This is a group of representatives of the various political parties and groupings in the Parliament, chaired by the Presiding Officer. Because of the matters it has to discuss and decide upon on the Parliament's behalf, it meets in private. The Parliamentary Bureau draws up the business programme for a set period ahead, to include deadlines for Parliamentary or Committee consideration of any specified business, including Bills or other legislation. The Clerk of the Parliament draws up a daily business list based on that programme. The committees will report to the Parliament.
Committees can initiate legislation themselves.
Committee reports are presented to the Parliament or to another committee. A committee has between 5 and 15 MSPs as members and is chaired by a convener. The members are selected having regard to the balance of the various political parties and groupings in the Parliament. A committee can form sub-committees, and can hold joint meetings with other committees. Meetings are normally held in public, and can take place anywhere in Scotland.