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The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is the body responsible for issuing guidance to and ensuring compliance by public bodies in this matter as it is the statutory regulator and enforcer of the Equality Act 2010. The Scottish Government has consistently supported the view that public bodies must comply with the law, and has actively encouraged them to take any necessary steps to do so since the Supreme Court’s judgment.

We wrote to the UK Government on 4 September, requesting sight of the revised Code of Practice sent to them by the EHRC, which we have not yet seen. We will continue to engage with the UK Government to seek urgent clarity on the timeline for the Code’s approval and laying before the UK Parliament. While we acknowledge the time that was needed by the EHRC, to analyse the public consultation responses and revise the Code before they sent it to the UK Government for approval, it is essential that clear, authoritative guidance is now provided to all those operating in this complex legal area.

We want a strong manufacturing sector to help drive Scotland's economic growth and resilience. Our significant investment of £75m in the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) lies at the heart of our ambitions. At the same time, we are developing a Skills Action Plan for Manufacturing to help ensure a steady flow of talent into the sector. This package includes the £2m already committed to Glasgow City Region to support the development of engineering skills programmes in the area and through delivery of the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS) we are helping businesses drive sustainable change by investing in productivity, performance, and people.

During Techscaler’s initial pilot cohort to Silicon Valley, two Chief Marketing Officers attended in place of their respective founders, who were unavailable. These individuals were nominated by the founders, and CodeBase confirmed that it was entirely appropriate for senior sales and marketing specialists to participate.

Given the small size and structure of most start-ups, Chief Marketing or Sales Officers are typically among the most senior employees and play a direct role in securing customers, generating revenue and raising investment. Their participation was therefore consistent with the objectives of the programme, ensuring that companies were effectively represented and able to maximise the commercial value of the visit.

Ministers were fully briefed on the purpose and objectives of the pilot programme. As Techscaler has matured, the eligibility criteria have continued to be refined. While founders or co-founders are preferred, substitutes may be approved where they are best placed to engage with the target market and achieve the intended outcomes.

Far from damaging Scotland’s reputation, the Techscaler programme has enhanced it. Through its international activity, Scottish start-ups have secured multiple export contracts, with six participants raising £5.4 million in investment and several others now in active discussions with global investors.

By showcasing Scotland’s entrepreneurial talent on the world stage, Techscaler has helped put our nation firmly on the international start-up map. It has hosted inward visits from twelve countries – including the United States, Singapore and China – all keen to learn from the model and explore opportunities to invest in Scotland.

As Sandeep Casi, a Tokyo-based partner at Antler, a global venture capital fund, observed: “The quality of the founders that travelled to Japan is proof that Scotland is set for success. Japan can be a key territory to drive this.”

International programmes are advertised to Techscaler members.

Under the terms of the contract, we have also instructed CodeBase to publish promotional material for future activities to enhance transparency and public awareness.

In addition, CodeBase will undertake a retrospective communications campaign to share details of all international pop-up activities and the lessons learned from them, demonstrating how participant feedback has been used to refine and strengthen programme delivery.

In the early stages of the programme, a small number of companies were identified directly by CodeBase, drawing on its position as a national start-up incubator with a deep understanding of Scotland’s start-up economy. This approach ensured that the most promising and investment-ready firms were able to represent Scotland and maximise the impact of participation. In doing so, CodeBase considered factors such as company revenue, investment raised, plans for expansion into US or APAC markets and the importance of diversity and regional representation.

As the programme has matured, this has developed into a formal, open and competitive system, with future cohorts chosen through that process and supported by structured pre-departure preparation.

The Scottish Government continues to work closely with CodeBase to drive continuous improvement, drawing on participant feedback and lessons learned from each cohort.

There is no evidence of any misuse of public funds. On the contrary, a number of business leaders who took part in the programme have publicly refuted these claims.

As has been made clear, the costs of flights, accommodation and workspace were covered in line with international best practice for programmes of this nature.

We continue to work closely with CodeBase to review expenditure and ensure all spending is appropriate and aligned with the objectives of the Techscaler contract. Robust governance and assurance processes are in place to oversee the contract and associated payments. On the basis of these processes, and feedback from participants and senior figures internationally, we are confident that public funds have been used properly and in ways that deliver clear benefit to Scotland’s economy.

The eligibility criteria for Techscaler’s international programmes continue to evolve as the initiative matures. A formal, open, and competitive application process is now in place, with cohorts for upcoming trips selected accordingly and engaged in pre-departure activities.

The Scottish Government works closely with CodeBase to ensure continuous improvement across all aspects of the programme, informed by user feedback.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-40057 on 16 September 2025. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers.

The Scottish Government welcome’s Police Scotland’s commitment to providing a safe environment for officers, staff and the public.

Management of the Police Scotland estate, including assessments of the condition of its buildings, is an operational matter for the Chief Constable under the oversight of the Scottish Police Authority.