Main items and key issues raised - People Committee

Wellbeing and Inclusion

Improved reporting was welcomed across a number of committee reports and commitments to further improvements noted.  The Committee considered updates across several areas of health and wellbeing activity and heard that delivery in a number of priority areas will be supported by the ‘Health & Wellbeing Framework’ which seeks to promote a proactive, preventative and person centred approach that will seek to understand and consider what our people are experiencing both inside and outside of work. The committee welcomed an assurance this Framework would also recognise the impact of significant moments on our people’s lives and the importance of providing ‘fit for purpose’ tools, and support which empowers and enables our people to take positive action in relation to their health and wellbeing.

An area of interest for Members going forward, will be to seek assurance of a joined up approach by the organisation to ensure those who require support are able to access the required help whether this is internally or externally. As has been the request of the committee for some time now, mechanisms must be in place to measure impact, track progress and report to the Authority on the initiatives.

Following on from the recent Police Scotland/SPA Trauma and Mental Health Roundtable event, the Committee agreed it was a priority that the Committee can consider a report which outlines the outcomes and what next steps are planned in response to the insights gained from the event. The role of Staff Associations and Trade Union representatives was recognised by the committee as key to any next steps being the right ones.

The focused effort to improve and where possible, streamline processes in respect of IHR continues. Data from cases will be analysed with reporting that will allow Members to explore trends, causal factors and insights so that assurances can be provided that plans are in place to address any areas that have been identified as requiring attention.

Members considered a report which provided details of the work being done to achieve equality outcomes with these strategic outcomes now supported by the Policing Together Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. As part of the lengthy discussion it was agreed that a report will be provided that gives an insight and analysis of data into disproportionate impacts on protected characteristics throughout the recruitment process with assurances that no groups are being unfairly impacted. Members also requested a report on the planned programme of work across this area with timelines for these activities with confirmation of the arrangements to track progress and impact.

Members considered a report on Sex Equality and Tackling Misogyny and welcomed the commitment from Police Scotland to ensure that the any areas highlighted in the report had a robust response and the Committee look forward to receiving the evidence of improvement.
Strategy Policy and Planning
The Committee considered and asked questions on the Q4 and Year-end Workforce MI Report, an update on the progress towards refreshing the Strategic Workforce Planning and People Strategy (with assurances provided work remained on track), a Fair Work Annual Assessment and an update on Volunteering. The committee were assured that processes are in place to capture insights from those who leave the organisation and that work to explore how Staff Association and Trade Union colleagues can support this work.

Health and Safety

Members approved the joint SPA/Police Scotland Health & Safety Policy. The Committee restated its ongoing support for the Your Safety Matters (YSM) work and welcomed an assurance the YSM team worked closely with other teams when required as issues emerge.
The Q4 and Year End Health and Safety Report was considered by the committee and recent improvements to the reporting were recognised alongside the commitment to further refine the reports to provide details and analysis of trends and impact of actions. The Year End Report will be considered by the Authority at this meeting and it is hoped that the improved reporting planned for 2023/24 will mean an improved Annual Report can be brought forward to the Authority this time next year.