Minutes: 13 January 2026

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

The Committee took evidence from—

John Wilkes, Head of Scotland and Jennifer Laughland, Head of Scotland Legal, Equality and Human Rights Commission Scotland;

and then from—

Kaukab Stewart, Minister for Equalities, Nick Bland, Deputy Director, Mainstreaming and Inclusion and Vuyi Stutley, Solicitor, Legal Directorate, Scottish Government.

Maggie Chapman declared an interest as Rector of the University of Dundee, having been elected to this role in March 2025. This is a voluntary role, for which no remuneration is received.

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

The Committee agreed to defer consideration of the evidence heard to a future meeting.