1. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the race equality framework. (S5O-04541)

Our race equality action plan 2017-20 outlines the activity that we have undertaken over the course of this Parliamentary session to secure better outcomes for minority ethnic communities in Scotland. Those steps are a vital part of the action that we have taken towards achieving the vision that was set out in the race equality framework.

On 20 March 2020, we published “Race Equality Action Plan: year two progress update”, and a final year report will be published in 2021. That report will include a full update on progress towards achieving our ambitions in the framework. We will, of course, need to pay particular attention to the issues that have been highlighted by the Covid-19 pandemic, and to the recommendations from our expert reference group on Covid-19 and ethnicity.

The programme for government also highlights a range of actions that we are taking to support minority ethnic people and communities. That includes the “no one left behind” policy, a new recruitment toolkit, a housing evidence review and a partnership with the John Smith Institute to develop a leadership development academy.

I thank the Minister for that very comprehensive answer. Can she also outline how the work of the academy will reach out to people from all walks of life, in all parts of our community, so that it reflects the society that we live in—not least given the huge impetus that has been given to such work by recent events?

That is an important question to kick off with. The programme with the John Smith Institute will be open to people from all minority ethnic backgrounds and all walks of life. It will provide opportunities for up to 50 participants to take up living-wage placements. The placements will allow participants to develop the personal and professional skills that they need in order to succeed. We strongly encourage applicants from across all of Scottish society. We will lean heavily on all of our organisations to ensure that young people know that that is available.

The programme will also focus on helping people to break down the barriers to accessing and contributing to public service and public life, and support will be available to take account of different needs, application and placement stage.

Please, everyone—let young people know that that opportunity is coming up, and that they should take advantage of it.