Meeting of the Parliament [Draft]

Meeting date: Thursday, May 16, 2024

Official Report 1091KB pdf

Scottish Human Rights Commission (Appointment)

The next item of business is consideration of motion S6M-13172, in the name of Karen Adam, on behalf of the selection panel, on appointment of the chair of the Scottish Human Rights Commission. I call Karen Adam to speak to and move the motion.

As a member of the cross-party selection panel that was established by the Presiding Officer under our standing orders, I am delighted to speak to the motion in my name inviting members of Parliament to agree to nominate Professor Angela O’Hagan to His Majesty the King for appointment as the chair of the Scottish Human Rights Commission. The Presiding Officer chaired the selection panel, and the other members were Miles Briggs, Maggie Chapman, Katy Clark and Nicola Sturgeon.

As members will be aware, the Scottish Human Rights Commission is the national human rights institution for Scotland, and its role is to promote human rights and, in particular, to encourage best practice in relation to human rights.

I turn to our nominee, who is in the gallery today. Professor Angela O’Hagan is currently professor of equality and public policy at Glasgow Caledonian University. She is also the depute director of the WiSE—women in Scotland’s economy—research centre for economic justice.

Angela’s career encompasses leadership roles in the community and statutory sectors in Scotland, including as director of Carers Scotland and as head of campaigns and communications with Oxfam Scotland. She has served on a number of advisory and project groups with successive Scottish Governments, including currently as the independent chair of the equality and human rights budget advisory group, and of the national advisory council on women and girls.

Angela has an international profile—in particular, in gender and human rights budgeting and through membership of academic and civil society networks. The panel believes that Angela’s blend of skills, knowledge and experience will make her an excellent chair. Together with the members, she will ensure that the Scottish Human Rights Commission fulfils its statutory duties and that the office is run efficiently and effectively and meets its strategic objectives.

I move,

That the Parliament nominates Professor Angela O’Hagan to His Majesty The King for appointment as the Chair of the Scottish Commission for Human Rights.

The question on the motion will be put at decision time.