The Scottish Parliament’s Presiding Officer has contacted officials to “explore remuneration” for committee conveners.
Kenneth Gibson has written to all committee conveners to inform them of his discussions with Parliament officials to seek acknowledgement of the “demands” of the role.
He said: “As conveners, you are at the very heart of this, guiding members through complex and often contentious areas of scrutiny – or perhaps hearing from some of the most vulnerable people in society to ensure that policies reflect real life experiences.
“I know from my own experience that to be an effective convener, these responsibilities demand significant additional time, effort and leadership.
“Much of this work takes place outwith formal meetings and often away from public view. Nevertheless, it is a necessary part of the role conveners are tasked with.”
At Holyrood, the convener is an MSP who chairs a parliamentary committee, directs its work and represents it in the chamber and media.
However, Mr Gibson said he raised the “additional responsibilities” that conveners take on with the Scottish Parliament Corporate Body (SPCB), which directed officials to explore remuneration.
He continued: “After discussion, the SPCB directed officials to explore remuneration for committee conveners.
“Such a move would, in my view, not only acknowledge the demands of your role, it would also signal the value Parliament places on effective committee leadership and on scrutiny as one of our core democratic functions.”
If every committee were to commit to meeting formally or informally outside of Edinburgh once each year, then over the course of this Parliament, that alone would be 80 communities or organisations directly engaged across Scotland
Mr Gibson also said he wants to make sure Holyrood does not exist in a “bubble” and proposes the committees meet outside of Edinburgh once a year.
He said: “I have spoken previously about how we cannot exist in a Holyrood bubble.
“Parliament must meet people where they are and scrutiny must be informed by the public in every corner of the nation.
“As Presiding Officer I want to support committees to engage more directly with communities right across Scotland.
“As a start, if every committee were to commit to meeting formally or informally outside of Edinburgh once each year, then over the course of this Parliament, that alone would be 80 communities or organisations directly engaged across Scotland.
“Other methods of engagement including sub-committees and rapporteurs would increase that number yet further – a very tangible demonstration of Parliament’s commitment to hear directly from those affected by decisions taken in Edinburgh.”
The Scottish Parliament has been approached for comment.