Report Summary
This report provides members of the Scottish Police Authority with an overview of business progressed through Committee and Oversight Group which have met since the last Authority Meeting.
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Meeting
The publication discussed was referenced in the meeting below
Meeting of the Scottish Police Authority - 22 August 2024
Date : 22 August 2024
Location : The Grand Hall, Merchants House, 7 West George Street, Glasgow, G2 1BA
Legal Committee
The formal minute of the public items of business will be available at the meeting scheduled for 7 November 2024. 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 Legal Committee – 8th August 2024
MAIN ITEMS OF BUSINESS
• Legal Services Claims Handling - Quarterly Statistical Information Report - Trends & Analysis in litigation
• NDA Annual Report
• Committee Priorities and Outcomes
• Litigation Overview
• Analysis of Live Cases
• Police Appeals Tribunals
KEY ISSUES RAISED
Legal Services Claims Handling - Quarterly Statistical Information Report - Trends & Analysis in litigation
Members were provided with a report updating them on settlement figures arising from claims raised against Police Scotland. Although members welcomed the information provided, they requested that information is presented in line graphs to allow members to clearly understand trends. In addition, members have requested narrative in the report as opposed to just data, as well as details of any learning being taken forward.
NDA Annual Report
The committee welcomed its first annual report on the use of NDAs by Police Scotland. Members sought further assurance that the use of NDAs by Police Scotland complies with ACAS Guidance and the Scottish Public Finance Manual, and how compliance was tracked. Members were assured that all employment lawyers within Police Scotland’s Legal Services department are aware of the ACAS criteria, with ACAS guidance followed in each case. Members were further assured that there is a log kept which notes the justification for the use of NDAs in each case. Police Scotland’s use of NDAs for commercial reasons was explained, and members received assurance that the NDAs do not prevent whistleblowing or acts such as discrimination.
Committee Priorities and Outcomes
Members were provided with the proposed committee priorities and outcomes, which they approved. It was also agreed that Police Scotland finance, and executive team members should be invited to all future meetings to provide assurance in term of finance and organisational learning.
Litigation Overview
Members were provided with a report which detailed significant ongoing litigation involving Police Scotland and the SPA.
Analysis of Live Cases
Members were provided with the first report on live cases being dealt with by Police Scotland relative to Employer Liability cases.
Police Appeals Tribunals
Members were provided with an update on recent developments in relation to two Police Appeals Tribunal cases.
CONCLUSIONS/ACTIONS REACHED
• Future Quarterly Statistical Information Report - Trends & Analysis in litigation to include narrative to support the figures presented, as well as details of any learning being taken forward. In addition, reports should include line graphs to allow members to clearly understand trends.
• Invite the Finance Business Partner and PS Executive to future Legal Committees to support future reports in terms of finance and organisational learning.