Food Standards Scotland Accessibility and Inclusive Communications (AIC) Plan 2024-2026

Welcome to Food Standards Scotland’s (FSS) Accessibility and Inclusive Communications Plan. The FSS Accessibility and Inclusive Communications (AIC) Steering Group is leading on this piece of work. It is made up of colleagues from across FSS who work in different teams and have a range of expertise and varying backgrounds. The group was formerly the British Sign Language (BSL) Steering Group, but the remit has broadened to include the overall improvement of our digital content and communications to ensure that everyone has equal access to FSS information and advice. FSS continues to recognise the importance of BSL in Scotland and remains committed to supporting Scottish Government’s BSL National Plan 2023 - 29.

 The broad aims of the Accessibility and Inclusive Communications Steering Group are to: 

• Improve access to FSS information and advice for everyone across Scotland
• Meet the accessibility requirements for public bodies in Scotland which are primarily governed by the UK-wide Equality Act (2010)
• Ensure compliance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018
• Ensure FSS follows the ‘Principles of Inclusive Communication’, published by the Scottish Government
• Improve the practice and understanding of inclusive communications across the organisation. 

This plan aims to improve the accessibility and inclusivity of FSS guidance and information in relation to healthy eating and food safety. It details the goals and specific actions that FSS aims to carry out and implement by 2026 to ensure there are limited barriers to users in accessing information in accordance with their individual needs and requirements.

Throughout this plan we will use the terms ‘Accessibility’ and ‘Inclusive communication’, which have different meanings. In line with FSS’s Corporate Plan (2024-26), we consider the definitions to be: 

‘Accessibility’ is defined as providing equal access to information, services, and products for individuals with disabilities and/or impairments. It ensures that people with various impairments, such as visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive, can perceive, understand, navigate and interact with information or environments effectively.

‘Inclusive communication’ is defined as the practice of conveying information in a way that is considerate and respectful of the diversity of your audience. It aims to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, experiences, or abilities, feels included and can understand the message.

Food Standards Scotland was established on 1st April 2015 as the new public sector food body for Scotland to protect the health and wellbeing of consumers in relation to issues around food and feed law and standards. 

FSS is part of the Scottish Administration but is independent of the Scottish Ministers and of industry. FSS is accountable to the Scottish Parliament and currently reports to the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee. 

FSS puts consumers’ interests first and aims to be a credible, consistent and trusted voice on food matters in Scotland. FSS’s over-arching mission is to be Scotland’s leading authority on food safety, standards and healthy eating; using data and evidence to provide assurance and advice that inspires consumer confidence and improves public health. 

This information needs to be easily accessed by all to ensure that we protect public health and help all people in Scotland to have diets conducive to good health. 

FSS is mainly funded by government, with a budget this financial year (2024/25) of £22.6m. We also charge fees to recover costs for statutory functions we carry out, such as meat inspection and providing vets in abattoirs. The organisation has around 300 staff and operates a hybrid working model with our head office located in Aberdeen and with field-based staff across Scotland.

We welcome your views and feedback on this plan. If you have any suggestions for improvements and/or comments, please contact us:

Email: accessibility@fss.scot 

Telephone: 01224 285100

Post: FAO Accessibility and Inclusive Communications Group, Food Standards Scotland, Pilgrim House, Old Ford Road, Aberdeen, AB11 5RL