The Scottish Parliament

👋 Welcome to The Scottish Parliament's LinkedIn. We encourage healthy debate, but it is important to remain respectful to other commenters. Comments which insult others, use harmful or offensive language, distribute known unsubstantiated news, or repeat messages (spam) will be deleted. Take a look at our online discussion rules: https://ow.ly/UIMI50R20yY

🆕 Vacancy | Scottish Public Services Ombudsman The Ombudsman investigates complaints about most organisations providing public services in Scotland where a member of the public claims to have suffered injustice or hardship as a result of maladministration or service failure. This is high profile, demanding and challenging role. We are looking for a talented individual with excellent communication skills, experience of delivering functions within a statutory framework, excellent judgment to reach sound and impartial decisions, a proven track record of strategic leadership and demonstrable experience of delivering results. This is a full-time, fixed term, appointment for 8 years and attracts a starting salary of £142,661. The Ombudsman’s office is based in Edinburgh. Find out more and apply 🔗 https://ow.ly/8qUh50Utb5p #JobVacancy #PublicServiceJobs #EdinburghJobs #Ombudsman #ScotlandJobs #LeadershipRole #CareerOpportunities

The Education Committee visited the SCOTTISH OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRES as part of their consideration of the Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill introduced by Liz Smith MSP. You can find out more about the Bill at https://ow.ly/QoJN50UsyeX

"The Scottish Government should take strong and positive action to address the barriers that disabled people continue to face in realising their rights". A new report from the Scottish Parliament highlights the urgent need for the Scottish Government to tackle barriers faced by disabled people in realising their rights. The Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee reviewed a proposal to create a Disability Commissioner. The Committee has not made a decision about recommending whether the Bill be passed or rejected but has instead called for a full debate and strong action from the Government. Disabled people gave sometimes upsetting evidence, saying they feel dehumanised and ignored by the system. Delays to key legislation - like the Human Rights Bill - have added to their frustrations. Karen Adam MSP said: "Disabled people too often feel let down and abandoned by public bodies. It is crucial that disabled people and disabled people’s organisations are able to play an active role in the development of the policies and approaches that are required to overcome these barriers". Read the report https://ow.ly/R71x50Uoq51

The National Robotarium is an innovative project funded by a City Growth Deal. Committee Convener Colin Smith MSP and Committee members recently visited this world-leading centre for Robotics and Artificial Intelligence at Heriot-Watt University’s campus. City Region and Regional Growth Deals are designed to bring about long-term improvements to regional economies, attract investment, create new jobs and accelerate inclusive economic growth. The Economy and Fair Work Committee is currently looking at the Deals - funded by the UK and Scottish Governments and agreed with local partners - considering whether they : ⚪ address local priorities ⚪ contribute long-term benefits to local economies. ⚪ are flexible enough to deliver ⚪ remain consistent with economic development strategy. Follow the Committee's inquiry over the coming weeks on the Committee’s X account (https://ow.ly/aW3k50Uoa6M) as they look at some of challenges in delivering value for money for Scotland through these Deals.

We're looking for a Senior Broadcast Operator Engineer! 📣🆕 ➡️ £36,619 to £43,665 (£43,764 to £52,183 FTE) ➡️ Apply before 11.59pm on Tuesday 17 December As Senior Broadcast Operator Engineer you’ll be part of a team ensuring the flawless operation and maintenance of a wide range broadcast systems and equipment in committees and the Debating Chamber. 🔗 Find out more and apply: https://ow.ly/nRvW50Umj1a #BroadcastEngineering #JobOpening #EngineeringJobs #BroadcastOperator #SeniorEngineer #MediaCareers #TechJobs #JobAlert #Broadcasting #CareerOpportunities

Scottish Parliament Committee calls for major changes to Education (Scotland) Bill The Education, Children and Young People Committee has called for significant amendments to the Scottish Government's Education (Scotland) Bill. The Bill aims to replace the SQA – Scottish Qualifications Authority and create a standalone Chief Inspector of Education office. Douglas Ross MSP, Committee Convener, stressed the need for public trust and accountability: "Reforms must deliver bodies that earn the confidence of learners, parents, and teachers. Stronger accountability and clearer structures are vital for success." Key recommendations include ensuring Qualifications Scotland operates independently, empowering the new Inspectorate to challenge Ministers, and making the Inspectorate's remit clearer. The Committee also recognised that the Government plans broader education reforms, beyond the Bill. Mr Ross continued, "we await a more coherent vision [on wider reform] from the Cabinet Secretary before the end of the year." Read the report online at https://ow.ly/sEN850Uk1kx #Education

This afternoon The Scottish Parliament is meeting as a Committee of the Whole Parliament to debate Stages 2 and 3 Proceedings of the Prisoners (Early Release) (Scotland) Bill. You can find out more about Emergency Legislation and how it works on our website at https://ow.ly/JYRc50UfEpx Read about the Bill itself at https://ow.ly/5E3R50UfEpv

"What is not acceptable is the level of abuse and harassment that is directed at young women" Dr Rebecca Mason from The Young Women's Movement gave evidence to the Equalities Committee about the challenges facing women in particular in politics. #edinburgh #scottishparliament #womeninpolitics

The Economy and Fair Work Committee have been looking at the difference in employment rates between disabled and non-disabled people in Scotland, otherwise known as the disability employment gap. The Scottish Government has committed to halving the disability employment gap by 2038: the rate has fallen from 37.5% in 2016 to 30.3% in 2023. The Committee's inquiry has shown that most of the progress is down to more people already in work reporting a disability, not more disabled people finding work. We also learned that people who have learning disabilities or who are neurodiverse are less likely to find work and stay in employment. Here Convener Colin Smyth MSP sets out how the third sector can contribute to the progress made, and what charities need to help them to improve employment prospects for more disabled people. Read on here: https://ow.ly/weVw50Ucz3J #DisabilityEmployment #InclusiveWorkplace #ScotlandEmployment #FairWork #DisabilityAwareness #Neurodiversity #LearningDisabilities #EmploymentGap #ThirdSector