Be alert to matters which, or which might, adversely affect those with experience of care

Collaborate with other Corporate Parents

·         Continue to attend and contribute to Who Cares? Corporate Parenting Collaborative network to learn from best practice and network with other Corporate Parents

·         Advocate and promote the activities of other Corporate Parents, such as Police Scotland

December 2027

March 2026

Operational Policing Policy Lead

Operational Policing Policy Lead

Assess the needs of those with experience of care for the services and support you provide

Influence and oversee change in policing 

·         Report on progress made to achieving the Commitments outlined in this Plan on an annual basis

·         Actions outlined in this plan will be embedded into the Authority’s annual delivery plan to ensure ongoing oversight of delivery and routine quarterly reporting

·         Oversee Police Scotland’s approach to supporting those who are Care Experienced in custody

·         Oversee and support Police Scotland’s work as a corporate parent through annual reporting to Policing Performance Committee

·         Support member oversight to hold Police Scotland to account when introducing new procedures to ensure care experience is given due consideration

December 2027

June 2025

June 2027

December 2027

October 2025

Head of Change and Operational Scrutiny

Head of Strategic Business Management

Head of Change and Operational Scrutiny

Head of Change and Operational Scrutiny

Head of Strategic Business Management  

Promote the interests those with experience of care

Inspire our people to fulfil their role as Corporate Parents

·         Establish an organisation-wide Corporate Parenting Network of Champions

·         Promote the option for opt-in Salary Sacrifice Schemes for charities supporting the Care Experienced community

·         Develop bespoke training for Independent Custody Visitors on Corporate Parenting  

·         Training on care experience for SPA staff provided by Each and Every Child, and training for Senior Management (SPA Forensic Services) provided by Who Cares? Scotland

·         Work with The Promise Scotland to understand how the Scottish Police Authority, Police Scotland and the wider criminal justice sector can contribute to Keeping the Promise.

December 2025

March 2026

March 2026

October 2025

December 2027

Operational Policing Policy Lead

Workforce Governance Lead

ICVS National Manager

Operational Policing Policy Lead/SPA Forensic Services

Head of Change and Operational Scrutiny

Provide those with experience of care with opportunities to participate in activities designed to promote their wellbeing.

Engage with the Care Experienced community

·         In an oversight role, and through service back arrangements, engage with Police Scotland around positive action to recruit those who are Care Experienced as police officers and staff.

·         To develop a plan to deliver regular, interactive engagement sessions with the Care Experienced community to build relationships and to increase understanding of the role of the Scottish Police Authority, sharing information about key functions of the Scottish Police Authority (e.g. SPA Forensic Services)

December 2027

December 2026

Head of Workforce Governance

SPA Forensic Services/ Operational Policing Policy Lead

Take action to help those with experience of care, (a) access the opportunities you’re providing and (b) make use of services, and access support, available.

Support those who are Care Experienced to join the Scottish Police Authority

·         Promote Modern Apprenticeship Programmes and opportunities to those with experience of care (without an age limit).

June 2026

Head of Strategic Business Management

Take any other action you consider appropriate to improve the way you work with those with experience of care

Understand and contribute to the Care Experienced community 

·         Promote mentorship opportunities for staff through MCR Pathways Programme

·         Embed and treat care experience as if it were a protected characteristic, ensuring implications of decisions, projects and policies adequately assess the impact on the Care Experienced community

October 2025

December 2025

Operational Policing Policy Lead

Operational Policing Policy Lead