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Taylor has not recommended that referral fees be banned, but we will look at the options that would protect consumers around things like cold calling and having a voluntary code. We are cautious about referral fees.
In Ireland, a system was used whereby the evidence that was received was coded, which gave the individuals who gave evidence anonymity but allowed them to trace how their evidence influenced the report.
Can we take simple steps, such as coding patients’ files, to tell secretaries who issue letters that people require information in other formats or languages?
In accordance with section 3 of the code of conduct for members of the Scottish Parliament, it is my duty to invite members to declare any interests that are relevant to the committee’s remit.
I have visited the college, including its coding academy, on a number of occasions and I have seen the breadth of activity that it is engaged in within key sectors such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics, ICT and coding.
We will also beef up the text of things such as the code of practice, which is under revision, in relation to responsible medical and mental health officers submitting applications at the earliest opportunity.
All we can do is make sure that our members are properly trained, kept up to date, subject to a proper code and disciplined if they do not conform to the proper way of operating.
However, it is difficult to know where to draw the line. I should note that the ASFB’s code of good governance contains a section on this issue that makes it clear that any board member with a financial interest in a decision should make it known.