Minutes: 26 April 2023

1. Declaration of interests:

Bill Kidd MSP, Ben Macpherson MSP and Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP were invited to declare any relevant interests.

Ben Macpherson indicated that he is registered on the roll of Scottish Solicitors. 

Bill Kidd declared that he has no relevant interests.

Pam Duncan-Glancy indicated that she is the Member in Charge of the Disabled Children and Young People (Transitions to adulthood) (Scotland) Bill, which the Committee is currently considering. 

2. Choice of Deputy Convener:

The Committee chose Ben Macpherson MSP as its Deputy Convener.

3. Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Bill:

The Committee heard evidence on the Bill at Stage 1 from—

Jenny Brotchie, Regional Manager, Scotland, Information Commissioner's Office;

Ben Farrugia, Director, Social Work Scotland;

Councillor Tony Buchanan, Councillor East Renfrewshire Council and Children and Young People Spokesperson, COSLA;

Jackie Irvine, Chief Executive, Care Inspectorate;

Stephen Bermingham, Head of Practice and Policy, Children's Hearings Scotland.

4. Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Bill:

The Committee considered the recent visits to Polmont YOI and secure care providers.

5. Evidence Session (In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 3.

6. Declaration of interests (In Private):

Martin Whitfield was invited to declare any relevant interests.

Martin Whitfield declared that he was employed by East Lothian Council as a Primary School Teacher prior to being elected in 2021

7. Disabled Children and Young People (Transitions to Adulthood) (Scotland) Bill (In Private):

The Committee considered evidence it has heard on the Bill. The Committee agreed to consider letters to the Member in Charge of the Bill and the Scottish Government in private at a future meeting.