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Agenda item 2 is an evidence-taking session on pre-budget scrutiny. In this session, we will focus on the financial sustainability of the university and colleges sector.

In the room today, we have Shona Struthers, chief executive, Colleges Scotland; Gareth Williams, head of policy, Prosper; and Professor Iain Gillespie, convener, Universities Scotland. We are hoping to get Professor John McKendrick, commissioner for fair access, online very shortly, but we are having a number of technical issues. Nonetheless, we shall proceed and move directly to members’ questions.

I am sure that the member will do so when we get to the second panel.

We will go to Ross Greer. Thank you for your patience, Ross.

Finally, Pam Duncan-Glancy has a supplementary question.

At the moment, not really. Perhaps you can pick it up later when you ask your other questions.

We now circle back to Bill Kidd.

I thank the panellists for their time this afternoon. The public part of today’s meeting is at an end and we will consider our final agenda item in private.

Ben Macpherson has indicated that he would like to ask a question.

I would like to hear your thoughts on the role of industry and how you feel some of the non-financial support might be provided. Would a five-year plan tick the boxes? What do you expect from the college sector?

We will perhaps move to Shona Struthers on that point, just to keep the pace going, if that is all right, professor.

What is the risk to those small businesses if they are unable to upskill their workforce? What pressure does that put on them?

Professor McKendrick, do you have any comments? You can shake your head if the answer is no—that is fine. I just wanted to keep you involved, as you are online.

I call Bill Kidd.