Report Summary
This document describes how the Authority works to deliver good corporate governance and how it aims to carry out its functions in a way which is proportionate, accountable and transparent.
Good governance enables the Authority to achieve its vision and corporate objectives as well as underpin these with mechanisms for the control and management of risk which it reports through its committee structures and processes, and the method of decision-making.
To access the full document please open the PDF document above.
To view as accessible content please use the sections below. (Note that tables and some appendices are not available as accessible content).
Introduction
The Scottish Police Authority (the Authority) (or, in Gaelic, Ùghdarras Poilis na h-Alba) is a body corporate established by the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (the Act). It came into operation on 1 April 2013, along with the Police Service of Scotland, and its core functions are defined by the Act.
The Act sets out a legislative framework to ensure effective governance for policing services across Scotland with the Authority responsible for providing strong national governance arrangements and accountability1.
This document describes how the Authority works to deliver good corporate governance. In carrying out its functions the Authority has specific regard to:
• the terms of the Act
• Governance and Accountability Framework Document of the Scottish Police Authority, drawn up by Scottish Government in consultation with the Authority and which describes the context within which the Authority operates and sets out key roles and responsibilities. (Annex A)
• the Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Act 2000, as amended
• the Scottish Public Finance Manual (SPFM)
• the Memorandum to Accountable Officers for Other Public Bodies2
• On Board: A Guide for Members of Statutory Boards3 published by the Scottish Government and
• the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000.
The Authority must try to carry out its functions in a way which is proportionate, accountable and transparent and which is consistent with any principle of good governance which appears to it to constitute best practice (section2(3) of the Act).
Good governance enables the Authority to achieve its vision and corporate objectives as well as underpin these with mechanisms for the control and management of risk which it reports through its committee structures and processes, and the method of decision-making.
Our governance principles are:
• being clear about, and having a strong focus on, our purpose and on outcomes for citizens and service users
• being clear about our functions and responsibilities and performing effectively in carrying them out
• promoting values for the whole organisation and demonstrating the values of good governance through behaviour
• developing our capacity and capability to be effective in both non-executive and executive roles
• managing risks and performance through robust internal control systems and strong public financial management and
• implementing good practices in transparency, reporting and audit to deliver effective accountability.
