The Scottish Parliament

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This week we were pleased to welcome 20 women to the Scottish Parliament to learn more about providing evidence to committees or appearing as a witness, and increase their confidence to take part. A wide range of views helps us to undertake our inquiries and make our recommendations. Our Economy and Fair Work Committee has been working with IoD Scotland and Women's Enterprise Scotland to encourage more women to come forward and have their voices heard within the Scottish Parliament. During the one-day event, attendees learned about how committees work. They met Convener Claire Baker, Deputy Convener Michelle Thomson and Member Lorna Slater to discuss how evidence helps the committee to be better informed about policy issues and to scrutinise government. A mock committee meeting helped attendees experience how it feels to give evidence on the record and increase their confidence. It ended with a visit from the Presiding Officer, who emphasised the importance of women contributing their views to public life in the parliament and beyond. Learn more about witness diversity at the Scottish Parliament: https://ow.ly/qE4550TJwbl

Scenes from 2004, showing the final touches to the building construction, and then the official opening ceremony, exactly 20 years ago today! Do you remember that day?

What have we learned about engaging with underrepresented groups? In this article we delve into what Parliament is doing to better engage, the importance of a tailored approach, and 5 key lessons we've learned when it comes to engaging people in Scotland.

Linda Peters, Senior Communications Manager and Chair of the Women’s Network, shares her experiences as part of #NationalInclusionWeeek. #ImpactMatters

Almost 50 young people from across Scotland will be part of our anniversary event on Saturday. They will perform a number of roles throughout the day to support the ceremonial parts of the event, including performing a guard of honour for Their Majesties The King and Queen. You can watch the live-stream of our 25th anniversary event online: https://parliament.scot/25 Enable, Girlguiding Scotland, John Smith Centre, LGBT Youth Scotland, Scottish Youth Parliament, Scouts Scotland, Sistema Scotland, The Boys' Brigade, THE GIRLS' BRIGADE IN SCOTLAND, The Young Women's Movement, Young Scot

The Scottish Parliament is 25!  Tune in to this special event on Saturday 28 September which celebrates Scotland, its people and our rich cultural heritage. More information including the programme for the day can be found here: www.parliament.scot/25 #ScotParl25 

Audit Scotland delivers independent and robust audits of Scotland’s public sector, working on behalf of the Auditor General for Scotland and the Accounts Commission. We are looking for a talented individual to join the Board of Audit Scotland. You will have excellent communication skills, the ability to challenge and influence decision making, recent audit experience and an understanding of the issues facing public bodies in Scotland. The appointment is for a fixed term of three years, with the possibility of renewal. The time commitment is 24 days per annum and attracts a daily fee rate of £352.14. Apply here https://ow.ly/1Kha50TpZgK Audit Scotland’s headquarters are at West Port Edinburgh.

Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney MSP, will appear before Holyrood’s Conveners Group for the first time at midday tomorrow, Wednesday, 18 September. The conveners of Holyrood’s 15 committees will be able to question the First Minister on a variety of important issues. This will be the first time Mr Swinney has appeared before Conveners Group since his election as First Minister in May. Liam McArthur MSP, Deputy Presiding Officer and chair of the Conveners Group, said: “A critical aspect of the Parliament’s work is that committees can hear evidence from members of the public, representatives from organisations and Ministers, as part of their scrutiny. This Conveners Group session will allow conveners to raise some of the topics discussed in committees with the First Minister.” You can watch online at: https://ow.ly/gMZU50Tp960

Their Majesties The King and The Queen will join a special celebration marking 25 years since the Scottish Parliament reconvened. This event on Saturday, 28 September will feature a showcase of Scottish music and culture, with performances from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Sistema Scotland and more. MSPs have also invited “local heroes” – community members who’ve made extraordinary contributions across Scotland. It’s an opportunity to celebrate both our country’s political journey and the people who continue to shape it. Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone MSP said of the planned event: “I look forward to welcoming people from all over Scotland for a day of reflection and celebration.” You can find out more about Parliament's 25th anniversary at https://ow.ly/McNp50Tm6Gy #Scotland #ScottishParliament #RoyalFamily #TheRoyalFamily #ScotParl25