Chamber and committees

That is helpful. The post is remunerated—for eight days a month, I think—so I would like us to have a good understanding of what the role involves. That is why I asked about measurable progress. You have talked a bit about influence and your role in providing advice to Government about the way in which Government operates, as well as working within the sector to deliver projects. Do you want to say anything further about what the job entails? I will invite Graham Simpson to come in once you have answered that.

What about the impact of inflation in relation to local authorities? Although there is an increase in the funding, the real-terms situation is different. How does the impact of inflation and rising costs affect your sector?

Good morning, and welcome to the first meeting in 2023 of the Economy and Fair Work Committee. Our first item of business is a decision on whether to take items 4 and 5 in private. Are members happy to do so?

Members indicated agreement.

Other members will come on to issues of skills and jobs but, as a Mid Scotland and Fife MSP, I know EDF Renewables well as a company. What are the challenges in placing contracts in Scotland? Obviously, we want to see more contracts based in Scotland and more communities getting the benefit of renewables, at the same time as making the shift from fossil fuels over to renewables, which is important for our climate change targets. We want to see the benefit of jobs and skills as well. Other members will go into more detail, so a brief answer would be helpful, but what do you need in order to invest more into Scotland and local communities?

That is welcome. We want to see more jobs, particularly in the area that I represent, and particularly in the Levenmouth area, which had a high employment rate but lost a lot of jobs through deindustrialisation. Renewables offer potential for that area, which we want to see fully realised.

I remind witnesses and members that we have a number of questions to get through so it would be helpful if they could keep questions and answers as concise as possible.

Thank you, James. Your line was breaking up a little bit, but I think that we got the gist.

I thank all the witnesses for their contributions to our evidence session, which will be really helpful to our work in the new year.

Thank you. That is helpful. The clerks and I will discuss how we develop the future relationship. Thank you very much for the evidence that you have given this morning and for being so generous with your time. We now move into private session.

Thank you. Jon O’Sullivan, would you like to add anything to what has already been said?

Claire Mack, do you share that view? There was the announcement about the hydrogen action plan and the funding for that, and funding through non-domestic rates targeted on the sector. The issue of skills is often raised with the committee. Is that recognised enough as the key component by the Government? We are talking about renewables investment. Is there more focus on the sector and not enough on the pipeline of people and skills?