Chamber and committees

Work on the reclassification of colleges as Central Government Bodies is overseen by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC). The SFC’s primary focus is to allow college reserves and surpluses to continue to be deployed for the benefit of the sector.

Under the Post-16 Education (Scotland) Act 2013, the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) will be the regional strategic body for the Highlands and Islands region. In its related Working Group report, UHI proposed that it would establish a committee to undertake this function.

Ministers have no powers to make appointments to the University or any of its committees and a public appointment process will not therefore apply in this region.

The funding for the Employability Fund is drawn from two budget lines, Skills Development Scotland’s core funding; and the Scottish Funding Council’s Further Education Programme budget.

Funding for the treatment time guarantee was part of the £230 million made available to NHS boards for the 18 weeks referral to treatment time target. This funding covered the period 2008-09 to 20010-11. This was made clear in the Patient Rights (Scotland) Bill Financial Memorandum placed in the Parliament on 17 March 2010. This funding is now reflected as part of NHS boards allocations.

In the current year NHS boards plan to make available £67 million to increase capacity. This is being used to recruit around 420 more doctors, nurses and support staff as well increasing theatre capacity. This investment will ensure patients are seen and treated quickly.

Action for Jobs - Supporting Young Scots into Work: Scotland's Youth Employment Strategy provides an overview of the government's all-Scotland, all-government approach to harnessing and supporting the national effort required to increase youth employment through a strategic approach which builds on the knowledge, experience and commitment of others.

As human rights are an important focus for the Scottish Government, I received a briefing from Amnesty International on the situation in Qatar before I travelled to the region. I did not receive a briefing from, nor was I contacted by, Reprieve before my visit.

Yes, I spoke about human rights and participative democracy whilst on my recent visit to the Gulf, in line with the principles of the Scottish Government’s International Framework. I also took the opportunity to speak about participation relating to young people and women.

As stated in the Scottish Government’s International Framework we will raise human rights where and when appropriate. During my recent brief visit to Qatar I was able to raise issues relating to freedom of artistic expression and human rights.

During my recent visit to the Gulf region I spoke about human rights and participative democracy in line with the principles of the Scottish Government’s International Framework. The planned elections for the Consultative Assembly of Qatar were not discussed.

Everyone who is registered, uses NHS services, has a personal interest in a patients’ health care, or is involved in the design and delivery of NHS services is exercising their rights under the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011.

The Charter of Patient Rights and Responsibilities available at:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/Policy/Patients-Rights/Patients-Rights-Charter summarises existing rights and responsibilities as well as what can be expected by patients when they use the NHS services and receive NHS care in Scotland.