UK Covid-19 Inquiry - Module 2 report: Scottish Government response - easy read

1. Science and expert advice

The Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland is the Scottish Government’s most senior adviser on science issues.

Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) is run by the UK’s Chief Scientific Adviser. It meets whenever there is a health emergency. The Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland attends the group.

Recommendation 2. All 4 UK nations should go to SAGE meetings

The UK Government Office for Science should invite Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to go to SAGE meetings at the start of an emergency.

Scottish Government response

The Scottish Government welcomes this and will continue working with the Government Office for Science.

The Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland will lead for the Scottish Government and attend future SAGE meetings. They will go with other advisers depending on the emergency.

How

We are speaking with the Government Office for Science. They will update their guidelines for how SAGE meets. The Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland will lead with other advisers depending on the emergency.

Recommendation 3. List of experts

The UK Government Office for Science should have a list of experts in the 4 nations of the UK. These experts could join science meetings and discuss emergencies. The list should be regularly updated.

Scottish Government response

The Scottish Government welcomes this. We want to make sure there are experts from Scotland in the group.

The Scottish Government is working with the Government Office for Science. Experts from Scotland will be put forward for the list for future emergencies.

In Scotland this work is led by the Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser.

When and how

The Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland will speak to other science advisers to find experts.

A list of experts will be shared and spoken about with the Government Office for Science by August 2026. There will be a yearly review.

Recommendation 5. Support for people in advisory groups

All governments should work on the rules for appointing experts and advisers. These rules should include:

• clear explanation about what the work involves and how much time it will take
• payment

• access to support services
• access to advice on personal and online security.

Scottish Government response

The Scottish Government welcomes this. Rules will improve support for experts and advisers.

Science experts should explain important information in a way that everyone can understand.

The Scottish Government will introduce new rules for expert groups. This will make sure all experts and advisers are recognised for their time and knowledge.

The Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser will lead this and work with the other governments.

When and how

Talks with experts, advisers and other governments will happen in 2026. Scottish ministers will receive more information by January 2027.