MSPs and staff warned not to share accommodation 

MSPs and staff must not share overnight accommodation “in any circumstances”, the Scottish Parliament has said.

Parliamentary authorities have sent new guidance to Holyrood staff and politicians.

MSPs’ expenses rules have been updated to state that members and staff should not stay in the same accommodation overnight.

The rule also applies to two staff and no claims for alcohol will now be allowed for such trips.

The changes were agreed by parliament last week as part of a wider expenses scheme review and follow publication of Holyrood’s Dignity at Work survey, which found 45 allegations of bullying, 25 of harassment, and 14 of sexual harassment.

A “very small number” of serious sexual misconduct claims were also made in the survey, which was sent to all parliament staff.

The incidents are said to have taken place since the last election in 2021 and Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone said police had been informed about the “limited information” that was given.

Lorna Hunter, the parliament’s director of people, communications and inclusion, said she is “currently holding a series of confidential meetings with members’ staff to discuss the findings and recommendations” of the report. Further such meetings with Scottish Parliament Corporate Body staff will follow “to help address the ‘two-tier culture’ identified in the review and to better understand everyday interactions across teams”, Hunter said. 

The guidance for staff and MSPs is part of the Inclusive Parliament programme, which aims to make Holyrood a “safe, respectful and inclusive “ place.

All employers in parliament – which includes MSPs – will be invited to sign an “employer pledge” establishing “shared expectations of dignity, courtesy and respect”.

Counselling services for staff have been extended from three months to up to a year after leaving employment, including for those subject to redundancy when an MSP loses their seat.

Meanwhile, risk assessments have started in an effort to identify “higher-risk environments” such as overnight accommodation, business travel arrangements and events with alcohol, which could lead to further changes.

Hunter said the process will help managers and employers to meet standards for protecting staff.

She told staff and MSPs: “While there is more to do, I hope you can already see the tangible progress we are making together. ”