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The SPCB can confirm that following consultation with MSP staff on training via, a training needs analysis, interviews and engagement forums, a bespoke development programme has been established, specifically for MSP staff. There are a number of training modules open to all MSP staff, covering a variety of development areas and these are all detailed on the intranet pages which all colleagues have access to.  MSP staff can book into and participate in any programme relevant to their role if agreed by their employing MSP. This year the SPCB have listened to what MSP staff colleagues are telling us they need and have therefore made significant investment in training on Mental Health First Aid, Speechwriting, ACAS ‘Training for Managers’ and UK/Scottish Benefits from the £40,000 central budget so far. 

In addition to training offered via the central budget MSP staff can also access additional training that is open to both SPS and MSP staff via our e-learning platform ‘Learning Pool’ and ad hoc online and in person sessions that run throughout the year. 

The SPCB is keen to maximise the central budget to the benefit of all MSP staff and in doing so ensure economies of scale.  Whilst requests for specialist individual training can be made these are considered in the context of the wider MSP staffing group to ensure that equal and fair access to training is offered and that we can offer training that represents value for money and delivers economies of scale. MSPs may also apply to the SPCB direct for reimbursement of the fees or other charges incurred in providing appropriate training for a member of staff.  MSPs wishing to access this provision of the Members’ Expenses Scheme will be assisted to do so by People and Culture staff. 

The SPCB is proud to work with colleagues across all UK and Ireland legislatures to share best practice, innovative ideas, opportunities for shared learning and shared events (e.g., Mental Health Month, Trans and Non-Binary Awareness Week, National Inclusion Week during which seminars and information events are available to all).

The SPCB seeks to ensure that the training opportunities offered to MSP staff in the Scottish Parliament meet both the needs of the individual, their employer and the Parliament as a whole.  It would not be possible to offer the same training as colleagues in the UK Parliament and other UK legislatures as our needs will be different as is the context (training provided to the Scottish Parliament must be considered in the Scottish context within which we operate).  The team that supports MSP staff training regularly conduct reviews of the providers and their content to ensure that quality, effectiveness and value is maintained and where required will seek alternative provision.  The team operates within our procurement guidelines and uses their knowledge and expertise to ensure a quality provider is selected to work with colleagues and maintain our standards in providing relevant, quality training to MSP staff.  

The SPCB can confirm that they are committed to ensuring that all training offered to MSP staff is of the highest quality and that it meets our procurement standards.  As such we will continue to engage with MSP staff to ensure that the training meets their needs and that of their employing MSP.  MSPs and their staff can contact People and Culture colleagues for further support.  Delegates that attend training courses are asked to complete an evaluation form, which is reviewed and acted upon should any issues be raised.

The SPCB will continue to oversee engagement with MSP staff colleagues to review and continually improve our training offering.  We are in the final stages of seeking representation from all groups in order to re-establish the MSP Staff Training Forum, which will provide a mechanism for two-way engagement on training needs and effectiveness.  We will also continue to utilise other feedback mechanisms, including the Caseworker Forum, to ensure that we continue to provide what colleagues need and what represents the greatest return on investment for the Parliament.

Scottish Government research shows that an estimated 340,000 single-use period products are incorrectly disposed of every day in Scotland. Sewage treatment facilities will remove a portion of these, however it is known that some will reach the marine environment. Although there is no differential impact specifically caused by period products, plastic pollution in general has a significant, negative impact on the marine environment, and incorrectly disposed of period products are part of that litter problem. In recognition of that, the Scottish Government has actions within the Marine Litter Strategy to tackle the issue of marine litter caused by sanitary items.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-22410 on 7 November 2023, as outlined in the answer we are aware of a variation in practice surrounding reimbursement policies for electricity costs relating to home dialysis, both around the level of reimbursement, and the underpinning principles. We are working with health boards to understand how best to achieve national consistency so that patients undergoing home dialysis are protected from the impact of high electricity prices, wherever they live.

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 Women’s Health Leads meet together as a Network on a quarterly basis. The Network enables the Leads to identify common challenges and exchange ideas on innovation and best practice, along with discussions on progress to implement the Women’s Health Plan.

Earlier this year, the Network identified access to long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) as a subject that would benefit from a national approach and in response, the LARC Short Life Working Group was established. Chaired by Professor Anna Glasier, Women’s Health Champion, the group is working to identify and take forward actions to address current challenges in access to LARC methods of contraception.

The Women’s Health Champion quarterly blog provides an update on the Network: Health and Social Care Women's Health Champion Archives - Health and Social Care (blogs.gov.scot) .

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-22410 on 7 November 2023. 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 .

Environmental Waste Crime is a priority for the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce (SOCT), which has established an Environmental Waste Crime Working Group to take forward appropriate activity to disrupt the impact of organised crime groups in this sector and reduce the harm they cause to communities. Membership of the Working Group includes SEPA, COPFS, HMRC, NCA, Office of the Traffic Commissioner, Police Scotland and Resource Management Association Scotland.

The SOCT has recently published its Progress Report. The report offers case studies on some of the activity including environmental waste crime, undertaken by the SOCT and partners since March 2020.

Serious Organised Crime Taskforce Progress Report 2023 - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

There were no convictions under regulation 44(1) of the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (where main crime) in 2021-22.

There were five people convicted under section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (where main crime) in Scottish courts in 2021-22.