MSPs' survey seeks to widen public engagement

A Holyrood committee is attempting to get more people involved in the work of the Scottish Parliament, in a survey reaching out to those who have not traditionally engaged with it.

The Citizen Participation & Public Petitions Committee has issued a call for views to organisations and a survey to people across Scotland, to help it better understand what people want from the Parliament, to help identify any barriers that might exist and to get their view on how the Parliament can involve, reflect and meet the needs of all the communities it serves.​

The MSPs say they want to make sure that the Parliament’s work "involves, reflects and meets the needs of the full range of communities it represents". They want to understand why some people never become involved, and what they can do "to make sure that the Scottish Parliament engages with everyone in a way that works for them".

They will also look at "ways in which peoples’ voices can be embedded in the work of the Parliament through innovative activities such as citizens’ assemblies".   

Committee convener Jackson Carlaw MSP commented: "This work has the potential to change how peoples’ voices are heard throughout the work of the Parliament. It is an opportunity to shape the conversation between the Parliament and the people it serves. 

"We know that many individuals, stakeholder groups and organisations access the Parliament for different reasons and make their voice heard as part of the democratic process. 

"But the Parliament is here for people from across Scotland regardless of background, but we know many groups and communities find it difficult to get involved in our work. Groups such as those who are disabled, from a minority ethnic background or who are living on a low income. 

"Understanding the reasons for this will mean we can more meaningfully reflect different perspectives as we develop law and policies that affect people and their communities."

The short multiple-choice survey for individuals, and the longer survey for individuals or organisations, are open until 30 June 2022.