FIRST Minister Humza Yousaf has written to SNP members to “personally” update them on the progress made by the transparency and governance review being undertaken by the party.
The SNP leader says in the email that he wants to be “open and transparent” with party members, and says that some changes recommended by the review may require changes to the SNP constitution.
Yousaf also told SNP members exactly who is on and leading the review group, adding that he wants to ensure that members are “at the heart of the communication of the review group's work”.
You can read the full email sent to SNP members here.
As your newly elected leader I have made it clear that I will be open and transparent with you, our members in respect to the Governance and Transparency Review. I wanted to contact you personally to let you know that work on this important issue is making progress.
At the 15th April meeting of the SNP’s National Executive Committee, it was agreed to establish a Governance and Transparency Review group which was tasked with using party expertise and, where appropriate, external input to review the SNP’s party governance.
In particular, the group was asked to:
- a) consider the report of the Governance Review in 2021 and the work of the NEC Sub-Group established to implement that review;
- b) consider best practice in the governance arrangements for similarly-sized membership organisations;
- c) identify useful lessons in governance and transparency, including financial transparency that can be learned;
- d) where necessary, identify and recommend changes to the SNP’s Constitution and Party Rules which would improve transparency, effectiveness, robust debate and good governance across the party;
- e) consider the structural position of Headquarters, and its interaction with the party at all levels; and to
- f) consult party members, existing NEC members and staff representatives on any provisional recommendations.
This working group will prepare an Interim report in advance of the June National Executive Committee meeting, focusing on changes that can be made without changes to the constitution and signalling what recommendations should be consulted on for a final report.
The final report will be produced in advance of the Annual National Conference and may include constitutional amendments, if necessary, as part of the recommendations of the working group.
The Governance and Transparency Review is composed of members of the National Executive Committee and non-NEC members. The members were chosen with regards to specific skills and experience in areas of governance that will be useful in its ongoing work.
The Review Group is Co-Convened by Michael Russell (Party President) and Lorna Finn (National Secretary). The membership of the committee includes: Councillor Ricky Bell, Jeane Freeman, Qasim Hanif, Councillor Alex Kerr, Gordon MacDonald MSP, Roger Mullin, Frances Murray, Siobhan Toland, and Elaine Wylie.
A crucial point of agreement from the initial meetings was to ensure that external input was sought during this review and that members are at the heart of the communication of the review group's work going forward.
You will receive updates as their work progresses and as outlined above the wider party will be at the heart of the process.
Humza Yousaf
SNP Leader
