Chamber and committees

There is no standard process that could be put in place to provide support with the removal of the judicial factor.

I see that there are no further questions from colleagues.

The panel has been asked a variety of questions, but are there any points that have not been touched on but which the panellists would like to put on the record?

Agenda item 9 is an evidence session on the Judicial Factors (Scotland) Bill. Our first witness is Josie Allan, head of policy and partnerships at Missing People. Welcome, Josie. You need not worry about turning on your microphone during the session as it is controlled by broadcasting. Please do not feel that you need to answer every question; simply indicate if something is not for you to respond to. Finally, after the meeting, please feel free to follow up in writing your response to any question, if you wish.

I will start the questions. Can you tell us a bit more about your organisation and the role that it plays in supporting those affected by people having gone missing?

To help the committee’s understanding, can you say how many people in Scotland are classified as missing each year? Also, in what circumstances do people go missing and what issues are faced by their family members and others left behind?

You have touched on my final question. Is it viable for a family member or a friend to undertake the role of judicial factor?

So the situation is not very common.

You have just highlighted another example of the impossibility of any Parliament, Government or politician legislating for every potential in life.

Thank you. I call Tim Eagle.

Is the committee content with the instruments??

Members indicated agreement.

Under agenda item 3, we are considering one instrument, on which no points have been raised.