Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee
3rd Meeting, 2026
The Committee agreed to take items 3 and 4 in private.
The Committee took evidence, in a roundtable format, on issues arising under the equalities part of its remit from—
Heather Fisken, Chief Executive Officer, Inclusion Scotland;
John Kirkpatrick, Chief Executive, Equality and Human Rights Commission;
Susan McKellar, Manager, The Scottish Women’s Convention;
Susan Smith, Director, For Women Scotland;
Adam Stachura, Director of Policy and Communications, Age Scotland;
Vic Valentine, Scottish Trans Manager, Equality Network;
Carol Young, Deputy Director, Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights.
The Committee reviewed the evidence heard under agenda item 2.
The Committee considered its approach to scrutiny preceding the Scottish Government’s Budget 2027-28. It agreed to take oral evidence from stakeholders on 1 October and from the Scottish Government on 8 October, with a view to considering a draft letter or report on 29 October. The Committee also agreed to delegate to the Convener responsibility for finalising the list of witnesses.