Key findings and summary data
The survey covered topics such as committee membership, party roles, travel, engagement opportunities, and perceptions of gender sensitivity and inclusion.
54% of respondents were female, 43% male, and 3% preferred not to disclose. No respondents identified as trans.
Data tables are available for download here (40KB Excel document)
Committee membership
- male and female respondents agreed that committee assignments consider diversity beyond gender, and include identities such as age, race, and background
- there was agreement that individual preferences are taken into account during committee assignments, and that male and female MSPs can participate equally in committee business
- male and female respondents had differing views on the gender neutrality of committee assignments with male respondents being far more likely than female respondents to agree that committee assignments are gender neutral
- female respondents were also more likely to express concerns about committee assignments reinforcing gender stereotypes and the adequacy of rules promoting gender equality
Party roles
- both male and female respondents agreed that party spokesperson roles generally do not reinforce gender stereotypes
- there was consensus that individual preferences are considered when allocating party spokesperson roles, and that the allocation of these roles reflect a balance between continuity of expertise and opportunities for new members to gain experience
- male and female respondents had differing views on the adequacy of party policies to promote gender equality and the flexibility of spokesperson roles in accommodating personal responsibilities
Travelling to the Parliament
Respondents varied in their perception of distance from Parliament and the ease of travel. A significant number found travel to the Parliament easy, although female respondents were more likely to report travel feeling relatively difficult.
Opportunities to engage with others
- a majority of respondents reported attending parliamentary events on the parliamentary estate often or very often. Male respondents were more likely to attend these events very often compared to female respondents
- a majority of respondents reported very rarely attending leisure and recreational activities with parliamentary colleagues. Female respondents were more likely to report very rare participation compared to male respondents
- respondents typically reported that opportunities to socialise with colleagues were rare