Report Summary
This report provides members of the Scottish Police Authority with an overview of business progressed through Committee meetings since the last Authority Meeting.
To access the full document please open the PDF document above.
To view as accessible content please use the sections below. (Note that tables and some appendixes are not available as accessible content).
Meeting
The publication discussed was referenced in the meeting below
Meeting of the Scottish Police Authority - 30 November 2023
Date : 30 November 2023
Location : COSLA, Edinburgh
Legal Committee
The formal minute of the public items of business will be available at the next scheduled meeting of the Legal Committee. This will also be published on the SPA’s website. A full recording of the public items of business taken at this meeting can be accessed at Scottish Police Authority Legal Committee - 21 November 2023 | Scottish Police Authority (spa.police.uk)
MAIN ITEMS OF BUSINESS
• Legal Services Claims Handling - Quarterly Statistical Information Report - Trends & Analysis in litigation
• Legal Committee Work Plan
• Legal Costs
• Litigation Overview
• Police Appeals Tribunals
KEY ISSUES RAISED
Legal Services Claims Handling - Quarterly Statistical Information Report - Trends & Analysis in litigation – Members welcomed a report which provided details of claims settled by Police Scotland in Quarter 2 along with those settled to date in 2023/24. Members were provided with a positive update in relation to work being progressed with review of the Claims Register a with the intention that changes will be operative for the next financial year. Members welcome the work undertaken l which will provide greater detail in terms of categories, themes and outcomes of cases to inform management action and management assurance to the committee.
Legal Committee Work Plan – The Chair advised that in keeping with good practice the committee will look to have a Development Day in January 2024 which will contribute to its statement of assurance. One of the main focuses for this will be around Organisational Learning.
Legal Costs – Members were updated and assured around Police Scotland’s legal costs in the ordinary course of business, and in respect of ongoing Inquiries. Members welcomed the clarity of the financial reporting and commended management’s activity to scrutinise and manage costs.
Litigation Overview – Members were provided with a report which detailed significant ongoing litigation involving Police Scotland and the SPA.
Police Appeals Tribunals – Members were provided with an update on recent developments in relation to two Police Appeals Tribunal cases.