Meeting of the Parliament 18 September 2025
John Mason makes that point very well. I acknowledged at the start of my contribution that the debate has much wider significance across the public service reform agenda. The importance of delivering on this—albeit small—part of it is that it sends a strong signal regarding the wider landscape.
On public bodies more widely, the Scottish Government’s PSR programme is focused on driving a culture of continuous improvement to support efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of public services. I am delighted that the committee’s recommendations align with those intentions.
I am particularly pleased about the committee’s recommended criteria for the establishment of any new SPCB-supported bodies. As the Parliament is aware, any Scottish Government proposal to establish a new body must strictly follow the ministerial control framework, which, if a public body is deemed to be necessary, ensures a rigorous best value process. Only after all alternative delivery options have been explored is such a body created.
Where that concerns the potential creation of a new SPCB-supported body, the ministerial control framework guidance stresses that the merits of such a body must be discussed with the chief executive of the SPCB’s office at the earliest opportunity. The committee’s proposed two-tier justification criteria for the establishment of SPCB-supported bodies reflect the terms of the control framework, and my officials will look to update that framework in line with the committee’s recommendations, should the Parliament accept them this afternoon.
I recognise the committee’s recommendation that no new advocacy-type bodies be established. We agree with that general principle, as I have set out in my written response to the committee. As the committee heard during evidence sessions, advocacy-type roles in other instances might be more appropriate for MSPs, the Government or other public sector organisations to fulfil. I also set out in my written response that Government officials remain on hand to support any future reform of the SPCB-supported public body landscape, if that is appropriate.
On matters concerning the powers and remit of the Scottish Human Rights Commission and the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman, I highlight that the Scottish Government recently published a discussion paper that sets out proposals relating to a human rights bill. The paper sets out a range of options for the SHRC and the SPSO that are intended to strengthen their ability to provide accountability and support for human rights in Scotland.