Strategic commercial assets

Commercial advice

The procurement of independent expert advice, where required to support advice to Scottish Ministers, is purchased and managed in accordance with Public Contracts Scotland Regulations 2015.

Contracts are published on Public Contracts Scotland where relevant, the framework agreement for purchase of commercial advice is used. 

The invitation to tender for a refreshed purchase framework agreement closed in July 2025.  Results will be published when available. 

An internal register of commercial advice is maintained by the division to enable regular review of material sensitivity status.  The Transparency Assurance Panel meet regularly to review the register of commercial advice and make recommendations of readiness for publication.

Transparency Assurance Panel

The Transparency Assurance Panel was set up in response to a recommendation from the Transparency Review completed by the division.  The primary objective of the panel is to enhance transparency of SCAD’s management of information used in decision making, thus promoting openness and building public trust. 

Establishment of the panel introduces a formal structure of scrutiny and oversight in the assessment of publication readiness of material commissioned by SCAD. 

The panel aims to meet twice a year to review the SCAD commercial advice register and provide recommendations for publication readiness.

The inaugural meeting of the Transparency Assurance Panel is scheduled for 30 October 2025.  Its first task will be to review the information pack of commercial advice relating to Ferguson Marine (Port Glasgow) Ltd provided to the Public Audit Committee on 7 February 2025.