Staffing Guidance
The guidance mentioned in the first recommendation should include: advice concerning the circumstances in which civil servants in the inquiry team may properly transfer to posts, other than promoted posts, within other government departments or agencies; which positions within the administration of a public inquiry may be filled by the employment of agency staff; and whether longer-term contracts as temporary civil servants are more appropriate for particular positions that cannot be filled by permanent civil servants.
- In November 2025, the Scottish Government published "Public inquiries: guidance for Ministers and officials", which covers staffing and resourcing considerations for inquiries (Public inquiries: guidance for Ministers and officials, Scottish Government, 24 November 2025).
- No published guidance specifically addressing circumstances for civil servant transfers, which positions may use agency staff, and suitability of temporary contracts has been identified separately from the general inquiry guidance to March 2026.
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted in Part
Response
Accepted in PartThe Scottish Government stated that guidance similar to that suggested is already in development. Source: Transport Secretary Statement, 2 November 2023.
Progress Timeline
Initial status based on Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council responses to the Edinburgh Tram Inquiry Report (September 2023).