Complaints and Conduct Committee

The formal minute of the public items of business will be available at the meeting scheduled for Complaints & Conduct 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 here.

MAIN ITEMS OF BUSINESS
• Police Scotland PSD Quarterly Performance Report (Q3 – 24/25)
• SPA Quarterly Report (Q3 – 24/25)
• PIRC Quarterly Report on Police Scotland Handling of Complaints and Referral Investigations
• SPA/PIRC Joint Audit (Triage) – Recommendations Progress Update
• Operation Glade Update
• Police (Ethics, Conduct & Scrutiny) (Scotland) Bill Update
• Police Scotland Professional Boundaries Report – Biannual Update
• Committee Effectiveness and Committee Work Plan

KEY ISSUES RAISED
Police Scotland PSD Quarterly Performance Report
Members had a detailed discussion regarding a rise in relation to excessive force and how that differs from assault. Members were assured that these areas are closely monitored to identify any emerging trends. Members were further assured that learning is fed into operational safety training. The committee had a discussion around the complexity of complaints being received and sought assurance that Police Scotland were building capacity to address this. Police Scotland acknowledged current unallocated non-criminal complaint volumes, but emphasised that these have all been subject to initial assessment of threat, risk or harm to ensure that they are prioritised accordingly.

SPA Quarterly Report – Q3
Members heard that there were no key themes associated with cases over the reference period, but that end of year reports will examine multi-year data for any themes/trends.

PIRC Annual Report on PS Handling of Complaints and Referral Investigations
Members were provided with a report detailing key statistics reflecting the position at the end of quarter 3, 2024/25, in relation to PIRC complaint handling reviews and statutory referral investigations. Members heard that PIRC were prepared for the likely impact on applications for complaint handling reviews as more cases are closed by Police Scotland via Operation Glade. Members heard that PIRC had not identified anything from current statutory referral and investigation data giving cause for concern. Members were advised of a potential significant impact on the volume of COPFS referred investigations being undertaken following a change in law on corroboration, hearing that PIRC have implemented a revised investigative approach in response, and that dialogue is ongoing with Police Scotland around the management of this change, which will impact requests for case related information and associated processes.

SPA/PIRC Joint Audit (Triage) – Recommendations Progress Update Members were provided with a report noting the closure of recommendations arising from the SPA/PIRC joint audit on the triage of complaints within Police Scotland. Members also received a verbal update on progress to discharge recommendations arising from the recent PIRC audit of the 6-stage Complaint Handling Process.

Operation Glade Update
Members were provided with a report on work being done to improve complaint handling timescales, noting earlier discussion in relation to unallocated complaint volumes, and welcomed the transparency provided. Members were advised that the training of new staff had taken longer than anticipated, but that it was hoped that this additional capacity would make a tangible difference. Members noted the substantial investment put into this space, but emphasised the need for regular updates, advising that if there are no improvements in the coming months, there will be a need to look more deeply to understand root causes.

Police (Ethics, Conduct & Scrutiny) (Scotland) Bill Update
Members were provided with an update and overview of activity ongoing to prepare for the implementation of the Police (Ethics, Conduct & Scrutiny) Scotland Bill and its implications for Police Scotland.

Police Scotland Professional Boundaries Report – Biannual Update
The Committee welcomed the fact that a second review had been undertaken in relation to the handling of cases involving complaints of a sexual nature and were assured of Police Scotland’s intention to undertake further reviews in future, acknowledging its importance from a public assurance perspective, and in terms of learning and continuous improvement. Members heard that neither review had identified any concerns in relation to how matters had been handled, but recognised Police Scotland’s commitment to discharge recommendations identified in a timely fashion.

Committee Effectiveness
Members were provided with a report noting the findings of a recent survey conducted with Board Members and stakeholders, seeking their feedback on the overall effectiveness of the committee. Members felt the report adequately reflected the committee’s position, with improvements in terms of increased transparency and quality of reports. Members agreed that the Committee Chair should sign the Committee Assurance Certificate, confirming that the committee had fulfilled its obligations.

Committee Work Plan
Police Scotland have been asked to consider the timeliness around the submission of papers and the committee have offered assistance, if required, to ensure an improvement within this area.

PRIVATE ITEMS DISCUSSED
• Police Scotland Conduct Report
• Police Scotland Ongoing Non-Criminal Complaints
• Police Scotland Professional Boundaries
• SPA Ongoing Complaints Update
CONCLUSIONS/ACTIONS REACHED
Members AGREED that data on unallocated non-criminal complaint volumes and progress in addressing the backlog should be included within future Police Scotland Performance Reports. This should additionally include further understanding of cases being received and how they are allocated, with a clear explanation around the treatment of new (versus historic) complaints in terms of decision-making and prioritisation.

Members AGREED that Police Scotland will provide an update on progress against PIRC 6-Stage Audit recommendations to the next committee meeting.

Members AGREED the need for the full SPA Board to be made aware of changes in legislation regarding corroboration and the wider implications in relation to policing practice.

Members AGREED the need for SPA and Police Scotland colleagues to discuss the frequency of reports to the committee, with a view to spreading reporting over the year and making agendas more focused.