Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee

1. Decision on taking business in private: The Committee will decide whether to take item 6 in private. 2. Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice – evidence: The Committee will take evidence from— Simita Kumar, Minister for Equalities and International Development, Catherine McMeeken, Deputy Director for Equalities, Kavita Chetty, Deputy Director for Human Rights, Rob Priestley, Head of Mainstreaming and Strategy Unit, Scottish Government; and then from— Kirsten Oswald, Minister for Victims and Community Safety, Anna Donald, Deputy Director, Criminal Justice Division, Denise Swanson, Deputy Director for Civil Law, Jo Gillies, Mainstreaming and Inclusion Strategic Lead, Scottish Government. 3. Instruments relating to fees of Messengers-at-Arms and Sheriff Officers – evidence: The Committee will take evidence on the Act of Sederunt (Fees of Messengers-at-Arms and Sheriff Officers) 2026 (SSI 2026/208) and the Act of Sederunt (Fees of Messengers-at-Arms and Sheriff Officers) (Amendment) 2026 (SSI 2026/252) from— Danielle McLaughlin, Interim Director, Scottish Civil Justice Council. Andrew Campbell, Lord President's Private Office. 4. Instruments relating to fees of Messengers-at-Arms and Sheriff Officers – motions recommending annulment: Holly Bruce to move— S7M-01282—That the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee recommends that the Act of Sederunt (Fees of Messengers-at-Arms and Sheriff Officers) 2026 (SSI 2026/208) be annulled, and S7M-01284—That the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee recommends that the Act of Sederunt (Fees of Messengers-at-Arms and Sheriff Officers) (Amendment) 2026 (SSI 2026/252) be annulled. 5. Instrument subject to annulment: The Committee will consider the Act of Sederunt (Taxation of Judicial Expenses Rules) (Amendment) 2026 (SSI 2026/238). 6. Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice - review of evidence: The Committee will review the evidence heard under agenda item 2.