Chamber and committees

Do you think that a further review is needed? If so, what should it include? I see that John Picton is nodding. We will note that.

Thank you. I think that there will be further questions from my colleagues on that particular point.

To stick with the theme of the review and what is in the bill, I think that John Picton said in his written submission that, in order to bring the bill in line with UK regulation, there would need to be a bit more on that. Does he feel that that came out in the consultation? Given his comment about bringing the bill into line with other parts of the UK, are there areas that should be part of the proposal or part of a broader review?

Thank you. That is much appreciated.

Gavin McEwan, this is my final question on the theme. Your written submission says that the law could go further. Notwithstanding your comment about reorganisation, which we have noted, have any other issues come out through the consultation that should be part of what is now proposed, as opposed to being part of a review in the future?

Thank you. Does Gavin McEwan have anything further to add?

You are a man who knows your audience in that regard. Thank you. That is much appreciated.

What is your understanding of why some of the other regulatory frameworks that charities are required to respond to are not included in the bill?

Does the bill need to be amended to take account of that?

That is helpful. Will you commit to working with those organisations on the communication and implementation?

Martin, is there a reason why a discretionary disqualification approach could not be used in Scotland? The reason that I ask is that, as some of my colleague Emma Roddick’s questions have suggested, some organisations have said that it could be a little punitive to automatically disqualify people. I take the point about public interest, but some people who want to become a trustee for a charity might be doing so because they want to rebuild their life. For example, they might have a conviction but, under the bill, that will mean that they are automatically disqualified. Is there scope for it to be discretionary? How would you address that?

Thank you. I have a supplementary question, but I will come back to that. Sarah Latto, do you wish to add anything?