The importance of data

It is clear there has been some modest progress in improving the diversity of political parties in Scotland. However, it is often difficult for parties and the public to quantify the extent of this progress due to the lack of equalities data which is collected. Accurate data about the number of members, candidates, and representatives who identify as an ethnic minority, women, disabled and LGBTI is essential if we are to identify and overcome barriers to involvement in politics.

All parties should ask new members to fill in an equalities monitoring form and each year review the diversity of their membership. Where you identify that a group is underrepresented you should investigate why. This might involve asking members from that underrepresented group about their experiences or approaching people who aren’t members to ask them why they aren’t involved.

Many people don’t understand why an organisation would want their personal information. Helping people to understand why this information is being gathered, how it’s used, and who will see it is key to collecting useful data and giving members confidence in your processes. The information you collect can then be used to address practices which might be a barrier for people. This could include:

• Making changes to how you run your activities
• Taking positive action in your selection processes
• Improving how you address bullying and harassment in the party

For more information about how to make your campaigning, events and meetings more inclusive please see the Events, elections and activities section of the Equal Representation in Politics Tool.

For more information about how to recognise and tackle bullying and harassment in your party please see the Organisational culture section of the Equal Representation in Politics Tool.

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