Covid Inquiries Engagement Group (CIREG) minutes: February 2026

Attendees and apologies

Chair

• Kate Forbes MSP, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic

Members

• Adam Stachura, Age Scotland
• Francesca Malila, CEMVO Scotland
• Maia Pace, Inclusion Scotland
• Michelle Davitt, LGBT Health and Wellbeing
• Margaret Chiwanza, Minority Ethnic Carers of People Project (MECOPP)
• Maggie Waterton, Scottish Covid Bereaved
• Linda Somerville (Deputy General Secretary), Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC)
• Peter Kelly, The Poverty Alliance
• Juliet Swann, Transparency International (UK)

Observers

• Claire Tynte-Irvine, Co-Director for Covid Inquiries Response Directorate
• Aileen MacArthur, Covid Inquiries Response Directorate
• Nicole Murphy, Covid Inquiries Response Directorate

Secretariat

• Emma Nycz, Covid Inquiries Response Directorate

• Fiona Mackay, Covid Inquiries Response Directorate

• David Lynch, Covid Inquiries Response Directorate

Policy officials in attendance 

Theme 1. Scientific and expert advice

• Colin Cook, Director of Economic Development
• Jo Ward, Science Advice and Engagement Team

Theme 2. Communications and digital access

• Helen Webster, Deputy Director, Head of Cabinet, Parliament and Governance Division
• Geoff Huggins, Chief Digital Officer

Theme 3. Decision-making structures and framework for considering those at risk in an emergency

• Lisa McGuinness, Director of Strategy and Delivery Directorate

Theme 4. Transparency and scrutiny in decision making

• Helen Webster, Deputy Director, Head of Cabinet, Parliament and Governance Division
• Chris Mackie, Deputy Director, Constitution and UK Relations

Items and actions

Welcome and outline

The chair welcomed CIREG members and senior policy officials, outlining the purpose of the meeting to hear members’ views on the draft module 2 response, and to ensure their feedback is taken into account in finalising the response. Senior policy officials leading on elements of the response joined the meeting to hear feedback directly from CIREG members

The chair noted ongoing co-ordination with the UK Government and devolved governments, and the likely timetable for publication.

Summary of key points

The chair then opened up the discussion with the group, which followed the four themes of the Scottish Government response, with input from senior policy leads for each theme.

Discussion theme – Decision-making structures and framework for considering those at risk in an emergency (theme 3)

The importance of taking a human rights approach was discussed, and it was suggested the response would benefit from including a reference to human rights being central to the response

The Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) process was highlighted as an area where future processes need stronger safeguards

There was a suggestion to widen “vulnerable groups” to “all those negatively impacted”, recognising dynamic vulnerability (including poverty)

Technical terms, including in particular Exercise Pegasus need more explanation for general audiences

It is not clear what “accept in principle” means, and this needs further explanation within the response

Action: A reference to the dynamic nature of vulnerability should be added to the response; and

Action: Arrange follow up discussion between officials and Inclusion Scotland, on EQIAs and Exercise Pegasus.

Discussion theme - Transparency and scrutiny in decision making (theme 4)

The response to recommendation 15 should emphasise robust business‑as‑usual scrutiny processes that can flex during emergencies

Standards for minute‑taking and record‑keeping should be referenced. There should be more clarity on how decisions are made

It was outlined that scrutiny is not just about parliament, it is also about the public. Consideration should be given to explain how future decision‑making will be better communicated to the public

There was a discussion about how scrutiny is not solely about legislation and how the development of guidance should also be scrutinised

It was noted that some issues raised may fall outside the response to Module 2 recommendations

Action: The point about scrutiny not being solely about legislation should be reflected in the response.

Discussion theme - Communications and digital access (theme 2)

Consider greater clarity on which languages government communications will be translated into and the rationale for their selection

Importance of supporting people with limited literacy

The response should reflect the diversity of communication channels, including non-digital and in person resources.

Discussion theme - Scientific and expert advice (theme 1)

The response should consider how third party organisations providing expert input can be supported

Need clearer detail on how diverse groups are involved and how their perspectives are incorporated into scientific advice processes.

Conclusion

The chair noted that primary audience for the response is Lady Hallett, chair of the Inquiry

The chair confirmed CIREG members were content for the response to include links to CIREG’s Terms of Reference and minutes

The chair noted that this was the final meeting of CIREG and it would be for incoming Ministers to consider further stakeholder engagement

Any feedback on the CIREG process would be welcomed

The chair thanked everyone for their engagement and contributions.