Appendix 4

From: [Redacted Section 38(1)(b)]

Sent: 05 May 2023 09:16 To: [Redacted Section 38(1)(b)]

Subject: FW: RPE Policy Update [OFFICIAL]

Good Morning All,

I hope you are all well. First of all I would just like to say thanks to each of you for your continued communication regarding the above policy which is currently in development. I understand how critical it is that together we get this right as any change like this has an impact on our officers and staff and your involvement in this process is very welcome and helpful.

Given the issues we initially encountered with tight deadlines the SOP had been sent out at the beginning of this week without the EqHRIA. Your feedback on this has been listened to and I agree that although we were trying to do the right thing by offering the SOP at the earliest opportunity it should not have come to you to start consultation without the EqHRIA.

There is a lot of work that is required to shape and inform this policy and it is clear that the policy will not be ready for implementation on 29th May. This date was initially favoured due to the large number of probationers arriving into the organisation on that date and meant they could all be face fitted at SPC taking pressure off the trainers within local policing Divisions, however taking the time to get this policy right is the number one priority and therefore it has been agreed by[Redacted Section 38(1)(b)] to remove the deadline date and to work through the development of the policy over the coming weeks with regular updates to him as to what stage we are at.

The 28 day consultation period will start from the date you all receive the SOP accompanied by the EqHRIA. That will hopefully be with you all today or on Monday by the latest. I hope to convene a meeting with those of you who are available later next week once you have had a chance to read both and will suggest a weekly meeting moving forward until we have reached the end of the consultation period and see where we are at.

I also must stress at this stage that this is a policy about the implementation of RPE for the safety of our officers and staff., it is NOT a ‘Clean Shaven Policy’. I understand it is this part of the policy that is causing most of the issues and not the carrying or use of an FFP3 mask.

I know a lot of research, consultation and discussion was undertaken around the FFP3 mask during Op Talla and to offer our officers and staff the best protection throughout the pandemic. The FFP3 mask being face fitted to a member of staff or officer who was clean shaven was the absolute best form of protection. Despite this, can I please assure you all that myself and the team are continuing to carry out all of the due diligence necessary to ensure this policy is proportionate and necessary.

I hope in the coming weeks we can all discuss the information we receive in relation to this, as well as many other concerns you may have.

Thank you for your continued participation and for representing our officers and staff in the development of this policy.

[Redacted Section 38(1)(b)]
Governance, Audit & Assurance/NFEL/Public Inquiries Landline: [Redacted Section 38(1)(b)] Mobile: [Redacted Section 38(1)(b)] Email: [Redacted Section 38(1)(b)]
Website: www.scotland.police.uk
Twitter: @policescotland
Facebook: www.facebook.com/policescotland

From: [Redacted Section 38(1)(b)]

Sent: 05 May 2023 09:37 To: [Redacted Section 38(1)(b)] Cc: [Redacted Section 38(1)(b)]

Subject: FW: RPE Policy Update [OFFICIAL]

OFFICIAL

Hi [Redacted Section 38(1)(b)],

You’ve probably seen the headlines re. PSOS clean shaven policy today.

I have just received the below from [Redacted Section 38(1)(b)] indicating that the policy will no longer be implemented on 29 May as planned.

I’ve included below the text from the initial draft of the SOP (and attached document).

We’ll hopefully have a copy of the updated SOP and EqHRIA in the coming days and we’ll work with workforce governance colleagues ([Redacted Section 38(1)(b)] –CCd) to provide a full response.

Thanks, [Redacted Section 38(1)(b)]

From: [Redacted Section 38(1)(b)]
Sent: 05 May 2023 09:38 To: [Redacted Section 38(1)(b)] Cc: [Redacted Section 38(1)(b)]
Subject: RE: RPE Policy Update [OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL

With [Redacted Section 38(1)(b)] CCd.