committees

• describe the role of committees - examine areas


  One role of committees is to examine

  particular areas in detail. Committees will have a particular

  subject that they focus on - for example - Education. Being part

  of a Committee allows an MSP to specialise in a particular area of

  interest. Most MSPs are members of at least one committee.

  Each committee is given a particular area or subject to examine in

  detail. For example, the Education Committee considers and

  reports on matters relating to school and pre-school education.
• describe a role of committees - collect and hear evidence


  Another role of committees is to collect and hear evidence.

  This is when a committee will take evidence from witnesses or

  experts to assist in their inquiries. Committees can take this

  evidence in person, by email or letter or even through

  videoconferencing. For example, on 12th August 2020, the

  Education and Skills Committee heard evidence from SQA Chief

  executive Fiona Robertson on the National 5 and Higher results

  after exams were cancelled as a result of Covid19.
• describe a role of committees - scrutinise legislation


  A final role of committees in the Scottish Parliament is to

  scrutinise legislation. This means that they look closely at

  proposed new laws (Bills) and can propose amendments (changes).

  For example, the Education committee worked closely with the

  SQA when deciding about new education policies and decided to

  ‘phase out’ Unit Assessments for National 5 and Higher.