Equality, diversity and inclusion
Creating opportunities for everyone
We continued to embed inclusion and accessibility across our services and venues in 2025/26, empowering Glasgow’s diverse communities to connect and belong.
As one of Scotland’s largest charities, we're committed to ensuring every person in Glasgow, regardless of background or circumstance, can experience the benefits of culture, sport, learning and active living.
Working with communities across the city, our services are designed to respond to local needs, build confidence and skills, and remove barriers to participation. Our five-year Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy to 2028 underpins our ambition.
Throughout 2025/26, we continued to support marginalised groups and communities to improve their health and wellbeing, access culture and creative programmes, participate in sport and physical activity, and benefit from learning opportunities and financial support at every stage of life.
Inclusion is at the heart of what we do, helping to create a city where people can connect, participate and grow, and providing safe, welcoming spaces for all.
During the past year, we also completed our first-ever Equalities Monitoring Survey. Nearly 1,000 Glasgow Life colleagues participated, which has helped to provide a better understanding of the diversity of our workforce and will enable us to take proactive steps to continue enhancing our workplace for everyone.
Access with dignity
We’re creating inclusive spaces that support comfort and independence for every visitor.
Working with Scottish charity PAMIS (Promoting a More Inclusive Society), we were proud to support Changing Places Awareness Day in July 2025.
PAMIS’ annual campaign raises vital awareness of the life-changing difference fully accessible toilets make for people with profound disabilities. As Brett and his daughter Ruth's carer, Mandy, share in our short film, these specially designed spaces make it possible for people with complex needs and their families to enjoy a day out like everyone else.
And as Fiona from PAMIS explains, essential equipment like an adult-sized changing table and a hoist, offers visitors greater comfort, dignity and independence, allowing them to make the most of their time at places like the Riverside Museum.
In addition to Riverside, we’ve also invested in Changing Places toilets at Glasgow Clubs Scotstoun, Tollcross and Bellahouston, Parkhead Library, the Burrell Collection and Kelvin Hall as we continue working to make Glasgow a truly inclusive and welcoming city for everyone.
Bringing Glasgow together
A powerful celebration of faith, community, and inclusion.
Glasgow hosted its first-ever Open Iftar in March 2026, marking a powerful moment of recognition and inclusion that brought communities together during Ramadan and demonstrated the city’s commitment to diversity and shared civic identity.
Delivered in partnership with the Ramadan Tent Project and shaped by Muslim community leaders and interfaith partners, the city’s Lord Provost, Jacqueline McLaren, welcomed more than 250 people to break their fast together at the City Chambers.
Glasgow is home to one of Scotland’s largest Muslim populations, and for tens of thousands of Glaswegians Ramadan is a significant time of faith, reflection and community. The Open Iftar recognised this lived reality and helped ensure the city’s events and civic life reflect the communities who call Glasgow home.
Alongside the civic meal, Glasgow Life delivered community-building and educational activities celebrating Ramadan, including culinary and wellbeing workshops, ESOL classes, and family-friendly arts and crafts sessions in libraries and museums.
The event received positive feedback, with recommendations now being developed to build on its success in future years.