Recommendation 3

The Committee recognises that there is a delicate balance to be struck between gathering evidence in formal settings "on the record", versus creating more informal spaces where people can speak openly about the challenges facing them, without fear of being identified or targeted as a result of expressing those views. However, our experience this session is that informal evidence has greatly enhanced our scrutiny, and has also allowed those who might otherwise have struggled to speak out, to have an input. These informal sessions have also had a lasting impact on the Committee and greatly enhanced our understanding of key issues.