Complaints and Conduct Committee

MAIN ITEMS OF BUSINESS
• Police Scotland PSD Quarterly Performance Report (Q1)
• SPA Quarterly Report (Q1)
• PIRC Quarterly Report on PS Handling of Complaints and Investigation Referrals (Q1)
• SPA Dip Sampling of Police Scotland Complaints

KEY ISSUES RAISED
PS PSD Quarterly Performance Report (Q1)
Members were provided with statistical information on the overarching performance activity in relation to complaints and conduct matters about Police Scotland (PS) for period (1 April 2023 – 30 June 2023). Members acknowledged that the report is an evolution, however, have asked for further changes to allow a better understanding of the effectiveness of complaint handling performance. In addition, members have asked for a better understanding around any significant variation beyond normal complaint volumes, as well as to identify any changes in policing practice where an increase in complaints may be anticipated.

SPA Quarterly Report (Q1)
Members were provided with a report on complaints and conduct matters including key statistics reflecting the position at the end of Q1, 2023/24. Members welcomed positive developments around the handling of complaints.

PIRC Quarterly Report on PS Handling of Complaints and Investigation Referrals (Q1)
Members welcomed a report noting information in relation to PIRC Complaint Handling Reviews and Investigation Referrals. The report included key statistics reflecting the position for Q1, 2023/24. Following a discussion around organisational learning, it was agreed that PIRC will include the implementation rate of recommendations in future reports. Police Scotland have also agreed to draw out operational improvements within their performance report to show concrete evidence of learning from complaints.

SPA Dip Sampling of Police Scotland Complaints
Members were provided with a report following the recently reintroduced process of SPA dip-sampling Police Scotland complaints. Members were advised that findings from the initial sample align with some of the findings of the recent SPA/PIRC joint audit. SPA officers will continue to work with Police Scotland and the PIRC, in respect of findings identified, via the National Complaint Handling Development Group (NCHDG).

Complaints and Conduct Committee Work Plan
Members had a short discussion of the next planned SPA/PIRC joint audit and sought clarity on how that will be taken forward to be incorporated into the work plan. PIRC have advised that an update will come to the next committee on the approach to the next joint audit.

PRIVATE ITEMS DISCUSSED
• Police Scotland Conduct Report
• Police (Ethics, Conduct and Scrutiny) Bill
• Committee Annual Report 22/23
• SPA Ongoing Complaints Update
CONCLUSIONS/ACTIONS REACHED
Members AGREED the need for PS to ensure that any future actions that are proposed as ongoing are supplemented with a revised timescale. In addition, consider the proposed discharge date of new actions. If new actions cannot be discharged by the next committee, then advise the SPA Governance Support Officer on receipt of action log.

Members AGREED the need for previously provided data, including trend analysis and breakdown of allegations, is reintroduced to the PS performance report in graph form.

Members AGREED the need to analyse the variation in complaint numbers received over time to establish the average number of complaints received month on month and the expected upper and lower limits for complaint numbers.

Members AGREED the need to be informed on any policing initiatives or changes in operational procedures which may lead to an increase or decrease in complaints.

Members AGREED the need for PS to work with SPA officers to reach an agreed dataset that will enable the SPA to discharge outstanding Review recommendations. If this information cannot be provided to next committee, provide firm commitment on when it is likely to be provided.

Members AGREED the need for the implementation rate of recommendations within future PIRC Quarterly reports to provide members with a more complete picture.

Members AGREED the need for PS to draw out operational improvements within the performance report to show concrete evidence of learning from complaints.

Members AGREED the need for PIRC to provide an update to the next committee on the intended approach to the next joint audit.