Following extensive internal and external engagement, including an online survey open to the public, a new set of outcomes for the SPA and Police Scotland have been developed to provide a refreshed focus for the work which both organisations already have underway in this area.
There are eight Equality Outcomes covering both equality in employment and in service delivery:
Equality Outcome 1: Reporting Hate Incidents – Confidence and Support
Victims, witnesses and partner agencies feel confident to report hate incidents and receive a consistent level of response and support.
Equality Outcome 2: Accessibility of Services and Communication
People from and across protected groups access services, communication and information provided by Police Scotland and SPA in ways or methods that best suit their needs.
Equality Outcome 3: Meaningful Engagement
People from and across protected groups are meaningfully engaged, with their insight, expertise and lived experience being used to prioritise prevention and improve our joint services.
Equality Outcome 4: Violence Against Women and Girls - Confidence and Support
Women and girls at risk of becoming victims of violence, and those facing violence, are safer and confident that the police are responsive to their needs.
Equality Outcome 5: Workforce Insights
We use timely insights from workforce diversity monitoring to support evidence based planning and decision making.
Equality Outcome 6: Leadership
Our leaders have the right skills and confidence to lead in relation to equality, diversity, inclusion and human rights.
Equality Outcome 7: Officer/Staff Retention
Resignation rates of under-represented groups are proportionate to our current workforce profile.
Equality Outcome 8: Recruitment and Progression
We have inclusive recruitment and promotion processes in place that prevent unnecessary barriers affecting under-represented groups.
We have also published the SPA Equalities Mainstreaming and Progress Report. This provides updates on the progress which has been made in relation to our previous set of outcomes, and the work which is continuing as the SPA and Police Scotland mainstream equality and diversity into all areas of the organisation, across all ranks and roles.
Speaking about the publication of the joint Equalities Outcomes, Martyn Evans, Chair of the Scottish Police Authority said:
“The Scottish Police Authority and Police Scotland are committed to ensuring equality is at the heart of policing and our joint Equalities Outcomes set out clearly how we will make that happen.
"Addressing equality, diversity and inclusion within policing is a focus and priority for the leadership of both organisations and I am confident that we are moving in a direction that will make policing even more responsive and representative in the future.”
Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: "The consent, support and co-operation of our fellow citizens lies at the heart of Police Scotland’s identity and legitimacy.
"Embedding equality and diversity will ensure policing better represents, reflects and serves our communities as we build and maintain our bond of trust with the public."
Article initially published 4 May 2021