ALLIANCE responds to the SPCB Supported Bodies Landscape review
- Area of Work: Policy and Research
- Type: News Item
- Published: 24th February 2025
Our response calls for a human rights based approach to outcomes, and to consider how to strengthen the SHRC.
The ALLIANCE have submitted a response to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) Supported Bodies Landscape Review Committee’s call for views. The Committee was established to review and develop a framework for SPCB supported bodies, which include a number of Commissioners such as the Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) and the Commissioner for Children and Young People. This follows an earlier inquiry by the Finance and Public Administration Committee that the ALLIANCE also responded to.
Whilst the ALLIANCE continues to support calls previously made for an Older People’s Commissioner and a Disabled People’s Commissioner, we are also aware of the significant number of proposals for Commissioners, and the concerns around resource, capacity and fragmentation.
Commissioners have an essential role to play in upholding and realising human rights. It is essential that Scotland’s Commissioner landscape is effective and accessible, and that Commissioners have adequate, appropriate resources and powers. In our response, the ALLIANCE recommend that:
- A human rights based approach should be taken to selecting, measuring and demonstrating outcomes.
- Scrutiny of rights-based Commissioners by the Scottish Parliament should extend beyond subject committees and engage the whole parliament in the discussion around human rights.
- Rights based Commissioners should have a consistent set of core powers relating to policy, investigations and legal interventions.
- The Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) in particular should be given an expanded remit and suite of powers, including the provision of legal advice, the right to raise proceedings in its own name, and to compel evidence.
- A “rapporteurship” model of group or rights specific Rapporteurs for the SHRC should be considered.
You can read the full response via the resource links below.
End of page.
You may also like:
Obesity Action Scotland are hosting a focus group to hear your views on GLP-1 medicines.
Continue readingThe annual survey by Carers UK helps to shape campaigns and policy work, based on the experiences of unpaid carers.
Continue readingThe Practice Learning Review Consultation will remain open until 23 July 2026
Continue readingMulti-year funding was at the centre of the Scottish Parliament debate on a Third Sector Partnership Agreement
Continue readingThe letter urges honesty on the financial challenges facing Scotland, and progressing reforms to council tax.
Continue readingALLIANCE consultation response calls for clearer guidance, sustained investment and local support to make carers' breaks a reality.
Continue readingThe letter also calls on the Scottish Government to appoint a dedicated Cabinet Secretary for Human Rights.
Continue readingThe letter calls on the UK Government to take steps to fully incorporate economic, social and cultural rights in law.
Continue readingParties set out positions on human rights, social care and more at our hustings ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election.
Continue readingAfter the Scottish Government scrapped the initial review, the most recent proposal suggests a smaller number of broader outcomes.
Continue readingYoung people’s feedback will help NHS 24 better understand needs and improve support services.
Continue readingALLIANCE input and lived experience evidence help shape stronger, person-centred and trauma-informed maternity care
Continue readingSupporting stronger information rights, while warning delivery must work for an already stretched sector
Continue readingA new resource by Adaptation Scotland to help social care professionals integrate climate adaptation into care planning and delivery.
Continue readingRead more about the ALLIANCE response to the report on the impact of COVID-19 on the health and social care sector in Scotland.
Continue readingUp to £20 million to be delivered via Independent Living Fund to help people live in their communities
Continue readingRefined plans focus on practical measure to improve outcomes for people with learning disabilities, autism and neurodivergence.
Continue readingMarie Curie has published new analysis showing that almost one in three people in Scotland die without the palliative care they need.
Continue readingThis budget must put the third sector on a sustainable footing, and deliver on the Government's pledge to abolish social care charges.
Continue readingShare your views before 19 February
Continue readingReform of the council tax system is long overdue, with the current system negatively impacting funding for services including social care.
Continue readingFirst monitoring report shows improvements in wellbeing and services alongside ongoing gaps in data and unequal outcomes
Continue readingProgress in many areas is welcome, but the budget must go further on social care, mental health and third sector support.
Continue readingThe 'joint statement on prevention' partners have issued a follow-up ahead of the 2026-27 Scottish Budget.
Continue readingEvent calls for human rights to be a priority ahead of the Scottish Parliament Elections in 2026.
Continue reading