Gender Commission
The Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board’s Gender Commission was set up in response to findings by the (SAAB) Group Board.
About the Gender Commission
The Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board’s Gender Commission report describes the current state of gender diversity in Scottish apprenticeships and the broader labour market. It presents a series of twelve practical recommendations which employers, government and educators can follow to deliver tangible benefits for business, for individuals and for society, both in the immediate future and the longer term.
The report follows the work of the Gender Commission - made up of representatives from key business sectors, trade bodies, public sector employers, educators and academics. The Commission spent two and a half years gathering data, consulting experts, canvassing opinion and developing a recommended strategy.
Case studies
Read the case studies that have also helped to support the Gender Commission's Report and findings.
How we worked
The Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board’s Gender Commission was set up in response to findings by the (SAAB) Group Board.
It looked at current trends within apprenticeships and identified a need to provide visible, industry leadership by setting up a commission to address a lack of gender diversity. The work compliments existing activity on workplace gender equality, although it will be the first of its kind to do so specifically through the lens of apprenticeships in Scotland.
The Commission ran a series of thematic calls around a range of topics, including quality assurance, gender-inclusive education, media influence and the inclusive workplace. Members split into working groups to focus on four key themes, which were:
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the role of business
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key influencers
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employers and value
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young people and intersectionality
Objectives
The objectives of the Commission are to develop recommendations and proposals that:
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offer business-ready, practical solutions to what employers can do now, and in the future, to address any real or perceived barriers to improving gender diversity in their workforce
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develop business’ knowledge of what works to improve the balance of their workforce through apprenticeships
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identify how business can more easily engage with, and benefit from, the range of support services on offer in a way that suits their own needs and company circumstances
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inform Scottish Government, and its agencies, on how it can better assist businesses of all sizes through policy and practice view the the Gender Commission's Terms of Reference
Membership
Membership of the commission is made up of selected key influencers, employers and equalities experts and representatives from education, complemented by expert advice drawn in from key policy areas, where appropriate. It will be led by Natalie Buxton, Managing Director, UK Network, at global communications agency, Weber Shandwick, who is also a member of the Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board’s Group Board and Equalities group.
Find out more about the members of the Gender Commission.
Gender Commission Report
Read the full Gender Commission Report
Opens in a new window Read the reportGender Commission Recommendations
View the 12 recommendations in the Gender Commission Report
Recommendations