Chamber and committees

I will direct this question initially to Pauline Walker and Peter Bain, as they have already commented on these issues, but I am happy to hear from others, too.

We have already gone over this somewhat, but one of the key tensions lies in how we support a system in which there is a great deal of freedom to enable young people to realise their potential and develop their abilities while, at the same time, we have a system of accountability, with all the considerations in that respect. After all, Parliament will want to comment on the statistics, the media will want to write about them and commentators will want to talk about them, too. There has been some criticism—for example, in the Morgan review—that too much focus has been placed on attainment results in measuring the success of schools. At the moment, who holds schools accountable for their performance? Who supports improvement? How does the system work currently, and what would you like to be changed so that it works differently and better in future? Pauline, can you respond to that question first?

I am content with that. I thank the witnesses for all their answers.

Until they leave and begin working.

That is a really helpful and important point. Some of the feedback on the review that I have received in my capacity as a constituency MSP has been on ensuring that we meet the needs of industry and the economy in a tight labour market—something that we have discussed in different capacities in the past—that is the result of external factors. What engagement needs to happen with the business community to ensure that, in that overall scenario, we nurture and consider its needs as well as young people’s abilities?

Mr Withers, you said earlier that public sector reform takes time and—please excuse me.

Then parties will need to be responsible as to how they position themselves before 2026.

That is an important point. In urban Scotland in particular, a lot of people fly-tip unwittingly. This might be a good juncture to allow others to come in.

Good morning. We have heard from you about recycling and reuse, but what are your thoughts on the opportunities to redistribute unsold goods rather than dispose of them? What initiatives are there already in Scotland to build on that? Is there anything you would like to cite for our awareness?

You are saying that, as well as being encouraged and mandated through legislation and otherwise, the private sector needs to step up.

Thank you. I see that James Mackenzie is looking to come in.