UNCRC Strategic Implementation board minutes: November 2022 - Summary

Attendees and apologies

Members of the Board

• Gina Wilson, Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland (CYCPS)
• Laura-Ann Currie on behalf of Gayle Gorman, Education Scotland
• Maxine Jolly on behalf of Gayle Gorman, Education Scotland
• Jennifer Davidson, Institute for Inspiring Children’s Futures
• Laura Pasternak, Coalition of Care and Support Providers (CCPS)
• Dragan Nastic, UNICEF
• Juliet Harris, Together Scotland
• Des Murray, SOLACE
• Rebekah Cameron-Berry, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA)
• Clare Simpson, Parenting Across Scotland
• Chloe Riddell, The Promise Scotland
• Katy Kelman on behalf of Kay McCorquodale, Scottish Courts and Tribunal Services

Scottish Government officials

• Michael Chalmers (Chair), Director for Children and Families
• Andrew Preston, UNCRC Programme Assistant
• Carola Eyber, Embedding Children’s Rights in Public Services team
• Liz Levy, Children’s Rights Joint Unit Head
• Lyndsey Saki, Embedding Children’s Rights in Public Services Programme Lead
• Nicola Hughes, Children’s Rights Joint Unit Head
• Paul Gorman, Empowered Children and Young People Lead
• Shona Spence, UNCRC Bill Lead
• Amy Kerr, SGLD
• Caroline McMenemy, Empowered Children and Young People team

Guests

• Colin Morrison, Children’s Parliament

Apologies

• Gayle Gorman, Education Scotland
• Laura Caven, COSLA
• Ben Farrugia, Social Work Scotland
• Victoria Morton, SGLD
• Rachel Nicholson, SGLD
• David Wallace, Social Security Scotland
• Michael Cameron, Scottish Housing Regulator
• Angela Leitch, Public Health Scotland
• Gayle Devlin, Social Security Scotland
• Kay McCorquodale, Scottish Courts and Tribunal Services
• Donna MacLean, Healthcare Improvement Scotland
• Gary Ritchie, Police Scotland
• Norma Ruettimann, Care and Learning Alliance (CALA)
• Craig Morris, Care Inspectorate
• Richmond Davies, Public Health Scotland

Items and actions

What is the Strategic Implementation Board?

The Strategic Implementation Board (or SIB, for short) is a group of people that meet every month.

They support the Government to make the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) part of Scots law.

They put in place support for organisations, children and young people and their families to help ensure that children’s rights are made real. They discuss if the work is on track and help to resolve any problems in trying to make this happen.

There are people on the SIB from Police, Education, Health, Social Work, children’s rights organisations, and the Scottish Government.

What was discussed at this meeting?

Progress with the Bill

Members were told that the Scottish Government are speaking with the UK Government about the changes being made to the UNCRC Bill. It is not yet known whether the UK Government agree with the changes, but the discussions show that the changes are being carefully considered.

Children’s Parliament

A member of staff from the Children’s Parliament attended the meeting to talk about the work they do to help make children’s rights real. They spoke about two projects called Dignity in Schools and the UNCRC Skills and Knowledge Framework.

These projects help to build understanding of children’s rights and the UNCRC among adults who work in children’s services. More information about the Children’s Parliament is available on their website.

Parts 2 and 3 guidance

When the Bill is passed, the Scottish Government will publish statutory guidance. Statutory guidance is a formal document that explains what public authorities are required to do by law.

The guidance will help public authorities review whether their policies and actions are in line with the rights set out in the UNCRC.

In March 2022, a sub-group was set up to help develop this guidance. First drafts have been shared with the group for review and feedback.

There will be a consultation on the guidance as soon as possible after the Bill is formally approved. A consultation is a process where people are asked for their views and opinions on a specific topic. Children will be involved in the consultation.

Participation of children aged 1 to 14

An agenda item was requested to discuss the participation of children aged 1 to 14 in the UNCRC Implementation Programme.

Many projects within the programme have already been developed with children and young people. These include Rights Right Now!, the Theory of Change and a new animation. Children and young people are also involved in Cabinet and Executive team takeovers.

Members were told about existing resources that support participation with children and young people. It was also shared that next year the Scottish Government will publish new Guidance for Policy Makers on Participation and Consultation. This guidance will support people to involve infants, children and young people in decision-making processes.

Next meeting

The next meeting of the SIB will be held on Tuesday 20 December 2022.