The Official Report is a written record of public meetings of the Parliament and committees.
All Official Reports of meetings in the Debating Chamber of the Scottish Parliament.
All Official Reports of public meetings of committees.
Displaying 948 contributions
Social Justice and Social Security Committee
Meeting date: 9 March 2023
Paul McLennan
It is harder for smaller charities, for example.
Social Justice and Social Security Committee
Meeting date: 9 March 2023
Paul McLennan
Do Alan Eccles and John Maton want to comment on the points relating to OSCR and accountability and transparency? Those issues have obviously been really important in driving forward the work.
Social Justice and Social Security Committee
Meeting date: 9 March 2023
Paul McLennan
Thank you, John. That is very helpful.
Social Justice and Social Security Committee
Meeting date: 9 March 2023
Paul McLennan
Good morning to the panel. I have a couple of questions. First, on the general principles of the bill, do the provisions reflect the proposals that OSCR brought forward in 2018? Does the bill support the regulatory role? We asked OSCR that question. In addition, are the proposed extensions proportionate and appropriate at this time? Gavin McEwan and I had a chat about that during the informal session. Will you comment on that now for the evidence? I will then open things up to anybody else who wants to come in.
Social Justice and Social Security Committee
Meeting date: 9 March 2023
Paul McLennan
Good morning, panel. I have a question for Martin Tyson about OSCR. Do the provisions in the bill accurately reflect the proposals that OSCR put forward in your 2018 paper? Looking beyond that, do the proposals support OSCR’s regulatory role? How effective is that role at present? Are the proposed extensions to OSCR’s powers appropriate and proportionate? After Martin has answered, the question is open to the rest of the panel.
09:15Social Justice and Social Security Committee
Meeting date: 9 March 2023
Paul McLennan
We have had a few evidence sessions, including an informal one, on the bill. Charities have talked about transparency and accountability, and I think that the proposals in that regard have been broadly welcomed. Have you had any feedback from charities on that?
Social Justice and Social Security Committee
Meeting date: 9 March 2023
Paul McLennan
Does John Picton or Nick Holroyd have any comments on OSCR or on the accountability and transparency side of things?
Social Justice and Social Security Committee
Meeting date: 9 March 2023
Paul McLennan
That leads nicely to the next question. Obviously, transparency and accountability in the sector are key. Were there any weaknesses on those in the sector? Does the bill address those weaknesses? I will go to Keith Macpherson first.
Social Justice and Social Security Committee
Meeting date: 9 March 2023
Paul McLennan
Pam Duncan-Glancy has touched on the issue of the rehabilitation of prisoners, which came up during one of our informal sessions. Prisoners obviously have certain experience. That is an example where you could consider the approach that you explained. That example was raised by a couple of charities that deal with rehabilitation—obviously, lived experience is vital in that case.
Social Justice and Social Security Committee
Meeting date: 9 March 2023
Paul McLennan
You might have heard the discussion about whether there is a need for a further review. The need for that seems to be the emerging view. Does Nick Holroyd have anything to add?