Chamber and committees

Following a Parliamentary motion (S6M-16571) in February 2025, Scottish Enterprise undertook a review of its human rights due diligence checks. The Scottish Government supported this motion, and therefore supported a review undertaken by Scottish Enterprise.

Scottish Government officials remained in close contact with Scottish Enterprise throughout its review, exchanging and providing relevant advice and views where appropriate. This included in relation to Scottish Government’s own guidance which sets out recommendations on how we, our executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies should undertake appropriate due diligence on companies, including their human rights record, before entering into an "investment relationship" with them. It is however for the accountable officer of each agency and non-departmental public body to ensure that their organisation complies with guidance issued by Scottish ministers.

The former Deputy First Minister updated Parliament in December (S6W-42527 on 11 December 2025) 2025 that Scottish Enterprise had confirmed that its updated human rights due diligence policy and procedure was substantially finalised and being operationalised in a phased manner.

Decisions regarding the publication and disclosure of information held by Scottish Enterprise, including its updated human rights diligence procedure, are ultimately an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.

It is my understanding however, that Scottish Enterprise does intend to publish its human rights due diligence policy, at a future date.

All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers.

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-01726 on 30 July 2026. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers.

The Scottish Government has not undertaken a separate assessment of the extent of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) within university estates.

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-01597 on 30 July 2026. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers.

The Scottish Government has not carried out an assessment of the impact of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) on staff and students within university buildings and campuses.

The safety of staff and students is of paramount importance. Responsibility for the management and safety of buildings rests with institutions as estate owners. Institutions are expected to take a risk-based approach to identifying, managing and mitigating any risks associated with RAAC, taking account of relevant professional guidance.

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-01597 on 30 July 2026. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers.

Scottish Universities, as with all those with responsibility for building ownership and property management, should follow the advice and guidance on the identification, management and mitigation of risks associated with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) provided by professional organisations such as the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE).

The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) continues to engage with colleges and universities on estate-related matters, including issues relating to RAAC, and keeps the Scottish Government informed of sector-wide developments.

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-01597 on 30 July 2026. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers.

The Scottish Government has not undertaken a specific assessment of any potential impact on Merchiston Castle arising from the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) within buildings on Edinburgh Napier University's Merchiston Campus.

As part of its outcomes framework and assurance model the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) engages directly with institutions on estate matters and has maintained oversight of issues relating to RAAC across the tertiary education sector. The Scottish Government remains in regular contact with the SFC regarding it’s assessment of sector-wide risks, issues and impacts.

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-01597 on 30 July 2026. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers.

Turnout at the most recent Scottish Parliament election in May 2026 was 53.2%, down 10% on 2021. The Scottish Government has sought to remove barriers to voting by improving accessibility, focusing in 2026 on those with sight loss. Through the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Act 2025 we have created opportunities to pilot improved registration of voters, and to improve democratic engagement with the overall aim of increasing turnout.

The Scottish Government ran a public consultation on the future of secure care between January and April 2026. We expect to receive independent analysis of the consultation responses and outputs over the coming weeks. Consideration will be given over the autumn to next steps and action to be taken. Future Government action will also be informed by the findings from the Committee for the Prevention of Torture and other key information sources.

The Scottish Government recognises that the Scottish Local Government Pension Scheme (SLGPS) funds have a fiduciary duty to ensure that investment decisions are made in the best interests of scheme members and participating employers. This can include environmental, social and governance considerations.

The Scottish Government is working with local authorities and other stakeholders to develop guidance on delivering the objectives in the Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Act 2026. We already have an open dialogue with the SLGPS funds to explore how increased investment into projects and businesses in Scotland might be unlocked.

Responsibility for the management, maintenance and safety of university buildings rests with the institution as the owner of the estate. Responsibility for engagement with institutions on these matters lies with the Scottish Funding Council (SFC). As part of its outcomes framework and assurance model the SFC engages directly with institutions on estate matters and has maintained oversight of issues relating to RAAC across the tertiary education sector.

The Scottish Government remains in regular contact with the SFC regarding it’s assessment of sector-wide risks, issues and impacts.