Assurance Reporting

POLICE SCOTLAND BEST VALUE UDPATE
Members considered the report which provided an update on best value progress in Police Scotland. Alasdair Corfield (ACorfield) highlighted a number of key points detailed within the report.

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• Members heard Tom McMahon was the Police Scotland Executive Lead for Best Value and he assured the Committee that engagement with HMICS was a priority as well as partnership and alignment with the professionalism and assurance portfolio.
• Members were assured that Best Value will be considered in responding to all new recommendations.
• The Committee Chair highlighted the area was a standing item as the Committee have concern on progress, and emphasised one of the Committees target outcomes is to ensure there are adequate resources to respond to the Best Value audit.
• Angela Leitch confirmed she was meeting with Best Value colleagues to provide some non-executive support.
• The Committee were informed that the self-assessment analysis was still being undertaken but findings would be reported to Police Scotland’s Senior Leadership Board. However, it had been identified that vision and leadership came out as the top theme whereas working with communities was a weaker area.
• The Committee heard that the Terms of Reference for the audit were due but had not yet been agreed. Lynn Brown (LBrown) advised that the audit was a standing item for meetings between HMICS and the SPA Chair.
• The Committee agreed they were still concerned by the lack of assurances on readiness and action plans and requested an update on the outcomes of the internal sessions in advance of the next meeting.

Members noted the report and agreed the following action:
20241120-AUD-002: Update on outcomes of internal sessions by correspondence in advance of the next meeting.

SPA AND FORENSIC SERVICES BEST VALUE UPDATE
Members considered the report which provided an update on best value progress across SPA Forensics and SPA Corporate. JMcNellis and SCurran highlighted a number of key points detailed within the report regarding SPA and Forensic Service respectively.

No questions were raised.

Members noted the report.

PEEL PRACTICE COMPENDIUM
Members considered the report which provided an update on work conducted by SPA Corporate Staff to compile a UK Compendium of recognised innovative, highly effective or efficient practice and policy in Operational Policing. Rachael Nicolson highlighted a number of key points detailed within the report.

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• Members heard it had been shared with Police Scotland and feedback was positive.
• LBrown commented that it would be useful for Best Value work, and it would continually be kept updated.

Members noted the report.

ICO AUDIT OF POLICE SCOTLAND
Members considered the report which provided an update following ICOs final review of the consensual audit undertaken by ICO in respect of Police Scotland’s processing of personal data. Kerry Harvey highlighted a number of key points detailed within the report.

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• Members heard the Standard Operating Procedures had been redrafted and are due to go through mandatory consultation processes once interdependencies on security procedures have been addressed.
• Members were assured ICO are comfortable with the timescales and expectations have been discussed.
• Members were informed the outstanding recommendation is not serious enough to bring enforcement action.

Members noted the report.