National Asset Transfer Action Group: terms of reference

Remit

The groups remit is to support the Scottish Government to: 

• explore options for gathering accurate and robust asset transfer data by reviewing current data gathering methods and considering how the reporting template issued annually to Relevant Authorities can be improved

• consider approaches to evaluating the impact of asset transfer on communities and how asset transfers are contributing to community empowerment and public service reform

• assess what updates may be required to the Asset Transfer Statutory Guidance documents to help strengthen the operation of asset transfers and how these should align with other documents such as the Scottish Public Finance Manual 

• share good practice by collating new asset transfer case studies and developing a question and answer document based on experience and learning to date

• consider actions to respond to other work identified in the review which include improved published registers of land, more clarity on arm’s length executive organisations and asset transfer and how to share learning from the Barmulloch and Inverclyde central hub models of support

• consider the need and feasibility of any legislative changes to asset transfer 

Membership is made up from representatives from relevant authorities listed in schedule 3 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 and key stakeholders.  

Meetings

Four meetings will be held per year with the first one in August 2025. The schedule of two hour meetings will be planned in advance but will be flexible and subject to change. Meetings will be held in person and will alternate between Scottish Government Buildings in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Hybrid arrangements can be made if required.

Group chair 

The meetings will be chaired by the Community Empowerment Team Leader in the Scottish Government. The Chair will agree the final agenda for each meeting of the group, involving members and facilitation support when needed. Members may ask for items to be included on the agenda. Agenda, supporting papers and a note of the previous meeting will be circulated to members as soon as is practicably possible. Meeting notes will be made publicly available.  

Secretariat support 

Secretariat support will be provided by the asset transfer policy manager in the Scottish Government’s Community Empowerment Team supported by the policy support officer. This will include:

• arranging all meetings
• taking minutes
• organising facilitators
• managing all IT requirements
• circulating the agenda and papers
• updating documents for the group’s consideration
• first point of contact for all queries

Membership 

Membership of the group is drawn from across the public and community sectors and will include relevant authorities, practitioners, academics and policy makers. New members may be appointed to the group as work progresses to secure the knowledge and expertise required. A full list of members is available.