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Does either of the other panel members have anything to add to those remarks from Professor Priestley?

I welcome our second panel of witnesses. In the room, we have Professor Graham Donaldson, who is an honorary professor in the school of education at the University of Glasgow; and Barry Black, who is a postgraduate researcher, also at the University of Glasgow. Joining us online, we have Professor Mark Priestley, who is a professor of education and director of the Stirling centre for research into curriculum making at the University of Stirling. Good morning, and thank you all for joining us.

We will move straight to questions from members of the committee. Members, please direct your questions to the witness whom you would like to respond first.

Liam Kerr, do you have a supplementary question?

Professor Priestley, do you have any comments on what is missing?

Good morning, and welcome to the 23rd meeting in 2024 of the Education, Children and Young People Committee. We have apologies from Stephanie Callaghan MSP.

Before we start, Pam Duncan-Glancy would like to make a statement.

Agenda item 2 is our first oral evidence-taking session for stage 1 of the Education (Scotland) Bill. This morning, we will hear from two panels of witnesses.

I welcome our first witness, Professor Kenneth Muir, who is an honorary professor at the University of the West of Scotland. Professor Muir will make a short opening statement before we move to questions from members.

You have up to three minutes, Professor Muir. Over to you.

When we remove that inspection function from Education Scotland, we will have this new-look curriculum support agency—the national education agency. What should the key functions and aspects of governance be for that new-look agency—or, as some are saying, a refocused Education Scotland? Who wants to go first on that one? Barry Black, your mic light is on so I am afraid that I will start with you.

Thank you very much. That was clear.

I have a brief supplementary on that. How would you go about doing that? What would you do to ensure that good appointments are made?

Perhaps that is your pitch to be on the panel, Professor Donaldson [Laughter.]

I come now to questions from Evelyn Tweed.