Chief Executive's Six Monthly Update available

Hello, I’m Mark Roberts, chief executive of Environmental Standards Scotland.

Today I want to update you on three things. First, about our new scrutiny functions.

Second, on our new strategy, and third, some information on ongoing pieces of work.

I welcome the Scottish Parliament’s approval of the Natural Environment Scotland bill.

First part of the bill introduces new statutory biodiversity targets and designates ESS as the independent review

body responsible for monitoring progress against these targets.

Alongside this, we will also take on a second important new function, scrutinizing how local authorities report on their climate change duties.

The increases to our budget in the next financial year will ensure that we are ready to prepare for, integrate, and deliver both of these new functions effectively.

Secondly, we have updated and refined our 5-year strategy.

Following feedback from the Parliament’s delegated powers and law reform committee, we revised the draft, consulted again, and laid the new version in the parliament.

Again, I want to thank everyone who provided feedback on our consultations.

Subject to parliamentary approval, we plan to publish our final strategy in March.

At the same time, we will also publish a suite of ESS governance documents, including our business plan, a new

communications and engagement plan, and an updated set of performance indicators.

Finally, we continue to work with public authorities to resolve environmental issues wherever possible through informal resolution.