News

Thursday, 3 December 2009

Statement from Tom Shaw, Chair of the Pilot Forum

Details:

Statement from Tom Shaw, Chair of the Pilot Forum

I am pleased to report that the first meeting of the Pilot Forum’s Advisory Group took place on Tuesday 1 December. This is an important step in the process leading to the work of the Pilot Forum.

The Advisory Group is essential to the task which my Commissioners and I will undertake. The members, who include survivors, bring essential knowledge and understanding and will help us to ensure that the Pilot Forum reflects the needs of survivors who come to tell us their stories.

I am aware of the full consultation which took place and helped to shape the proposals for and nature of the Pilot Forum. I will ensure that the Scottish Human Rights Commission framework guides all our work. I will do my upmost to build a process that respects that framework accurately and honestly.

I would find it helpful, in addition, to have feedback which can assist the Advisory Group on work which the Commissioners and I will be doing. Anyone who has an interest in our work is invited to contribute to it. This can be done best by commenting on draft papers for our meetings. Whenever possible the draft papers will be published on the SurvivorScotland website and comments can made on the feedback section of that site. All responses will be welcome and considered. I hope it will be evident, over time, that not only is our forum open and inclusive, but it is also responsive to the needs and interests of survivors and those working with them.

I look forward to benefiting from the responses received and from the contribution of the Advisory Group. I believe that, in this way, we will not only build a process for the Pilot Forum which is fit for purpose, but reflects our remit and commitment to open and honest communication with survivors.


Tom Shaw
Chair