1. Declaration of interests:

James Dornan MSP was invited to declare any relevant interests. James Dornan MSP had no relevant interests to declare.

2. Choice of Convener:

The Committee chose Natalie Don MSP as Convener. The Committee then chose Emma Roddick MSP as Deputy Convener.

3. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 6 and 7 in private.

4. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee considered the following negative instrument and agreed to make no recommendations— Scottish Child Payment (Saving Provisions) Regulations 2022

5. National Care Service (Scotland) Bill:

The Committee took evidence on the Bill at Stage 1 from—

Adam Stachura, Head of Policy and Communications, Age Scotland;

Dr Pauline Nolan, Head of Leadership and Civic Participation, Inclusion Scotland;

Suzanne Munday, Gypsy / Traveller Service Lead, MECOPP - Minority Ethnic Carers of People Project;

Paul Traynor, Head of External Affairs (Scotland), Carers Trust Scotland;

and then from—

Sarah Latto, Policy Officer, Volunteer Scotland;

Sara Cowan, Coordinator, Scottish Women's Budget Group;

Alison White, Convenor, Social Work Scotland;

Cara Stevenson, Organiser for the Women’s Campaign Unit, GMB Scotland.

Pam Duncan-Glancy declared an interest as a former employee of Inclusion Scotland.

6. National Care Service (Scotland) Bill (In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard earlier in the meeting.

7. Child Poverty and Parental Employment Inquiry (In Private):

The Committee agreed its approach to engagement.