Section 13: Principle of dignity, respect and compassion
23.This section provides that when exercising functions under the Act, the Scottish Ministers, Redress Scotland, scheme contributors and others performing duties or exercising powers under the Act (or any subordinate legislation made under it) must have regard to the principle that anyone who has made, or has decided to make, an application to the scheme should be treated with dignity, respect and compassion. This duty is also owed to persons who are, or may be, considering making an application for redress, as well as those receiving or eligible for support under section 90, those seeking or considering seeking the reimbursement of costs and expenses under section 91, and nominated beneficiaries.
24.The duty applies not only to Ministers, Redress Scotland and scheme contributors, but also to other relevant persons as defined in subsection (2). The latter includes those on whom functions are conferred under or by virtue of the Act. This may be, for example, a person from whom information or evidence has been requested by the Scottish Ministers under section 79 of the Act. However, although an applicant can, for example, be subject to the requirement to provide information under section 44, the result of paragraph (b) of subsection (2) is that the duty is not imposed on those for whose benefit it is intended to operate.
