CONSUMER SCOTLAND
STRATEGIC BOARD MEETING
Tuesday 19th May
10:00 – 13:00
Virtual, via Microsoft Teams
Draft Minute
Board Members present:
David Wilson, Chair (DW)
Jane Clark Hutchison (JCH)
Marion McDonald (MM)
Angela Morgan, Member (AM)
James Walker, Member (JW)
Also in attendance:
Sam Ghibaldan, Chief Executive
Sue Bomphray, Director of Operations and Partnerships
David Eiser, Director of Research, Analysis and Investigations
Douglas White, Director of Policy and Advocacy
Jill Rosie, Asst Director of Operations and Partnerships (Items 4, 5)
Jane Williams, Head of Research (Item 6)
Craig McClue, Head of Investigations (Item 8)
Andy Murphy, Strategic Partnerships Manager (Item 5)
Gemma Black, Secretariat
1. Opening Formalities and Previous Minutes
The Chair opened the meeting and confirmed that recording was for minute-taking purposes only. Declarations of interest were invited and one was noted for transparency; this did not constitute a conflict requiring further action.
The Board approved the minutes from the previous meeting, held on 17th March.
Action: Amend previous minutes to correct initials
2. Action Tracker Review
The Board reviewed progress against actions and considered proposed closures and reprioritisation to align with core governance mechanisms.
Item 190: The date for this has been moved to December 2026.
Item 219: The Board agreed to close the grant funding action, noting that oversight will be maintained through the third-party risk framework and routine reporting.
Item 238: Actions relating to the Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) were deferred pending decisions on committee structure, membership and effectiveness. A proposal and updated Terms of Reference will be brought to the September meeting.
Item 242: The Oracle costs action was also closed, recognising that this remains appropriately captured within the Strategic Risk Register.
Item 249: The Board noted delivery updates, including revised timing for visits and the need to reset the timetable for Board EDI training to a realistic date.
Action: Update EDI training timetable to a realistic delivery date.
Action: Bring ARC structure proposals, updated Terms of Reference and ARC annual report to the September Board.
3. Review of Committee Structure Review
The Board considered the timing of any changes to the Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) in the context of leadership transition, and agreed that maintaining the current structure in the short term would support continuity and stability.
It was noted that ARC’s assurance role remains critical and will continue to evolve in line with organisational priorities, with further proposals to be brought forward in September.
Action: JCH has agreed to take responsibility as the EDI Board Champion.
4. Key Strategic Issues
The Board received updates on a number of strategic priorities and external developments.
Following a pre-election request for advice from Scottish Ministers we have been conducting a review of Trading Standards Scotland. It was noted that this is a significant opportunity to influence reform, with advice to SG due by the end of June. The review has built on existing reports and a programme of stakeholder engagement to build a full picture. Ministers will receive a advice with recommendations.
A request to review the advice landscape had been included in the budget letter received from the Scottish Government. The Board noted the steps taken to date, with an options paper to be developed covering both short-term and longer-term options. The Board emphasised the need to maintain a clear focus on the benefits gained by consumers from advice.
Developments arising from the DESNZ review of Ofgem, and SRC engagement with the Board of WICS were also noted.
The Board noted that these areas represent important opportunities for influence while requiring careful management of strategic and reputational risk.
5. Post Election Update
The Board considered the organisation’s approach to engagement in a changing parliamentary context and endorsed the proposed strategy.
The approach includes early engagement with Ministers and Committees, alongside a clear cross-party focus, including engagement with opposition spokespeople. The Board agreed the importance of positioning Consumer Scotland as the statutory consumer advocacy body, providing evidence-led insight and influence.
Action: Refresh the parliamentary engagement plan once appointments are confirmed.
6. Performance Framework Refresh
The Board reviewed proposals to strengthen the performance framework and supported a simplified, outcomes-focused approach. The revised framework will provide stronger alignment to statutory functions and place greater emphasis on measuring consumer impact. The Board welcomed the increased use of case studies to demonstrate impact alongside robust evidence.
The framework will continue to evolve alongside the Annual Report and the next Strategic Plan. The next publication is the Performance Analysis of the Annual Report and Accounts, which will be brought to the June ARC and Board.
Action: The Board requested an update later in the year.
Action: Publish refreshed framework and integrate into Annual Report outputs.
7. Consumers in Vulnerable Circumstances Committee
The Board noted progress in embedding consideration of vulnerability across organisational activity and the development of the Committee’s role. A structured approach to incorporating lived experience was highlighted, alongside the need to avoid tokenism. The Board also noted forthcoming decisions on governance and membership as current terms approach renewal.
Action: An options paper will be brought to the June Board on future committee governance and membership.
8. Used Car Sector Investigation
The Board reviewed emerging findings from the investigation into the used car sector and noted evidence of consumer detriment despite overall satisfaction levels. It was noted that vulnerable consumers are particularly affected by this. Issues were identified particularly in relation to smaller independent dealers, as well as gaps between consumer expectations and trader interpretations of legal obligations.
Weaknesses in the current licensing framework were noted, particularly in the context of a modern digital market. Our report will make nine recommendations and will be published before the summer recess (June).
The Board recognised the investigation as a significant contribution to the evidence base for policy and regulatory reform.
9. Strategic Planning Timetable
The Board noted the timetable for the next Strategy, with drafting to continue through December and finalisation by the end of March 2027.
10. AOB
It was confirmed that no interim update to the Board is planned unless material developments arise.
The Board also noted that the DRAFT Annual Report and Accounts will be considered by ARC before submission to the June Board; this will be the only opportunity to provide any feedback ahead of the audits and final report.
There being no other business, the meeting closed.