Race and Equality

The Race Relations Act 1976, as amended by the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, places a general duty on public authorities to promote race equality. As one of the authorities listed in the Statutory Code of Practice RoS is bound by this legislation.

The general duty of the code is to:

  • eliminate unlawful racial discrimination
  • promote equality of opportunity and good relations between persons of different racial groups

One of the duties placed upon RoS by the legislation is to develop and publish a Race Equality Scheme. This demonstrates our underpinning commitment. I consider the promotion of racial equality to be an extremely important part of our service delivery to our customers and in the employment of our staff.

The publication of our initial scheme in November 2002 represented a significant step forward for RoS. Such schemes are subject to formal review every three years; RoS monitors the scheme and will report annually on outcomes. We welcome any comments on the development of this scheme.

As Keeper and Chief Executive I will be doing all in my power to ensure that the Registers of Scotland demonstrates the practice of race equality as a service provider, as a policy maker and as an employer. I am very pleased to endorse the updated Registers of Scotland Race Equality Scheme.

Sheenagh Adams
Keeper of Registers of Scotland and Chief Executive

View the full Race Equality Scheme Document

View the Race Equality Scheme Report (December 2008)