1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 4 in private.

2. Operation of the Public Sector Equality Duty in Scotland:

The Committee took evidence from—

Clare Gallagher, Human Rights Officer, CEMVO (Council of Ethnic Minority Voluntary Sector Organisations) Scotland;

Jatin Haria, Executive Director, Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights (CRER);

Lindsey Millen, Head of Policy and Development, Close the Gap;

Jill Wood, Policy Manager, Engender;

and then from—

Dr Pauline Nolan, Head of Participation and Policy, Inclusion Scotland;

Rohini Sharma Joshi, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Age Scotland;

Vic Valentine, Scottish Trans Manager, Equality Network.

3. Operation of the Public Sector Equality Duty in Scotland (In Private):

The Committee agreed to defer consideration of the evidence it heard under agenda item 2 to a future meeting.

4. Civil Legal Aid Inquiry (In Private):

The Committee considered its approach to the inquiry and agreed:

• the terms of the inquiry;
• to issue a call for views;
• a programme of initial oral evidence;
• to decide on further witnesses based on responses to the call for views; and
• to consider evidence heard and any draft reports or letters on this inquiry in private.