Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA)

  1. Introduction

This Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) considers the potential impact of the ReportHate.scot website and digital reporting platform on people with protected characteristics, as defined by the Equality Act 2010.

ReportHate.scot is a Scotland-wide digital platform designed to enable individuals to record hate-related incidents safely, including anonymously, and to improve understanding of hate that may not meet the legal threshold of a hate crime. The platform aims to inform education, policy, policing, and support services, while also signposting individuals to relevant support.

This EQIA has been carried out to ensure the platform is inclusive, accessible, non-discriminatory, and supportive of equality and human rights.

  1. Aims and Objectives of ReportHate.scot

The key objectives of ReportHate.scot are to:

  • Make reporting hate-related incidents more accessible and safer for individuals across Scotland
  • Capture anonymised data on hate-related experiences that are currently under-reported
  • Improve understanding of the nature, scale, and impact of hate across communities
  • Support preventative approaches through education, awareness, and insight
  • Signpost individuals to relevant support services
  • Complement, not replace, existing reporting mechanisms such as Police Scotland
  1. Scope of the EQIA

This EQIA assesses:

  • The public-facing website (www.reporthate.scot)
  • The online “Report an Incident” form
  • Data collection and anonymisation processes
  • Signposting to support services
  • Communications and user engagement

It applies to all users of the platform across Scotland.

  1. Protected Characteristics Considered

In line with the Equality Act 2010, the following protected characteristics have been considered:

  • Age
  • Disability
  • Gender reassignment
  • Marriage and civil partnership
  • Pregnancy and maternity
  • Race (including ethnicity and nationality)
  • Religion or belief
  • Sex
  • Sexual orientation

In addition, ReportHate.scot recognises other forms of hate-related harm that may not always be captured within legal definitions, such as misogyny and hate directed at specific communities.

  1. Evidence and Context

Evidence informing this EQIA includes:

  • Publicly available data on hate crime and under-reporting in Scotland
  • Engagement and discussions with community organisations, faith groups, and stakeholders
  • Lived experience insights highlighting barriers to reporting, including fear, lack of trust, and accessibility issues
  • Recognition that many hate-related incidents do not meet criminal thresholds but still cause significant harm
  1. Assessment of Impact by Protected Characteristic

Age

Potential Impact:
Younger and older individuals may face barriers to reporting due to digital confidence or awareness.

Mitigation:

  • Clear, simple language throughout the website
  • Mobile-friendly design
  • Signposting to support organisations that work with young people and older adults

Impact Assessment: Positive / Neutral

Disability

Potential Impact:
Individuals with physical, sensory, cognitive, or mental health disabilities may experience barriers if accessibility is not addressed.

Mitigation:

  • Commitment to WCAG accessibility standards
  • Clear layout and form structure
  • Option to submit reports at the user’s own pace
  • No requirement to engage with law enforcement

Impact Assessment: Positive

Gender Reassignment

Potential Impact:
Transgender individuals may be reluctant to report due to fear of discrimination or being misgendered.

Mitigation:

  • Inclusive language throughout the platform
  • Ability to report anonymously
  • Specific recognition of transphobic hate
  • No requirement to disclose personal details publicly

Impact Assessment: Positive

Race, Ethnicity, and Nationality

Potential Impact:
Racialised communities may lack trust in traditional reporting mechanisms.

Mitigation:

  • Clear distinction between reporting hate-related incidents and reporting crimes
  • Anonymised reporting option
  • Inclusive messaging that the platform is for all communities
  • Engagement with faith and community organisations

Impact Assessment: Positive

Religion or Belief

Potential Impact:
Faith communities may face targeted hate but feel unsupported by existing routes.

Mitigation:

  • Explicit inclusion of religion or belief as a reporting category
  • Plans for outreach to places of worship across faiths
  • Signposting to relevant support services

Impact Assessment: Positive

Sex and Sexual Orientation

Potential Impact:
Women and LGBTQ+ individuals may experience hate that is normalised or minimised.

Mitigation:

  • Recognition of gender-based hate and homophobia
  • Safe reporting without requirement to pursue prosecution
  • Support-focused approach

Impact Assessment: Positive

  1. Data Protection and Privacy

ReportHate.scot has been designed with privacy at its core:

  • Reports can be submitted anonymously
  • Personal data is minimised and protected
  • Anonymised data may be shared only with appropriate organisations
  • GDPR principles are followed
  • A Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) has been completed
  • Analytics tools used are GDPR compliant

This approach supports equality by reducing fear and barriers to reporting.

  1. Consultation and Engagement

While the platform has been developed independently, its design has been informed by:

  • Engagement with community and faith-based organisations
  • Discussions with public sector stakeholders
  • Ongoing plans for user feedback and continuous improvement

Future iterations of the EQIA will incorporate direct user feedback.

  1. Monitoring and Review

Equality impacts will be monitored through:

  • User feedback
  • Reporting trends and patterns
  • Accessibility testing
  • Regular policy and content review

This EQIA will be reviewed annually or following significant platform changes.

  1. Conclusion

This Equality Impact Assessment finds that ReportHate.scot is likely to have a positive impact on equality across protected characteristics by:

  • Reducing barriers to reporting
  • Recognising experiences that fall outside formal legal thresholds
  • Providing inclusive, accessible, and trauma-informed digital reporting
  • Supporting better understanding, prevention, and support

No negative or disproportionate impacts have been identified at this stage. Where risks exist, appropriate mitigation measures are in place.

EQIA completed by:
ReportHate.scot
Date: 20/01/2026
Next review due: 20/01/2027

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