables the funds generated to be used in a fair and inclusive way.
    • If you feel you aren’t reaching a diverse audience there is help available to help you to reach a more diverse board. For example, you can have a look at the resources available through Third Sector Human Rights and Equalities (THRI) such as their governance resource and the case studies within the ‘Beyond Protected Characteristics’ collection, the Scottish Youth Parliament case study is particularly relevant.