Seòmar agus comataidhean

What about strengthening the relationship formally?

Is that the TSI?

I know from experience of the TSI in my area that what it does is invaluable.

Lee and Fiona, do you think the same?

I ask Kevin Anderson whether his local authority would support that point about TSIs becoming statutory partners. I certainly think that it would make sense, but what is your view?

It is about trying to flip it round to the communities themselves, not so much at the community planning level but down at the grass roots, if you know what I mean. It is about saying, “Okay. As a community, we know that we need to improve this, and this is what a third sector organisation needs to do, working with community planning above that.” We have talked about local outcomes improvement plans. How do things flow from the community planning, talk-in-the-office level down to the local community? That is the key point for me.

Good morning, Mark and Oliver. We have been engaging with each other over in East Lothian for a number of years, and it is good to see you both here.

I have a couple of questions, the first of which is probably for Mark McAteer first of all. Mark, you have been talking about what I suppose you might call the public sector’s interpretation of community planning. For me, one of the key things is the difference between public bodies and community bodies—that is, development trusts, housing associations and so on—and the latter’s interpretation of community planning. Is there a disparity in that regard, and if so, could things be strengthened at community organisation level? Can you highlight any good examples of models in other parts of Scotland that might be working?

I will also ask Oliver Escobar to respond to the same question, but I will start with Mark McAteer and give him a chance to build on his last answer.

I do not know whether anyone else has anything to add. The phrase “tidying up” was used quite a bit in yesterday’s engagement session.

Are there are weaknesses in the charity sector in relation to transparency and accountability? I ask Mridul Wadhwa to answer first.

Are there any specific issues around transparency and accountability that you want to mention?

Sarah, the same questions go to you. Does OSCR operate effectively? Are the new powers proportionate?

I suppose that communications issues are vital, particularly when it comes to the smaller charities.

Moving on from that, I have a question that is probably for Madelaine Sproule. Obviously, the Church of Scotland is going through church closures and mergers and so on. One of the issues that was raised yesterday was about what mergers, for example, would look like when it came to trustees and whatever.

You have had the experience, possibly, of what the church is going through at the moment. I do not know whether you have any thoughts at this stage on the role of OSCR or on whether its powers are proportionate.