A Conversation with Tony McCaffery, CEO from Diversity Scotland
Tony McCaffery, CEO of Diversity Scotland, also on our advisory panel, is driven by giving a voice to underrepresented communities and has played a pivotal role in changing the landscape and culture of employers in Scotland. His work has focused on amplifying voices and removing barriers, which is critical in tackling discrimination and prejudices faced by marginalised groups. Tony touched on the term intersectionality a phrase coined by Professor Kimberlé Crenshaw to describe how race, class, gender, and other individual characteristics “intersect” with one another and overlap. For example, the lived experience of sexism for black women differs from white women. Black women are both black and female, and thus subject to discrimination on the basis of both race, gender, and often, a combination of the two. Tony’s emphasis on intersectionality is key in cultivating a deeper understanding amongst organisations of how diversity can be a powerful mechanism in shaping society for the better.
"Diversity means that we are all human beings and equal; we should hold space to celebrate the difference." Tony McCaffery
Diversity Scotland supports employers to retain individuals in employment by building a nuanced understanding of EDI through training and coaching. It is essential to create a sophisticated understanding within industry professionals in representing shared identities, valuing differences, and promoting equality and equity. Tony reflected that the pandemic opened a Pandora’s box, showing us the different levels of disparity faced by the most vulnerable and marginalised. Tony says the lockdown exposed fault lines in our systems and brought to the surface issues that were plastered over for decades. These included high levels of mental health problems, social isolation, loss and grief. As a response, Tony conducted a series of workshops to address loneliness. These sessions offered a safe space for individuals to be themselves without any fear. Celebrating individuality gives a sense of belonging.
Tony further highlights the importance of promoting the anti-racism agenda, highlighting white privilege and moving away from performative to proactive anti-racial activities. He mentions the significance of engaging with leaders who are working at the top level (Executive and CEO), as this will create change at a structural level and help shift attitudes and eliminate ignorance.
One of Tony’s frustrations is how little disabled people were working in leadership roles. He says that Scotland's disability employment gap has been awful; the disability employment rate was 52.7% in 2021, compared to 81.0% for non-disabled people. Despite increasing numbers of disabled people working, it's still too wide a gap. Additionally, Tony indicated a broadening political discourse around trans people and their rights to ensure that more is done to humanise their identities.
"The celebration of ethnic and cultural diversity benefits society at large and is an integral part of climate justice." Tony McCaffery
There is generational hurt and anger among marginalised groups, which needs to be acknowledged and recognised. In addition, with the rising cost of living, communities feel pressured, neglected and left out. This compromises their mental well-being and reinforces feelings of resentment and financial exclusion.
Tony further mentions that with the ease of the restrictions, many companies are reducing flexibility and adding further barriers. While some employers have made fundamental changes to how they work, others are ignoring this and do not want to accept the positives, like offering employees the option to work from home, increased attention to mental health, and flexible working hours to provide more balance and productivity.
Although there are many barriers and challenges ahead, Tony, through his work, remains optimistic and hopeful and can see that progress has been made. This includes increased awareness of LGTBI issues, an increased participation of people of colour in leadership positions and the implementation of EDI policy across all sectors within Scotland. Having diverse, intersectional voices addressing crucial challenges, such as the climate emergency, can only strengthen how we respond.
At Remembering Together, our Covid memorial project provides artists and communities with a platform to represent and amplify diverse voices across Scotland. We are working with many artists who are neurodivergent, disabled, queer and from the LGBTI community.
Our Sharing Space is an online learning event with most speakers representing marginalised groups. The aim is to provide a resource for all, which can encourage broader participation and help bring awareness. By working closely through our advisory group and multiple partners, we hope to play a vital role in shaping a sustainable future in Scotland.