Creative Industries Leadership Group minutes: March 2026

Attendees and apologies

• Angus Robertson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture
• Brian Coane, Chair, Leith Agency
• Dougal Perman, Inner Ear UK
• Jenny Todd, The Literary Office
• Janice Kirkpatrick, Graven
• Ciorstaidh Monk, Fashion Interrupted
• Carol Sinclair, Sinclair Wilson
• Colin Anderson, Reforged Studios
• Rachael Arnold, Creative Entrepreneurs' Club
• Jacqueline Donachie, Artist
• David Smith, Screen Scotland
• Morgan Petrie, Creative Scotland
• Briana Pegado FRSA, Chair Independent Culture Fair Work Task Force

Apologies

• Stefano Faiella, Threesixty Architecture
• Alex Smith, Light Dark Light CIC
• Sueann Rochester, Wild Child Animation
• Jane Muirhead, Raise the Roof productions

Items and actions

Welcomes and Introductions

The meeting opened with thanks from the Chair to members and to the Cabinet Secretary for attending. The Cabinet Secretary acknowledged the imminent start of the pre-election period but nevertheless emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum in the work underway.

An introduction was made to the presenter, who would provide an overview of the development of the Culture Fair Work Task Force recommendations, noting that a response may be issued to the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee before the end of the current parliamentary term.

Presentation: Culture Fair Work Taskforce Recommendations Report

The presenter outlined the composition of the Culture Fair Work Task Force group, its approach and grounding in the Fair Work Framework. A total of sixteen recommendations were produced, which also included outlining the basis for a proposed Fair Work Charter as opposed to pursuing a standalone agreement. The Task Force focused on key issues which included challenges affecting freelancers and small traders, the difficulties of the current Standard Industry Classification (SIC) code representation, learning from Ireland’s Basic Income for Artists pilot scheme, UK Industrial Strategy discussions and Creative UK’s freelance champion proposal.

The Task Force recommendations included establishing a Freelance Commissioner and Commission, alongside exploring minimum income standards and developing a Fair Work Fund to assist organisations to roll-out the Fair Work recommendations.

Task Force members had also discussed the importance of sector growth, sustainability, maintaining conditionality in public funding and ongoing Trade Union engagement. Alongside wider considerations which included Artificial Intelligence (AI), forthcoming UK employment legislation, and international models. The presenter invited questions and suggested that the group could support promotion of the report, data collection and advocacy, highlighting alignment with the 2030 Fair Work Nation ambition.

In response CILG members discussed issues regarding the unpaid work expectations largely perpetuated by sectors outside of the Creative Industries. Members also discussed public sector practices, AI ethics, SIC code data challenges, and opportunities for leadership in advancing a Fair Work Charter. Connections were made to community wealth building, social value, and future phases of work.

Update from meetings since last session

An update was provided from the Chair of the AI subgroup which took place on 17 February 2026. The subgroup had received an update on Scotland’s AI Strategy and emerging recommendations relating to pathfinder initiatives and practical frameworks.

Members emphasised the need for reframing the creative industries as an innovative sector. Subgroup members discussed a stronger collaboration with academia and ethical considerations in AI deployment. The Cabinet Secretary reflected on UK Government developments within the AI space and the need for coherent Scottish Government action. Further perspectives were shared from members on the areas of publishing and education in respect of concerns about the growing quality of AI-generated content.

An earlier session held on 26 January 2026 had provided interested members with an opportunity to discuss the Independent Review of Creative Scotland. A summary provided of this session highlighted the recurring themes of unpaid work, data gaps, and the importance of promoting the report. It was noted that there were concerns about representation of all subsectors, the need for robust economic data, and the role of Creative Scotland in supporting sector-wide innovation. Members expressed interest in continued engagement with the next stages of the review process.

Overview: Scotland House London

The Government update included an overview of Scotland House London’s work in supporting economic engagement, cultural promotion, and international activity. Opportunities were identified for the creative industries to benefit from this infrastructure through visibility, partnerships, and event participation. CILG members highlighted successful examples of cultural promotion in London and expressed interest in improved coordination, including a shared events calendar.

Updates from Scottish Government

The Government update included informing members of the UK Industrial Strategy, the Creative Industries Sector Plan and the conclusion of BBC Charter renewal consultation. Opportunities for engagement during the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games were also flagged to CILG members for information.

The Chair summarised and closed the meeting with notes to circulate opportunities, subgroup recommendations, and relevant documentation, as well as agreement on continued engagement in upcoming consultations and cross‑sector links with community wealth building and Fair Work activity.

Actions

• Scotland House London (SHL) colleagues to send a forward look calendar and introduce CILG members to SHL culture representative.
• circulate further information on Commonwealth Games opportunities for further discussion.
• circulate AI subgroup recommendations to wider CILG membership.