STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT

CHIEF CONSTABLE ENGAGEMENT

Since taking up post in October, I have had the pleasure of meeting with key strategic partners including, the First Minister, Deputy First Minister, The Permanent Secretary, The Lord Advocate, Crown Agent, the Convener of the Criminal Justice Committee, the Lord Advocate and Solicitor General. These positive sessions provided the opportunity to discuss shared challenges and objectives and I look forward to building upon the strong relationships already in place.

I also had the opportunity to address the Scottish Leaders Forum at Verity House, Edinburgh on 1 November on the theme of “leading together to secure the future of public services in Scotland”. This was an excellent opportunity to meet with some of Scotland’s most senior leaders.

On 23 November I joined colleagues at the Scottish Police Federation’s annual awards ceremony which was held at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh.

The awards shine a light on how officers stand up for and with our communities and I am extremely grateful to the Scottish Police Federation for their crucial work in supporting policing in Scotland.
I commend and thank all police officers and their families for their commitment to public service and offer my warmest congratulations to award nominees and recipients.

On 24 November I met Sheriff Principal Aisha Anwar to progress discussions into Criminal Justice reform focussing on more efficient and timely ways of working, digitising our processes, speeding up justice for victims and creating capacity so that we can tackle Threat, Harm, Risk, and Prevention.

SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT

Since the last Authority meeting, Police Scotland has given evidence at the Scottish Parliament on several occasions across differing Committees on the impact of forthcoming legislation, as well as policy matters of wider interest to MSPs and the communities of Scotland.

On 31 October, the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee considered evidence relating to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill Reconsideration Stage. Police Scotland reiterated its commitment to upholding the rights of children and young people in alignment with our values of fairness, integrity and respect being at the heart of everything we do.

On 1 November, Stage 1 scrutiny of the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill was discussed by the Criminal Justice Committee focusing on trauma informed practice. An internal working group has been established within Police Scotland to progress training to further embed best practice across the organisation.

On 16 November, a round table evidence session with partners was provided to the Public Audit Committee, following the recently published Audit Scotland and the Accounts Commission report on Adult Mental Health. This session focused on how Adult Mental Health services in Scotland are being delivered to ensure that the public receive the right support from the most appropriate agency during a period of crisis.

Arrangements have been made for me to attend an introductory evidence session with the Criminal Justice Committee on 20 December. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss with the Committee the priorities for Police Scotland, recognising the important role of the Criminal Justice Committee to both scrutinise and support the criminal justice system.

COSLA

On 17 November, Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham KPM and other members of the Force Executive attended the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) Scrutiny Conveners Forum, along with the Chair of the SPA, Martyn Evans. This was an excellent opportunity to engage with local scrutiny conveners on a number of areas of shared concern, including implications of this year’s budget and Local Policing Service Delivery Review focusing on the potential impact on our local communities.