How does the Scottish Parliament work?

NDCS Scotland works to influence politicians in the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government via its business at Holyrood.

In addition to seeking meetings to brief these key politicians on issues facing deaf children and their families in Scotland, our work includes monitoring and contributing to parliamentary business.

Motions are used by MSPs to initiate debate, propose a course of action, or endorse a campaign or call for action, or to condemn undersirable and unwelcome activity.

The Scottish Government also lodges them for debate in Parliament to propose that legislation is agreed, passed, or simply to generate support. Other MSPs can sign up in support of motions that have been lodged. 

NDCS Scotland often works with MSPs to lodge motions highlighting NDCS Scotland campaigns and encourages other MSPs to sign up in support.

This is a discussion between MSPs within the Chamber of the Parliament.

Debates are normally based on a motion though they may sometimes take place on a subject without there being a motion, or on a motion that is not moved.

When the Parliament is discussing an issue of interest to families of deaf children, NDCS Scotland often sends in a briefing note to MSPs.

This is a debate proposed by a backbench MSP.

Generally, the topic discussed is of local concern to the MSP's area or or particular interest to the MSP. 

Member's Business normally takes place after the Vote (Decision Time) at 5pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays. 

NDCS Scotland has successfully generated a member's business debate in the Scottish Parliament this session.

This is when MSPs ask questions of the First Minister. 

Six questions are selected by the Presiding Officer.

There is also the opportunity for MSPs to ask supplementary, or follow-up questions. 

Where an MSP is asking a question on a topic of relevance to families of deaf children in Scotland, we often brief other MSPs to ask supplementaries to seek further relevant information and raise issues with the First Minister.

This is when MSPs ask questions of Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers. 

There is one period of time set aside for general questions and another set aside for questions on specific themes such as health and well-being, and education and lifelong learning. 

The themes vary each week on a rota basis.

NDCS Scotland often works with MSPs to encourage them to use their allocated questions to raise issues of importance to deaf children and their families in Scotland.

These are used by MSPs to seek information or explanation from Ministers.

NDCS Scotland often works with MSPs to encourage them to use their allocated questions to raise issues of importance to deaf children and their families in Scotland.

These involve groups of cross-party MSP members and play an important role in the Scottish Parliament. 

They contribute to the development of new laws, consider and report on the work of the Scottish Government and ensure public participation in this process. 

They can also investigate and consult people about issues of concern, and propose new laws.

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