In September and October, Robert Cumming of PA Advocacy interviewed 71 MSPs about their views on a wide variety of issues, sectors and organisations. The survey provides a useful insight into what is important to them in communications, the issues facing constituencies across Scotland and how to best to develop and maintain good relations with Members.
Encouraged by signs of an upturn in the Scottish economy, most Members said they were bullish about prospects for their constituency. Key local challenges include finding suitable employment, housing, the impact of welfare reform and falling household incomes.
Members said they use a wide variety of sources of information to keep informed. This includes good use of local media, SPICe, Google and national media. Social media plays a part – particularly Twitter – which, for many, is a very effective and timely way to identify relevant information. However, while the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee is conducting an inquiry into lobbying, almost all MSPs said they rely on direct contact with key organisations.
That said, views of the information received from sector bodies were very mixed. Almost all Members said they valued the information they received from the Federation of Small Businesses. Other organisations that have the ear of Members include the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, COSLA, SCVO, STUC and SCDI. However, relatively few said they valued the information they read or received from CBI Scotland, Scottish Financial Enterprise and the Institute of Directors Scotland.
Energy, food & drink, tourism and oil & gas are those considered to be most important to the Scottish economy and those with the greatest potential for growth. They are also among those most familiar to Members.
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Members are largely supportive of the work of public sector organisations. Those attracting notable support from both sides of the Chamber included Scottish Water, VisitScotland, Audit Scotland and Big Lottery Fund. Among private sector organisations, Members think very highly of First ScotRail in a year when the franchise is retendered.
For more information or for a copy of the findings, contact Robert Cumming or call 01577 865124.