Official Report 112KB pdf
The next item deals with correspondence on IDEAL training.
Members will have read the information from the group, which raises a good point. It is important for all of us, if we are to represent the whole community, to be aware of some of the more vulnerable groups in it. Every MSP should have the sort of training the group offers. The committee should recommend that that happens and we should go out to tender on the provision of this sort of training for the committee and every other MSP.
There are two issues. The committee will have to discuss the equal opportunities training that we and other MSPs might require. Secondly, we will have to discuss who would provide that training. We have to adhere to certain procurement procedures when commissioning training or services. It would be worth finding out who is on the list of people from whom we can get services or training and why they are on that list. Perhaps we can address ourselves initially to what training would be required by the committee, other MSPs and our staff.
Last year, the Parliament ran training sessions on many issues. I thought that the Parliament had someone who was responsible for the training of MSPs. Perhaps we have to approach those members of staff.
Does the committee want to discuss training requirements for MSPs at a future meeting? We could find out what is available and make recommendations to other committees about training that would be useful in relation to the equality proofing of legislation.
We should be more definite about it. Disability awareness training is extremely effective, as anyone who has had some will know. It is useful to be wheeled round in a wheelchair or have one's sight blanked out while doing everyday tasks. That lets the trainee find out what it is like to have an impairment. There is no way that such immediate awareness can be gained without similar training. It would be good if the Equal Opportunities Committee could lead by example and undergo that type of awareness heightening. It colours one's outlook and affects the way in which one makes decisions thereafter. I would like to propose that the committee agree that such training would be desirable and that we recommend that our fellow MSPs undergo it.
What I recommended does not preclude what you are saying, Nora. I recommend that we produce a report about what training is available. That will allow us to consider the general equality training needs of the committee and of other MSPs and determine what training providers are on approved lists and why they are on those lists. We could have a more specific discussion once we have produced that report, which we will do as soon as possible.
That concludes the meeting.
Meeting closed at 11:00.
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