Chamber and committees

Applicants can apply for funding support from the Transition Training Fund in any sector. Funding is not dependent on a secured job outcome, however applicants seeking support will be required to demonstrate:

• they are actively seeking alternative employment and have identified valid vacancies in a relevant sector (typically 4 or more vacancies will demonstrate demand for skills sufficiency) ; and
• they have identified specific retraining, up-skilling or certification requirements that will advance the pursuit of the identified opportunities.

As of 9 February we have received 724 applications supporting training in Renewables, and of these, 300 have been approved.

In addition, the Transition Training Fund has contracted with training providers delivering transition programmes aligned to industry identified opportunities within the Renewables sector, including Wind Turbine Installation, Blade Maintenance and Repair and Wind Logistics. As of 9 February, 69 individuals have undertaken the programme . While no targets have been set in this respect, I have taken the opportunity to highlight the availability of TTF funding to employers in the offshore wild (floating and fixed) tidal and wave Energy sectors.

It is worth stating, in respect of evaluation, that all applicants receive a follow up telephone call six months post-approval to evaluate the experiences of participants who undertook training to support to transition into a new career. This feedback will be used to help Skills Development Scotland and the Scottish Government shape how this funding supports others who are facing redundancy from the Oil and Gas sector.

The Transition Training Fund individual route, which enables applicants to apply directly for funding of up to £4,000 aligned to evidenced job opportunities has received:

• As of the 9 February, 724 applications supporting training in Renewables, of which 300 have been approved;
• As of the 9 February, 15 applications supporting training in Decommissioning, and of these 5 have been approved.

In addition, the Transition Training Fund has contracted with training providers delivering transition programmes aligned to industry identified opportunities within the Renewables sector, including Wind turbine installation, blade maintenance and repair and wind logistics. As of the 9 February, 69 individuals have undertaken the programme .

Skills Development Scotland calculates the average time for processing an application to the Transition Training Fund (TTF) from the date the application is submitted, through to the date the funding is approved. Currently the average timeline for processing applications is 48 calendar days, this is influenced by the applicant response times – in ensuring the faster the information required is provided by the applicant, the quicker the response will be from Skills Development Scotland. Applications are administered as follows:

• New applications to TTF are, I understand, acknowledged within 5 working days of receipt advising the applicant what they need to do next. This will include details of supporting documents that must be submitted, via email, before the application is progressed. Supporting documents include current CV, proof of residency, proof of redundancy from employer or for contractors, evidence the contract is ending due to the downturn. Applicants can access the TTF Helpline should they require any assistance throughout the application process. Applicants who fail to return evidence requested are followed up after 30 working days.
• On receipt of receiving all supporting documentation the application is allocated to a TTF Adviser, who is trusted with ensuring that they contact the applicant within 10 working days to discuss and assess the application for funding. In practice, as you would expect, Skills Development Scotland will always endeavour to respond as quickly as possible after receiving the required information.

The Trunk Road Operating Company contracts are managed on a day to day basis by Transport Scotland’s Network Maintenance team, with a dedicated Operating Company Manager who oversees a Network North and a Network South branch. Our Network Maintenance staff oversee the work programmes proposed by the Operating Companies and monitor their performance. In addition to day to day management activity, formal monthly performance meetings are held to discuss ongoing Operating Company performance, covering all operational and commercial issues.

The recent prolonged period of difficult winter weather conditions has accelerated deterioration of road surfaces across Scotland. We have been working with our Operating Companies to address these sites and a number of additional route tours (jointly and separately) have been undertaken by senior staff in Transport Scotland and the Operating Companies.

In addition to works which were already programmed for January-March 2018, we have reallocated £6.6 million towards resurfacing the areas of most need across the country. The North West Operating Company unit, which covers the Highlands and Islands area, has seen almost 47% of this reallocated funding, with £3.1 million directed to tackle further road surface issues in this area.

The Northern Isles Ferry Service Public Service Contract was operated by NorthLink Ferries Ltd, a subsidiary of David MacBrayne Ltd, from 6 July 2006 to 4 July 2012. Their published profit and loss statements can be accessed from the link below;  https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/SC027370/filing-history

Following a tender exercise, the contract was then operated by Serco Ltd from 5 July 2012 to the present day. Their published profit and loss statements can be accessed from the link below;  https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/00242246/filing-history

Serco Ltd operate under the name Serco NorthLink Ferries, an internal division of Serco Ltd and not a subsidiary company.

Police Officers have access to a wide range of support services when they require advice and assistance in relation to their mental and physical wellbeing.

Police Scotland launched the "Your Wellbeing Matters" scheme, on 18 September 2017, and has introduced "Wellbeing Champions" across the country. These initiatives highlight the support services available to all officers and staff, with the Wellbeing Champions able to provide guidance and advice on how to access the most appropriate service.

a) The Scottish Government has no contracts with Carillion.

b) Highlands and Islands Enterprise have two contracts with Carillion. A facilities management contract for An Lochran and a facilities management contract for the Centre for Health Science.

VisitScotland is not a regulatory body nor a statutory consultee on matters of nature conservation and has therefore has not conducted any research in this area. As a public body however, it is obliged to report on the activity it carries out to support biodiversity every 3 years and VisitScotland will publish its report on the VisitScotland website shortly.

Additionally, VisitScotland recognises that Scotland’s wildlife and natural beauty are a major draw for visitors. The latest Visitor Survey 2015 and 2016, highlights that Scotland’s natural environment, including its wildlife, is the number one reason why people visit Scotland. VisitScotland is committed to safeguarding the assets which draw tourists to Scotland and works closely with businesses, local authorities and government agencies to promote sustainable tourism and ensure that economic development, as a result of tourism, is a positive experience for everyone involved including the local community, tourism businesses and visitors.

As a public body, Visit Scotland is required to report every 3 years on what it has done in line with its remit to support biodiversity and will publish its report on the VisitScotland website.

VisitScotland also works with businesses through its Quality Assurance scheme to promote sustainability and highlight the importance of the nature based tourism market.