Minutes: 30 September 2026

1. Declaration of interests:

Colm Merrick was invited to declare any relevant interests. He declared an interest as a councillor for East Renfrewshire.

2. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 6 in private.

3. Instrument subject to annulment:

The Committee considered the Dangerous Dogs (Compensation and Exemption Schemes) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) (No. 2) Order 2026 (2026/212). It agreed to make no recommendations in relation to the instrument.

4. Custodial and community sentences – evidence:

The Committee took evidence from—

Councillor Maureen Chalmers, Community Wellbeing Spokesperson, COSLA;

Jackie Hamilton, Chief Social Work Officer, South Ayrshire, Social Work Scotland;

Karyn McCluskey, Chief Executive, Community Justice Scotland;

Sheriff Scott Pattison, Sheriff, Scottish Sentencing Council.

Maggie Chapman declared an interest as a former employee of a rape crisis centre.

5. Victim perspectives across the justice system – evidence:

The Committee took evidence from—

Carol Eden, Head of Communications and External Affairs, Victim Support Scotland, The Victims' Organisations Collaboration Forum Scotland (VOCFS);

Jimmy Paul, Head, Scottish Violence Reduction Unit;

Dr Marsha Scott, Chief Executive, Scottish Women's Aid.

6. Review of evidence (in private):

The Committee reviewed the evidence heard earlier in the meeting.

7. Work programme (in private):

The Committee considered possible topics for a People’s Panel and agreed to consider these further at its next meeting.