The role of the Scottish Police Authority

The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 outlines the responsibilities of the Scottish Police Authority. It is responsible for, among other things, holding the Chief Constable of Police Scotland to account and to promote and support continuous improvement in the policing of Scotland. The Scottish Police Authority is also responsible for the management and delivery of Forensic Services in Scotland and the administration of Independent Custody Visiting Scotland.

As the oversight body for Police Scotland, we recognise that our role as a Corporate Parent also means that
we need to ensure impact on those with experience of care needs to be considered in our oversight activities.
In practice, this means the Scottish Police Authority is responsible for overseeing Police Scotland’s actions as
a Corporate Parent.

Simultaneously, the Scottish Police Authority must take action through its own activities to deliver improvements to those with experience of care. Due to the functions of the Authority, as an organisation it has limited direct contact with the public. However, we will seek opportunities to interact and engage with those with experience of care in a meaningful way.

The Scottish Police Authority will take the opportunity to improve the lives of the Care Experienced community and are committed to being the best Corporate Parent we can be. Everyone in the Scottish Police Authority is part of the scaffolding that is provided to people with experience of care as a Corporate Parent. Together, everyone is responsible for helping deliver on the commitments and actions outlined in this plan.