Seòmar agus comataidhean

I thank the witnesses for coming along today. I was going to quote, “Nothing about us without us”, which Kaukab Stewart mentioned, because it is a very popular and pertinent saying at the moment.

My questions are about diversity, equality and untapped talent. We already have a focus on gender imbalances, which are well recognised across various sectors, and work is going on to encourage women into those sectors. As has been mentioned, work is also being done with black and minority ethnic communities, people from different socioeconomic groups and people with disabilities, including learning disabilities.

There are quite high rates of unemployment among people with neurodiversity, who often cannot make it through recruitment processes that involve interviews. Common skills that employers look for, such as communication, teamwork and networking, are challenging for those people, so, in effect, they can be screened out at the recruitment stage, but they have lots of unusual and valuable skills. In our evidence, we have heard about skills gaps in digital computing, information technology, data analytics and so on. Often, such skills can be strengths for people who are neurodiverse, including those with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia and a range of other conditions.

I have a quick question for the representatives of SDS, SAAB and the SFC. What is the current representation of neurodiverse individuals on your boards?

Even with the best will in the world, if those individuals are not represented, what can seem to be really good solutions to improve accessibility for neurotypical people—or “normal” people, if we like—and people with disabilities might not always be what people need in practice. We need to ensure that we have that representation at the levels at which ideas come through.

What pathways into employment do we have for neurodiverse individuals, and are there any plans for the future? I am interested in Sharon Drysdale answering that question.

That is great. I appreciate your answer. The training is incredibly important, but representation at the highest levels is also vital.

That is great.

I thank the panel members for being here. It was reassuring to hear the cabinet secretary set out such a clear commitment and focus on taking women’s lived experience into account and making sure that there is equitable access across the country. The cabinet secretary has answered what would have been my first question, which was about where the boards are with that recommendation.

What is the Scottish Government doing to improve waiting times for perinatal mental health services and to align them with the timescales of pregnancy? Have the thresholds for referral to specialist mental health services changed because of the increased demand?

That is good, and that information is positive. Have the thresholds for referral changed due to the increased demand? What supports are in place while people are waiting for referrals to come through?

Yes. I thank Paul Mitchell and Leon Thompson for their answers.

I agree with Ross Greer and Fergus Ewing.

I challenge the assertion that it is all about serious offences. It is certainly not. For example, often, young men who are unable to find a toilet after being out at a nightclub can end up with indecent exposure offences. I have experienced that in my work with young people.

It is important to bear in mind that we have all supported keeping the promise and that care-experienced young people are more likely to be involved with the law. The five-year period is a key time for them when they are considering employment or further training, for instance. We must give people the opportunity to move on and have success in life. Right now, care-experienced young people are statistically not nearly as likely to be successful and we must do all that we can to support their success without putting people at risk. Proper safeguards are in place.

My question is for Paul Mitchell. I am lucky because, after this meeting, I am heading over to Bellshill to meet Darren McGhee, the managing director at DMG roofing. The company is opening up an academy of roofing, which is really interesting. It has an older workforce and is looking to invest in younger people. Darren actually won the Britain’s top tradesperson award, and I know that he has been doing excellent work to promote the value of apprenticeships, and of having the qualifications and skills as a tradesperson. He is also connected with SDS and careers advisers for more than 60 schools. He offers pupils work experience tasters, which can capture the interest of young people. That is the real McCoy, with a bag of nails and materials, to attract young people and bring them on.

What can the Scottish Government do to support stronger links with schools and education that inspire our young people to consider skilled trades and a career that will be full of opportunities?

I will.