Jackie Dunbar
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“I do not believe for one second that Reform UK cares about people like me; it cares about division and power, and crypto donations from dodgy billionaires. Reform UK does not represent me—it disgusts me. I am under no illusion that folk are frustrated at so much of what is happening, and not happening, in the world today.”
“Some folk who have never struggled before are now struggling, and some folk who have struggled their whole lives now doubt that things will ever get better for them. They are seeing the consequences of austerity, of a lack of investment in jobs and of a lack of spending in their local communities.”
“Anyway, I appreciate that the low-emission zones policy might inconvenience Baron Offord of Garvel, depending on which of his five cars he is driving at the time, but it will add years to the life expectancies of thousands of Scots.”
“At this point, I will take an intervention from any Reform MSP who wants to tell us whether they think that their party is too racist or not racist enough. George Adam: Oh—nothing! Jackie Dunbar: Perhaps I will use some different quotes: “I told you time and time again, I’m protecting the country”. “Enough is enough. I have had enough”.”
“The same folk who were leading the fight against “benefit scroungers” a decade ago when they were in the Conservative Party are now in Reform UK saying that we should “look after our own”. Maybe I am just not seeing what Reform MSPs are believing.”
“I wonder whether the MSPs who have been joining “street patrols” or the ones calling people “strangers” might see some similarities, too. I am not expecting them to stand up and hold their hands up, but those who are capable of quiet reflection may wish to try it.”
The complete record
Every one of 437 lines we hold for Jackie Dunbar, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 3 of 9.
“I had just got to the point of talking about Stephen Kerr’s amendment 58 and Jackie Dunbar’s amendments. On the basis of what I set out prior to Miles Briggs intervening on me, I ask that Stephen Kerr does not press his amendment 58, but, if he does so, I urge other members to vote against it. However, I invite members to vote for all my amendments and Jackie Dunbar’s amendments 51 and 56 in group 12. Stephen Kerr: I intend to press amendment 58 because, to be frank, it attempts—again—to anchor the bill firmly in the real economy. There are further amendments that come into line with what Miles Briggs talked about in his intervention on the minister.”
“Miles Briggs: When an individual island and its specific development needs are being looked at as part of the islands bill, would the minister see that as a locality, if the bill before us will now include a reference to “localities”? I am not sure that it is islands bill proofed if there is no definition. Ben Macpherson: I am happy to come back to Miles Briggs on that point. I will just say clearly that the interplay between other acts and what is in this bill and in the amendments has been thoroughly considered prior to the stage 3 debate. I am confident that amendment 56, in the name of Jackie Dunbar, as it is currently drafted, is competent and will be able to be used for the common good of different areas of Scotland in the way that is envisaged. I will move on.”
“Ben Macpherson: I appreciate the point that Miles Briggs has raised. When we were drafting the amendments together with Jackie Dunbar, we thought carefully about the definitions, as we did with all the amendments on which the Government has worked with members. We worked with Jackie Dunbar on those amendments, and the use of the word “localities” was also considered as part of our legal evaluation of amendments– Miles Briggs: The Government has said that the islands bill will cut across all legislation. Is that aspect captured in the term “localities”? Ben Macpherson: Sorry—I did not understand Miles Briggs’s question, and whether it relates to the islands bill or to this bill. He might want to intervene and elaborate.”
“Jackie Dunbar’s amendments would extend the requirement to include consideration of regional and local variations as well as skills and the economy, thereby encompassing Stephen Kerr’s concerns, so I hope that he will be content with those amendments. Miles Briggs: I welcome the amendments that the minister has lodged in this group. However, I am concerned about the definition of “localities”, as mentioned in Jackie Dunbar’s amendments, and what that would actually include. In the minister’s view, would it cover localities at local authority level, regional city deal level, chamber of commerce level or all of the above? There is no definition of “localities” in the bill. Given the regional approach that we often talk about and what is included in Stephen Kerr’s amendment 58, why would the Government not support Mr Kerr’s amendment?”
“It has been good to work with Ross Greer and the Scottish Green Party on those aspects. Amendment 58, from Stephen Kerr, would also amend section 20 of the 2005 act. Subsection (1)(a) currently requires the SFC, in “exercising its functions … to have regard to … skills needs in Scotland”. Amendment 58 would replace that with a requirement for the SFC instead to have regard to “employer demand, labour market shortages and skills needs at national and regional levels in Scotland”. I am afraid that I cannot support that proposed change, as it would cut across the intention of both the existing provisions in section 20 and Jackie Dunbar’s proposed amendments to it.”
“I recognise and value the substantial commitment that our universities and colleges have already made to progressing and promoting fair work, which means that there is a strong foundation for continued progress and success. I know that some members were frustrated by not being able to go as far as they, or I, would have liked to with regard to setting out our expectations around fair work in the bill. That is, as a matter of fact, because employment law matters are reserved to Westminster, and this Parliament is restricted in what it can do in that area. However, last week, I was pleased to announce that, as a matter of policy and administrative practice, colleges and universities will be expected to adopt all fair work first criteria and the SFC will look to include those as a condition of grant from April 2027.”
“My amendment 57 will enable the Scottish ministers to issue a direction to the SFC setting out what is meant by “fair work principles” under the bill. That means that the application of fair work principles can be adapted from time to time as might be needed to ensure consistency with general Government policy as it might develop. It will also ensure that such direction can be specific to the context of the SFC in carrying out its functions. Amendment 57 will require ministers to consult the SFC before issuing the direction. They must also consult “employees of any bodies or persons” that are funded by the SFC. Fair work is a key policy priority for the Scottish Government.”
“My amendments 52 and 59 will move the provision that requires the SFC “to have regard to the economic, social and environmental priorities of the Scottish Ministers” to a more logical place in section 20 of the 2005 act. Amendments 53 to 55, also in my name, will separate out the discrete issues of having “regard to the desirability of protecting and promoting the interests of ... current and prospective learners” on the one hand and promoting fair work principles on the other. Members will recall that, through my amendment 48 in the previous group, as well as amendment 55 in this group, the bill will now use the term “fair work principles” instead of “Fair Work First”, thereby keeping the bill consistent with other legislation and current Government policy and leaving it flexible to future policy development.”
“Speaking as an Aberdonian and an MSP for Aberdeen, such provision is particularly important for my locality. Aberdeen has specific skills strengths and needs in relation to the energy industry, which is facing significant transition and change regarding the skills that employers will need in the future. My amendments therefore represent common sense and will strengthen the role and functions of the SFC in this important area. I encourage members to support my amendments 51 and 56. I move amendment 51. Ben Macpherson: Jackie Dunbar’s amendments 51 and 56, along with my amendments 52 to 55 and 59, will address the amendments that Pam Duncan-Glancy, Stephen Kerr and Miles Briggs lodged at stage 2.”
“I am pleased to have lodged two amendments that will ensure that regional and local needs can be considered and built into SFC activity in relation to skills planning and delivery. [Interruption.] Does Evelyn Tweed want to intervene? The Deputy Presiding Officer: I do not think so, Ms Dunbar. You may continue. Jackie Dunbar: Section 20 of the 2005 act requires the SFC, in exercising all its functions, to: “have regard to— (a) skills needs in Scotland; (b) issues affecting the economy of Scotland; and (c) social and cultural issues in Scotland.” Amendments 51 and 56 in my name seek to expand that requirement so that all the matters must also include consideration of issues “in different localities within Scotland” to take account of geographical diversity across the country.”
“We also protected funding for teacher numbers in ASN in the budget this year and in the draft budget for next year. Having the right staffing levels is hugely important in meeting the needs of all pupils, not least in relation to how we meet the needs of those with additional support needs. It is hugely important that that funding makes its way into our classrooms, and I hope that the ASL data work that I intimated and gave an update to Parliament on in December will help to further clarify and support our understanding of that spend.”
“I welcome the Scottish Government’s investment in additional support for learning and teacher numbers, which was announced this week in the 2026-27 Scottish budget. Does the cabinet secretary agree that it is essential that that funding makes its way into classrooms, where it can make the biggest difference? Jenny Gilruth: I thank Jackie Dunbar for her question, which relates quite neatly to the points that Mr O’Kane made previously about the funding that we protect in central Government for additional support needs. I spoke of more than £1 billion of funding in 2023-24, which is the latest data that we have to hand, although I expect that there will be a further update—I hope before the end of this parliamentary session—in relation to the overall spend from local authorities.”
“However, it is progress. It is a step forward in keeping our promise—the Promise. It will make a world of difference to those who will spend some of their childhood in the care system. 16:43”
“I also want to share these words from Emma Marshall: “A lot of young people don’t understand their rights. And even when they do, speaking up in a room full of adults who hold power over your life? That takes confidence that many of us simply didn’t have. That’s where independent advocacy becomes transformational. An advocate isn’t your social worker. They’re not your carer. They’re not part of the system making the decisions. Their only job is to make sure you’re heard—clearly, accurately, and without fear. When young people have advocacy, they don’t just attend meetings—they participate. They start understanding their options, and being present in decisions.” I accept that this bill will not be exactly what everyone who fed into it wants. For a lot of folk, it probably is not perfect, even if it were to be amended and improved.”
“This bill would not be in front of us today if it were not for care-experienced people making their voices heard. So I asked Who Cares? Scotland whether they had some young folk who wanted to share their own words. The first point that came back was that the advocacy provided for care- experienced children and young people in Aberdeen is no longer independent. That will change if this bill passes, because it will give care- experienced people the option to access advocacy that is independent from service provision. One care-experienced young person said: “I like that I can choose if I have family time with mum or not—it makes me feel safer knowing I don’t have to see her if I don’t want to.” Another shared: “My advocacy worker goes to the hearing for me because it makes me anxious”.”
“Each and every one was a credit to themselves in how they told us about their experiences and how things can and must be better. They had the courage to put themselves in that position and they all spoke well. They were thoughtful in what they said, and I cannot praise them enough for their contributions. I like to think that the bill that we have in front of us at stage 1 reflects what we have been told by those who have experienced Scotland’s care system. It extends aftercare provision; it creates a legal right of access to advocacy; it requires guidance in relation to care experience to be published, in order to help reduce stigma; it will establish a national register of foster carers; it puts young people before profit; and it will ensure that we keep the Promise.”
“Right now, I especially thank the young folk who gave evidence to the Education, Children and Young People Committee. Some of them have been through a lot, but every one of them wants to make things better for those who will come after them through Scotland’s care system. Those young folk all said that private care should not be there just to make a profit from them. They understood that, when the place providing the care was in public or charity hands, the money that it received would be invested back into future care. Overall, they were happy or, at least, content with that. They also told us how important it was to have someone supporting them throughout their journey. I put on record just how impressed I was with every young person that spoke with the members of our committee.”
“One of the first things that I was told after my election in 2007 was that, as a councillor, I was now a corporate parent to every child that Aberdeen City Council was looking after. That was another 15 years of parental responsibilities until I stopped being a councillor in 2022, although we never really stop being parents, and I like to think that that is the case for corporate parents, too. Just as I still want to make the world a better place for my daughter, I still want to make it a better place for children in the care system. That is why I was pleased to see the Promise to transform the care system by 2030 and to see it get unanimous support. It is also why I am pleased that we have the bill in front of us today, as we take another step towards meeting the Promise.”
“I am pleased to speak in the stage 1 debate on the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill, which, to the outside world, is also known as the Promise. I thank everyone who has engaged with the committee, whether in writing or by giving oral evidence. Their evidence has been vital to the process. I also thank our excellent clerking team for their first-class support, and my MSP colleagues for their collegiate working to get the bill to stage 1. I was asked recently why I got involved in politics. As cheesy as it might sound, I first joined a political party after my daughter was born, because I wanted to make the world a better place for her. It was not until she grew up and I thought that I was getting away from some parental responsibilities that I let people talk me into standing for council.”
“Having the ability to establish new powers on areas such as wealth taxation would be important. That work is at a very early stage, but I am happy to keep Jackie Dunbar apprised of progress.”
“It is welcome that the SNP Scottish Government’s progressive approach to taxation means that there is more funding available to support our vital public services, by asking those with the broadest shoulders to pay a little bit more, while protecting low-income households in Scotland. However, many powers over taxation remain reserved to the UK Government. Will the cabinet secretary give any indication as to how the budget will start to explore the use of wealth taxation within the limited powers of the Scottish Parliament? Shona Robison: As we have said, we will continue to look at taxation, whether that is land value taxation or wealth taxation. Those things are not straightforward, particularly within the limits of our current fiscal powers, which is why I want a more fundamental review of the fiscal framework.”
“As we have just heard, this week, STV journalists and production workers have been on strike in response to the proposed cuts to STV North in Aberdeen. I know that the First Minister is aware of the vital role that local news plays in keeping communities informed. Does he agree that we must protect local journalism and demand that STV thinks again, negotiates with its workforce and resolves the dispute to benefit the workers and the communities that they serve in the north- east of Scotland?”
“I had absolutely no intention of giving the impression that Professor Jay was commenting on Liam Kerr’s amendment or of risking that impression forming. I do not want to repeat the evidence that I gave earlier, because what is important now is the view of the independent advisers. I accept their findings in relation to the significance of the debate and the substance, I accept that more could have been done explicitly earlier, and I accept the recourse that they have recommended that I take.”
“I note that the independent advisers on the ministerial code said: “The issue here is not about honesty or truthfulness. There is no evidence that Ms Constance knowingly misled Parliament nor was the statement inaccurate or untruthful.” Professor Alexis Jay also said that the quote was accurate. Does it remain the case that the cabinet secretary had no intention of misleading Parliament when she made that statement during an intervention on Liam Kerr in relation to his amendment? Angela Constance: I emphasise to the Parliament that I take my responsibilities in this place extremely seriously, in the same way as I do in relation to the people I serve as Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs.”
“To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of the recent snow and cold weather in Scotland. (S6T-02825)”
“To ask the Scottish Government, following NHS domestic abuse awareness day, which took place on 10 December with the aim to shine a light on the high prevalence of domestic abuse affecting healthcare professionals, how it is supporting national health service boards to ensure that they have robust domestic abuse policies in place. (S6O-05301)”
“For some facilities, such as camp grounds and sailing boats, it would simply not be possible to comply with the requirements stipulated by the amendment. That would unhelpfully restrict the range of providers who are available to respond to the legislation.”
“That will ensure that consideration of adaptations across the residential outdoor education sector is informed by different pupils’ needs and can be designed and planned for in a way that ensures effective delivery at both regional and national levels. I am really encouraged by feedback that I have received from those in the residential sector. They are very prepared and enthusiastic to make the changes and to build out facilities to support the bill’s implementation, including equity of provision for all our pupils. Another challenge is that the amendment asks centres to go above and beyond what is required of them under existing planning legislation, which could incur significant additional costs that would risk making the bill unaffordable and undeliverable.”
“Is the minister confident that the alternative measures and the guidance will ensure that pupils who require such provision do not feel excluded from accessing outdoor education facilities? Natalie Don-Innes: I am confident, and I have something to show why that is the case, which I will come to in a moment. Nevertheless, there are other reasons, over and above what I have already laid out, which I am about to come to. A key requirement for our delivery plan for the bill will be the mapping of existing sector capacity compared with the demands to be generated by the legislation upon commencement.”
“As has already been discussed, I welcome Mr Balfour’s amendment 10, which would further strengthen the place and priority that is given to ensuring equity of provision and access for pupils with additional support needs. Mr Balfour is right to draw attention to the need for residential outdoor education facilities to consider making adaptations to ensure that they can meet the needs of all pupils, including disabled pupils. However, amendment 11 would seem to pre-empt a robust analysis of what the overall adaptation requirements may look like to ensure deliverability of the bill, should it become law. Martin Whitfield: The minister has hinted at some of the challenges that may exist with amendment 11, although we must extend great sympathy for its intent.”
“I very much appreciate Mr Balfour’s intention in lodging amendment 11, and I welcome his reaching out in advance of doing so to seek my views on the proposed approach. He will, therefore, be familiar with the points that I am going to set out and my position on the amendment. For assurance, I believe that existing provisions in the bill will ensure that pupils who may require a changing places facility, and their associated needs, will be considered with regard to the requirements that are set out in inserted section 6A(3)(c) of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 and to the statutory guidance, which must include relevant content as set out in section 6B(4)(c) of the 1980 act.”
“I believe that the amendment gives us plenty of time for it to happen. It is proportionate and would open up access to outdoor residential education, so I hope that members will support the amendment. I move amendment 11. Natalie Don-Innes: The Scottish Government champions and supports the roll-out of changing places toilets in appropriate public settings, including by providing £10 million in funding across this financial year and the next to create up to 150 additional community toilet facilities across Scotland for people with complex disabilities and health conditions. That builds on progress to date, which has seen the number of changing places toilets across Scotland increase to 270—a 30 per cent rise since 2019.”
“The reason for doing that is that we can have all the funding, all the children and all the will in the world, but, if a facility is not suitable for a disabled child to use, they will be excluded. All the evidence that has been gathered over the past number of years, by the Scottish Government and others, is that the changing places toilet is the toilet that makes the difference to those with certain disabilities, and it seems reasonable to me that residential outdoor education centres should have that type of toilet within five years. If there is a financial issue, there is Scottish Government funding to allow such toilets to be put in. I genuinely believe that, without such toilets, we would exclude a substantial minority of children from being able to benefit from this bill.”
“Jeremy Balfour: Amendment 11, in my name, sets out that facilities that provide residential outdoor education have to put in a changing places toilet within five years of section 1 coming into force. I lodged a similar amendment at stage 2, but the minister pointed out that perhaps it was not absolutely correctly drafted and that we would have problems in regard to amending other pieces of legislation and also in regard to calling it a changing places toilet. Taking those words to heart, I have redrafted the amendment to simply put in what has to happen and, rather than describing it as a changing places toilet, to outline what a changing places toilet is made up of.”
“At the same time, it has been clear throughout the bill’s passage that data collection in the sphere of residential outdoor education has been patchy for a number of years, and amendment 8 seeks to address some of those issues, ensuring better data collection and reporting and further ensuring that the issues faced by children who either have additional support needs or experience socioeconomic disadvantage are considered, reported on, and addressed as appropriate. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I call Jackie Dunbar to wind up and to press or withdraw amendment 8. Jackie Dunbar: I have nothing further to add, Presiding Officer. I will press amendment 8. Amendment 8 agreed to. After section 1 The Deputy Presiding Officer: Group 4 is on facilities. Amendment 11, in the name of Jeremy Balfour, is the only amendment in the group.”
“As members will recall, Pam Duncan-Glancy lodged a series of reporting amendments at stage 2 but ultimately Ms Duncan- Glancy did not move or press those amendments on the basis of the minister giving a commitment to consider a general reporting duty. Amendment 8 gives effect to that commitment. I particularly welcome the fact that amendment 8 requires the report to set out “an assessment of the equality of access to residential outdoor education ... including the extent to which the residential outdoor education provided was suitable for and accessed by pupils ... with additional support needs” and pupils “who experience socio-economic disadvantage”. Equality and equity of opportunity have always been at the heart of the policy underpinning this bill and I know that that ambition is shared by the minister.”
“However, as part of on-going discussions, we will be more than happy to consider whether that might be helpful, including whether it might be helpful in specific areas. Martin Whitfield: I am grateful for that confirmation, which adequately answers the question that I raised. Natalie Don-Innes: Overall, I believe that the general reporting duty proposed by this amendment reflects a proportionate and deliverable approach to assessing provision under the bill. I am pleased, too, that the member in charge of the bill has agreed to this approach. I therefore encourage members to support amendment 8. 16:30 Liz Smith: I very much welcome amendment 8 from Jackie Dunbar.”
“Therefore, I am pleased to support Jackie Dunbar’s amendment 8, and I note that the general reporting duty in amendment 8 applies to Scottish ministers. I believe that a single reporting duty is the most effective and efficient approach. The amendment avoids placing undue additional administrative burdens on local authorities, the education profession and outdoor residential education facility owners and operators. On Mr Whitfield’s concerns, I understand why he might want interim reporting before the end of the five years. We can discuss that, but we need to be careful because we will be laying the regulations for commencement in two years, and there will be a number of checkpoints, so we will need to see when we reach those. Therefore, we do not yet have a final date for when the bill will be commenced.”
“People outside the chamber have expressed some concern about that aspect, and I hope that amendment 8 goes some way towards allaying those fears or ensures that, if there are challenges, they are captured early on. Natalie Don-Innes: At stage 2, members lodged a number of amendments in relation to reporting duties and how and when those might be fulfilled. I welcomed the debate and listened carefully to what members had to say about their individual amendments. I further welcomed the fact that members did not move or press their amendments and accepted my undertaking to consider reporting duties more generally and to bring back an amendment at stage 3 that would deliver on most aspirations and issues that were raised.”
“Amendment 8 covers all the key issues that were raised at stage 2 and strikes the right balance in relation to reporting duties, and I encourage members to support it. I move amendment 8. Martin Whitfield: I rise to confirm our support for amendment 8, which is, in effect, a provision for post-legislative scrutiny to come about. That is increasingly a characteristic of bills in the Parliament, and we should continue to defend that and ensure that all legislation includes that provision. I very much welcome the five-year reporting period, but, in summing up, will the minister indicate whether any interim reporting might be published during those five years, where appropriate? I thank Jackie Dunbar, who moved amendment 8, for discussing the potential effect on teachers and the workforce in schools.”
“Finally, the amendment requires the report to include any further steps that Scottish ministers propose to take with respect to the provision of residential outdoor education. Setting out in the bill the key topics to be covered in the report will provide a strong signal to the wider education system about the overall areas of focus of any future data collection that partners would need to be able to respond to. The report is to be produced “as soon as reasonably practicable” after the five-year reporting period, which begins on the day on which the act comes fully into force. That will ensure that the Government can build up a robust bank of qualitative and quantitative data, from which meaningful conclusions can be drawn.”
“Amendment 8 requires the report to set out “the extent to which the residential outdoor education provided was suitable for and accessed by pupils ... with additional support needs” and those “who experience socio-economic disadvantage”. It further requires the report to include “an assessment of the impact on and outcomes for pupils who participated in residential outdoor education”. There are outstanding concerns around the potential workforce implications associated with the bill, which is a matter that I raised during stages 1 and 2. Those concerns will need to be resolved ahead of implementation, which is why the amendment requires that the report also assesses the impact of provision on the education workforce.”
“Members sought to introduce various forms of reporting duties through stage 2 amendments, and amendment 8 seeks to draw the different proposed approaches together, through a single reporting duty, which will address many of the concerns that have been raised. It is important that ministers undertake a review and report on the provision of residential outdoor education by education authorities and managers of grant-aided schools. That will help to strengthen transparency and accountability of delivery. Throughout the bill process, it has been clear that members feel strongly that, if the bill is to achieve anything, it must be to deliver more equitable and accessible provision in the future, so that every child or young person who wants to participate can do so.”
“A new report from the Confederation of British Industry shows that business investment in Scotland has risen to a 20-year high, in contrast with a fall across the United Kingdom. This success for Scotland’s economy comes despite the UK Government’s tax on jobs and its low- growth model. How does the Scottish Government plan to build on that momentum and continue to deliver economic growth, even within the limits of devolution?”
“To ask the Scottish Government how it is supporting Aberdeen City Council to maintain its local government services, including in response to any increasing social need in the city. (S6O- 05269)”
“My office manager has already done that for my office, and we are at bronze award level. He will email all offices to show them how it can be done. I reiterate that the majority of veterans will never need support, and that their experience and work ethic mean that they bring a lot to our workplaces and their communities. However, some will need support, and I am pleased that we are agreed across the chamber that we need to get to that place so that Scotland is seen as a destination of choice for those who leave our armed forces. 17:06”
“Once uptake has increased—I certainly hope that it will—officials will develop a quality improvement report to assess the effectiveness of the training and identify opportunities to enhance support for practice leads and the armed forces community. Fundamentally, this is a matter for our GPs. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, minister. That was quite a lengthy response, and I am conscious that it is Ms Dunbar who has the floor. You have only 40 seconds left, Ms Dunbar. Jackie Dunbar: I welcome what the minister has just said about the work that is being done on the process. While we are talking about recognition schemes, I point out that, as employers, our individual MSP offices—not us, but our offices—can sign up to the defence employer recognition scheme.”
“I struggle to find the words to describe my view on the fact that only 45 general practices have registered for the scheme and only 186 individuals have successfully completed the course. That is hugely disappointing. The Government has done quite a bit of work in the past year, but I will not list it all, because the real point is what we do now to resolve the issue. Among other things, we will seek to have the scheme formally accredited so that participants receive professional development points for completing the course. My officials are exploring opportunities to work with Scottish deaneries to incorporate the scheme into GP and secondary care training programmes, so that we ensure that it becomes part and parcel of learning for full-time employment.”
“That means that we can also see where more work is needed. A particular area for improvement, which is mentioned twice in the news release covering the report, relates to the GP recognition scheme, take- up of which has been described as “much lower than expected.” The recognition scheme aims to ensure that there is a designated practice lead in every general practice across Scotland, but, as I understand it, the figure currently sits at about 5 per cent. Given that the minister is in the chamber, I would be keen to take an intervention from him so that he can set out what the Government has done to improve uptake and what else can be done. Graeme Dey: Jackie Dunbar is absolutely right.”
“Over a number of years, the Scottish Veterans Commissioner’s office has produced a series of insightful and informative reports that have delved into what we can do to better support our veterans in particular areas, including education, skills and learning; making a home; health and wellbeing; community and relationships; the legal and justice systems; and, most recently, financial matters. All the recommendations in those reports are sensible and deliverable, which means that there tends to be agreement that they should be delivered. It is helpful that, in the commissioner’s progress report, we can see the status of all the recommendations from the reports. The progress report clearly shows that progress has been made and that, for the first time, progress has been recorded against every extant recommendation.”