SPCB(2016)Paper 5 January 2016

PARLIAMENTARY TRAVEL

Executive summary

1. The Corporate Body is invited to note forthcoming overseas parliamentary travel by CPA Scotland Branch members Patricia Ferguson MSP, Rhoda Grant MSP and Mary Scanlon MSP and, in accordance with paragraph 2.4.2 of the Code of Conduct for Members of the Scottish Parliament in relation to receipt by Members of travel, hospitality etc, approve the details of the travel and other costs associated with it.

Issues and Options

2. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association has organised a conference in Guernsey on 12 and 13 February 2016 on the theme “Influencing Policies and Legislation for the Empowerment of Women. The aims of the conference are:

 To build the capacity of women parliamentarians to deliver effective and sustainable policies to improve the situation of women across the CPA BIMR;  Build the capacity of women elected to parliament to be more effective in their roles;  Improve the awareness and ability of all parliamentarians, male and female, and encouraging them to include a gender perspective in all aspects of their role - legislation, oversight and representation;  Help parliaments to become gender-sensitive institutions;  Encourage more women into participation in politics;  Focus on themes of communication, advocacy and engagement;  Link with other groups and associations such as UN Women, UNDP and CSW; and  Expand the work and understanding of CWP.

3. The CPA Scotland Branch was invited to send three women delegates. For information, Patricia Ferguson will attend in her capacity as chair of the British Islands and Mediterranean Region Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Steering Committee.

Resource Implications

4. The estimated costs are set out below:

Date Approx. Description Destination Participants costs 11-14 BIMR Region Guernsey Patricia Ferguson £1,500 Feb. CWP annual MSP, Rhoda Grant 2016 conference MSP and Mary Scanlon MSP

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5. The costs for travel to and one nights’ accommodation in Guernsey will be met from the UK and International Relations Office budget. Accommodation for the remaining two nights and hospitality will be provided by the States of Guernsey.

Publication Scheme

6. This paper will be published as part of the SPCB’s Publication Scheme.

Decision

7. The Corporate Body is invited to note that Patricia Ferguson MSP, Rhoda Grant MSP and Mary Scanlon MSP will attend this CPA conference and , in accordance with paragraph 2.4.2 of the Code of Conduct for Members of the Scottish Parliament, in relation to receipt by Members of travel, hospitality etc, approve the details of the travel and the associated costs as set out above.

UK and International Relations Office January 2016

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