Seòmar agus comataidhean

Absolutely.

This point is not just pertinent to this particular application, but are you satisfied with the responsibilities that you would take on as convener and as an MSP, with regard to both the requirements of the CPG and the notice periods? You are happy with that, are you?

One thing that is absent from your application is individuals from outside the Parliament who would be involved with the group. Are you confident that Connect can provide access for individuals who want to come along? I presume that the CPG would also welcome direct contact from individuals who might have experiences to share.

That is helpful.

The issue that Bob Doris raised is important. The wide and varied group of people who take an interest in the committee will be aware of our growing concern, which we articulated early on. We are even perhaps protecting MSPs from themselves, because the job is difficult and challenging. Nevertheless, there is an important role for CPGs in giving access to the Parliament and a voice into Government. We will return to the matter once a full year of CPG registrations has passed.

Alexander Stewart talked about asking CPGs where they have got to after a year and about reaching groups that, sometimes, are otherwise hard to reach. It was quite refreshing that Michael Marra committed to winding the group up if nothing had happened. That is the first time that I have heard such a commitment in relation to an application, and it gives a bit of confidence.

Are we happy to accord recognition to the proposed CPG on families supporting children’s learning?

Members indicated agreement.

I can confirm that. Even if that were the intention at this stage, we could still overrule that at a later meeting in order to hold in public an evidence session or, indeed, our consideration.

Are members content to take agenda items 4, 5 and 6 in private?

Members indicated agreement.

We will take the decision in the next agenda item, and the clerks will notify you in due course.

We now move to agenda item 3, which is consideration of whether to accord recognition to the proposed cross-party groups on nature and climate and on families supporting children’s learning. Before I formally put the question, would anyone like to make any comments on the proposed CPG on nature and climate?

I am grateful for that. As there are no other comments specifically on the proposed cross-party group on nature and climate, are we in agreement to accord recognition to it?

Members indicated agreement.

Excellent.

I invite comments on the proposed CPG on families supporting children’s learning.

Good morning. I welcome everyone to the 17th meeting in 2022 of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee.

Agenda item 1 is a decision on whether to take agenda items 4, 5 and 6 in private. Do members agree to take those items in private?

I am grateful for that.

Before we move into private session, I note that this will be the last public committee meeting at which the committee is supported by Joanna Hardy, who has been a valiant stalwart behind the scenes for just over seven years, over three sessions. From my huge experience of chatting to her, I can certainly say that, if anyone wants an expert on the “Code of Conduct for Members of the Scottish Parliament”, they can do no better than to find Jo. I thank her for all her efforts, particularly since I became convener, because I have found her advice enlightening and helpful. Rightly, at times, she has placed the taxing questions to be considered. On behalf of our predecessor committees and the current committee, I thank her very much for her huge amount of work in supporting us. [Applause.]

Good morning, and welcome to the 16th meeting in 2022 of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee—our final meeting before the summer recess.

Collette Stevenson has submitted her apologies, so I welcome Rona Mackay MSP, who is substituting. Rona, you attended an earlier meeting, but would you like to note any interests that might affect the committee?