CHS's senior policy expert has given evidence to the Scottish Parliament, as the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill makes progress towards becoming law.

Stephen Bermingham, Senior Policy and Standards Manager, presented CHS's views and answered MSPs' questions at Holyrood's Education, Children and Young People Committee.

He was giving evidence at the first of three stages of the Bill's passage through Parliament, in which MSPs of all parties scrutinise and amend the legislation before its eventual enactment into law. Appearing alongside Stephen at the Stage 1 session of the Committee were colleagues from NSPCC, Partners in Advocacy, the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration, Who Cares? Scotland and other partner organisations in the children's care sector.

CHS welcomes the Bill

Stephen began by making clear that CHS welcomes the proposals in the Bill. He said: 'One of the strengths of the hearings system, since it was established in the 1970s, has been its ability to evolve and adapt, and we see an number of provisions in the bill as potentially making a big improvement to both the experience and outcomes for children who attend children's hearings.' 

Together with colleagues from partner organisations he then addressed Committee Members' questions on CHS's detailed views on the provisions in the Bill.

Stephen's contribution is available to view on Scottish Parliament TV.

Changes designed to fulfil the Promise

In June CHS welcomed the introduction to Parliament of the CCCESP Bill. It was introduced following a public consultation in autumn 2024 which in turn followed the publication of the Hearings for Children report in May 2023. The Bill proposes changes not only to the hearings system but also to the wider care system, to enable the Scottish Government and its partners to fulfil the Promise.