Forensic Governance Advisory Group minutes: 29 May 2025

Attendees and apologies

Present

• Ms Esther Roberton (Chair)
• Dr Ian Dewar
• Mr Jim Cannon

In attendance

• Ms Jennifer Brady
• Ms Danielle McLeary

Items and actions

Welcome

The Chair welcomed attendees and confirmed that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the final amendments of the Group’s report.

Final report

The Group noted that the final report had been sent for fact-checking, which resulted in a small number of suggested amendments. The Group took the opportunity to discuss these changes to ensure that all members were comfortable with the proposed amendments and that the final version would accurately reflect the Group’s findings and recommendations.

It was agreed that the remaining minor amendments would be reviewed and finalised via correspondence over the coming days, to ensure the report could be completed promptly.

The Group confirmed that the final version of the report will be submitted to the Minister by Thursday 5th June 2025.

Action: Final changes to be completed and circulated for sign-off via correspondence.
Action: Report to be submitted to the Minister by 5th June 2025.

Any other busineess (AOB)

The Chair closed the meeting by expressing her sincere thanks to both members of the Group and to the excellent secretariat, Jenn Brady and Danielle McLeary. She noted that it had been a very interesting piece of work and a pleasure to work alongside everyone involved.

Update since meeting

The Group submitted their final report to the Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, Maree Todd on 4th June 2025. The Group are keen to hear the response from the service to their proposals and are looking forward to Scottish Government publishing the report and response.