Issues being investigated under Term of Reference 2(f)

ToR 2(f) requires the Inquiry to investigate the strategic elements of the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland relating to:

“the requirement for shielding and associated assistance programmes, provided or supported by public agencies”.

In relation to ToR 2(f), the Inquiry will examine:

1. Impacts of the requirement for shielding, including: impacts relating to physical and/or mental health and wellbeing; access to healthcare and/or social care services; access to food; access to education as well as supportive services for those with additional support needs; and financial impacts on individuals and organisations.
2. Design and implementation of associated assistance programmes (AAPs) made available during the pandemic, including: pre-pandemic planning; resourcing, training and coordination; the identification and use of partners for the provision of AAPs; monitoring of the scope, adequacy and/or effectiveness of AAPs; and digital inclusion.
3. Decision-making by the Scottish Government and the implementation of those decisions, including: the initial decision to ask individuals to shield; the utilisation of a UK-wide approach and role of the four Chief Medical Officers; the selection process used to identify those asked to shield; the review mechanism and/or governance arrangements in place for the Shielding List (renamed the Highest Risk List in July 2021); the “pausing” of shielding in August 2020; and the end of the Highest Risk List in May 2022.
4. Communication of decisions regarding shielding and AAPs, including: communication with those individuals identified and asked to shield; the timing, frequency and clarity of relevant guidance; the consistency of application of that guidance; and digital inclusion.