The document, drawn up by clerks, authorised by the Parliamentary Bureau and agreed committee conveners, provides detailed information on all aspects of committee work, from their establishment and membership right through to the publication of reports.

Presiding Officer Sir David Steel welcomed the publication and believed it would prove useful to anyone involved in committee work. He said:

"A lot of work has been put in to this publication which, while primarly aimed at MSPs and clerking staff, will prove a useful reference point for anyone involved with or interested in the work of our 16 committees.

"It reflects the provisions of the Scotland Act and the Parliament’s Standing Orders, and importantly it seeks to embody the spirit of the Consultative Steering Group’s proposals for committees. It provides more detailed guidance, especially where Standing Orders are not prescriptive."

The guidance coves the whole range of committee’s functions from their establishment and membership through the conduct of their proceedings including meetings in public and in private to the issue of committee reports.

The guidance also covers the location of committee meetings and makes clear that committees are encouraged, in appropriate circumstances, to travel outside Edinburgh. It also deals with how the committees can inter-react in other ways with civic society including open forums, seminars, workshops or consensus conferences.

BACKGROUND NOTES

The document ‘Guidance for the Operation of Committees’ has been prepared by the Parliament’s Clerking Services Directorate.

It is available on the Parliament’s web-site. (click on title above)