Background

The People Committee terms of reference state that the Committee is required to determine and approve the optimum process and implement arrangements for appointments to the ranks of Chief Constable, Deputy Chief Constable, and Assistant Chief Constable and to Director level roles within the Authority/ Police Scotland. This paper sets out the recommended process for appointment of senior officers to Police Scotland at the rank of Assistant Chief Constable, Deputy Chief Constable, and Chief Constable.

Scotland’s current chief officer establishment comprises a Chief Constable, 3 Deputy Chief Constables (DCC) and 9 Assistant Chief Constables (ACC). During the ACC recruitment process in January 2023, the recruitment of an additional ACC was approved. In addition, with the new Chief Constable due to commence on 9 October 2023, there are temporary arrangements currently in place. Appendix A demonstrates the arrangements currently in place.

The Authority is anticipating senior officers may retire in the coming months. Advance planning for any currently unknown retirements is underway and this paper sets out the proposed process that will be utilised to recruit at a senior level should it be required in the coming 12 months.

The Authority is responsible for making appointments to the rank of ACC and above. The People Committee is responsible assuring the Authority that the process for the appointment of senior officers is fit for purpose and robust.

The Authority is committed to an open, competitive and robust assessment and recruitment process in order to attract and appoint the best candidates to any vacant positions. The process is based on the principles of merit, fairness and openness and is in accordance with public sector equality duties.

This report has been informed by the College of Policing’s 2021 Guidance on the appointment of Senior Officers, learning from previous senior officer appointment processes and discussions with Police Scotland’s leadership team.