Martyn Evans, the new Chair of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA), hosted his first Authority meeting today, Wednesday 24 February 2021. The Authority considers issues of equality and diversity and approaches to policing the pandemic.

An update on workforce diversity, inclusion and equality and Police Scotland's plans to address recommendations from Dame Elish Angiolini's Independent Review was considered by members. Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor's report on Workforce Diversity, Inclusion and Equality in Policing detailed plans to accelerate and embed progress towards mainstreaming equality, diversity and inclusion in policing.

Among the other items discussed, Members also considered the sixth report from the Independent Advisory Group Reviewing Police Scotland's use of temporary Coronavirus powers (IAG). The sixth report from the IAG included a data analysis by Professor Susan McVie of the University of Edinburgh which acknowledged the overall low level of fixed penalty notices issued by Police Scotland and the evidence of high levels of public acceptance of the regulations. A recording of all the day's discussions are available on Livestream.

Article initially published on 24 February 2021