Policing Together Oversight Group

MAIN ITEMS OF BUSINESS
- IRG Final Report
- Police Scotland Response to IRG Final Report
- Institutional Discrimination Survey Findings and Next Steps
- Policing Together Engagement Activity Overview
- Performance Dashboard
- Part-time/ Flexible Working: Discussion on Prioritisation

KEY ISSUES RAISED
Members of the Oversight Group considered the final report of the Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights Independent Review Group (IRG). The IRG was established by Police Scotland in 2021 in response to recommendation no. 18 of Lady Elish Angiolini’s Independent Review of Complaints Handling, Investigation and Misconduct Issues in relation to policing. Oversight Group Members expressed their appreciation for the final report of the IRG, acknowledging that this is a critical and comprehensive piece of work.

The report highlighted an initially defensive culture within Police Scotland despite there being a clear strategic commitment from the leadership team. Members received assurance from the IRG that they have witnessed this defensive culture “lessening” and Police Scotland have demonstrated the ability and commitment to continue to work towards becoming an anti-racist and anti-discriminatory organisation.

The importance of middle management in the success of effecting the necessary cultural change was highlighted. The IRG acknowledge that Police Scotland have taken this on board as the Learning, Training and Development function is specifically targeting middle management to positively impact workplace culture, EDI and anti-discriminatory behaviour.

There are a number of practical steps recommended in the IRG report, all of which are being addressed positively by Police Scotland in their response, with tangible actions either planned or in progress. These actions are arranged into the following themes: Governance, Evaluation & Data, EqHRIA & Mainstreaming, Systems & Processes, and Learning, Training and Development. Members look forward to seeing progress against these actions at future meetings of the Oversight Group.

Members were encouraged to hear that the progress made to date and results achieved will be articulated in the Policing Together Implementation Plan, with the IRG final report to be published on the Police Scotland Intranet.

Finally, in addressing the report, members highlighted that training plays a key role in Police Scotland becoming an anti-racist and anti-discriminatory organisation and they endorsed the proposal that, for the first time, lived experience examples will be worked into future training. The Oversight Group recognise that becoming an anti-racist and anti-discriminatory organisation cannot be achieved by silo working from within the Policing Together portfolio – efforts must be made across Police Scotland in everything that it does, strategically and operationally. This is reflected in the IRG final report which states “leadership of this work must be a shared endeavour across the service and at every level”.

Members considered the results of the Institutional Discrimination Survey and heard Police Scotland’s next steps. The Oversight Group acknowledged the survey findings and although some of the qualitative data could be viewed as negative, it was deemed encouraging that Officers and Staff felt able to openly share their experiences.

An update on engagement activity in the Policing Together portfolio was provided and Members were advised that work is underway to merge legacy portfolios and streamline governance. The Oversight Group agreed that it is was clear to see the amount of work taking place and they look forward to seeing the results articulated at future meetings.

It was agreed that at the next Policing Together Oversight Group, on 11 October 2024, a demonstration of the Police Scotland Culture Dashboard will be provided to Members. In addition to this, a deep dive session will take place in relation to Part-time and Flexible working arrangements available to Police Officers.

The Oversight Group gave their sincere thanks to the Independent Review Group as completion of the Final Report marked the end of their work in this capacity. Police Scotland will now undertake a review of their use of Independent Review/ Reference Groups.

CONCLUSIONS/ACTIONS REACHED

- The Oversight Group was encouraged by the next steps outlined by Police Scotland to address points within the IRG final report. Members look forward to seeing this evidenced at future meetings.
- Members agreed it was positive that Police Officers and Staff felt they could be open and honest in their Institutional Discrimination Survey responses.
- The next Policing Together Oversight Group will receive a demonstration of the Police Scotland Culture Dashboard and a deep dive session in relation to Part-time and flexible working arrangements for Police Officers will take place.