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Will you clarify whether you think that it is correct that there are more seniors—a 48 per cent rise since 2019—but that you would prefer, I presume, that the number of main social workers had risen to the same extent?

It was 30 minutes with a family and four hours for the report.

I am saying very clearly, cabinet secretary—

It looks as though nobody has anything to add. Our final questions will come from Miles Briggs.

The latest figures show that, since 2019, there has been a 48 per cent rise in the number of senior children’s social workers, which compares with a 2 per cent fall in the number of main children’s social workers. Is that the wrong way round? Do we have too many people in senior roles, and not enough at the main level? What is the reason for that disparity in the figures?

Good morning and welcome to the 32nd meeting in 2024 of the Education, Children and Young People Committee.

Our first agenda item is an evidence session on the Promise and staff recruitment and retention. I welcome our first panel of witnesses: Claire Burns, director, CELCIS; Fraser McKinlay, chief executive, The Promise Scotland; Fiona Duncan, independent strategic adviser; and Professor Trish McCulloch, professor of social work and deputy dean, school of humanities, social sciences and law, University of Dundee.

Given that we have a panel of four and a big committee, please feel free not to answer every question if you will simply repeat what you have heard. We have to get through a lot of crucial evidence today. We are very grateful to you all for your time.

I will start by asking about the importance of the workforce to achieving the Promise. What assessment of the workforce do panel members make individually in their respective areas at the moment? What challenges arise from workforce problems in relation to achieving the Promise? Does anyone want to start?

Can you just put your mic down a little bit?

That is perfect, yes.

It has certainly been put to me that, in relation to the cohort who took highers this year, the numbers achieving A to C grades in history fell by 13.1 per cent, but there was no similar fall across all the other subjects that they were studying. That is why there are legitimate questions.

Of course, some anonymous commentary is whistleblowing, which is crucial to ensure that we get things right for students and teachers going forward.

Cabinet secretary, Ms Robertson and your officials, I thank you for your time today. I believe that individual MSPs may want to discuss more issues, but I am grateful that you have come to the committee to discuss the matter with us. Thank you.