Chamber and committees

I have quite a few questions on disqualifications. It was suggested at our previous session that there could be scope for a different regime in Scotland that would allow people who would normally be disqualified to act as trustees, with certain conditions attached. Does the cabinet secretary have any thoughts on that?

Thank you. I agree, and I think that that is clear.

Does the cabinet secretary have any concerns about the possibility of mistaken identity in relation to the searchable record of disqualified trustees?

Good morning, cabinet secretary. We took evidence from Bòrd na Gàidhlig a few weeks ago, and it was keen to know whether a charity’s Gaelic name could be included on the register alongside its English name. Would you be open to considering that?

We have heard quite a few concerns about lack of diversity being an issue because of the criteria. Does the cabinet secretary share those concerns to any extent, and does she think that the bill provides enough scope to get around that issue?

I would like to put to Nick Holroyd an issue that we discussed earlier with Martin Tyson. Is it appropriate for OSCR to maintain a publicly searchable record of trustees who have been disqualified? Does that present any issues around the handling of sensitive personal data?

My first question is for Keith Macpherson. Most of the discussion around whether it is important or sensible to have the same disqualification criteria across the UK is focused on the comparison with England and Wales, but I was interested in the fact that you mentioned Northern Ireland in your submission. Why do you think that it is important to have consistent disqualification criteria in different jurisdictions? Are there particular interactions with Northern Ireland that the committee should consider?

You have pre-empted my next question, because I was going to pick up on the question of a declaration. Will you expand on why, in your view, it would be helpful to have such a declaration in addition to the register? Would that force charities to declare that someone had never been disqualified, even if they did not currently appear on the register?

Do you agree with the proposal to extend the disqualification criteria to senior management positions, and do you anticipate that having any implications for recruitment?

I will move on to Alan Eccles. I have read your submission, but what are your thoughts on the comments that have been made by previous witnesses that measures for disqualification are too punitive and restrictive on those wishing to act as trustees?

Are there any concerns that the disqualification criteria might disproportionately impact certain demographics and not others? I am thinking, in particular, of charities that work among particular demographics, which might be looking for people with lived experience.