Measures to enhance committee performance announced

The report follows the Committee’s inquiry on committee effectiveness which explored how committees were performing and what changes could be made to ensure these were operating as well as they could.

Taking evidence from current and former MSPs, political parties, academics and other parliaments, the Committee heard about the important role that committees play in scrutinising legislation and engaging with people across the country and holding the Scottish Government to account. However, the report sets out a number of changes which could be made to ensure committees can meet the needs of Scotland today.

Recommendations in the report include that the Parliament considers the introduction of elected conveners, which the Committee heard can allow conveners to operate with greater independence and authority.

The Committee’s report also calls on a new approach on setting the size of committees, saying that smaller committees should be established at the start of the next session. Something that could help committees be more flexible and adapt to changing priorities. In addition, the report also recommends consideration is given to establishing time-limited committees which can consider specific inquiry issues or legislation.

Committee Convener, Martin Whitfield MSP said

“It is right that the public should have high expectations of how committees in the Scottish Parliament operate, and we have heard that when committees work at their best, they can make a real impact not only on Government policy but on people’s lives.

“But this is not always the case, and our work looked at the practical changes that can make a real difference to how committees operate. Better training for committee members, smaller committee sizes and more time for committee work will all make a real difference.

“We also heard about the vital role that Conveners have in setting the tone, and culture of a committee. Given the importance of this role, the time is right for the Parliament to decide if a system of elected conveners should be introduced.

“These changes will ensure that the committees in our young legislature can be as effective as possible in meeting the scrutiny challenges of the future."