Report Summary
This report summarises the performance of the Scottish Police Authority's corporate function for the second quarter (July - September) of the 2024-25 reporting period.
The report excludes performance information for Forensic Services which is reported to the Authority's Forensic Services Committee.
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Summary
Corporate Strategy delivery
Delivery i.e. actual versus planned work was 75 per cent in quarter two.
21 per cent of planned work in the quarter was re-profiled, reflecting revised timescales/output for these areas of work. While one communications related milestone is carried over to 2025-26 to reflect resourcing issues in the External Relations team, the remainder of re-profiled activity is expected to be delivered in year.
No issues identified for delivery of milestones for quarter three at present.
People
Staff FTE – Actual is 44.80 (Q1 was 46.8). Overall staff numbers continue to remain lower than budgeted level of 52 FTE.
Mandatory training – Plain English training now fully delivered except to four non attendees (one due to LTS). Completion rates on other mandatory training remain static, individual gaps in training have been shared with Heads for action.
Absence - Long term absence has decreased. Short term absence decreased from Q1 with very low levels experienced during Q2. Outstanding Return to Work (RTW) have increased from Q1 to Q2 - there will be a focus on RTW in Q3 to ensure prompt completion and provision of any required support.
Resources
Audit – Three HMICS recommendations and one internal audit recommendation closed.
Risk – All corporate risks within appetite/tolerance. Oversight of PS equalities has been brought within appetite/tolerance, an improvement on Q1.
FOI requests received was 24 (15 less than previous). This included two reviews - one decision was upheld and one decision partially upheld. 91 per cent compliance with 20-day response timeline – two responses for Forensics information had to be issued late.
SAR requests received was 48 (32 less than previous). This included 47 requests from officers retiring. 100 per cent compliance with 1-month response timeline.
Security Incidents recorded was 11 (10 more then previous). One incident related to SPA Corporate and was reported to ICO although no mandatory requirement to do so, however reported under ‘for information only’ category.
Performance
Complaints – continued positive trend with no SPA Corporate related complaints received during Q2.
Media Enquiries – reduced to 24 (8 less than previous). 100 per cent answered within requested timeframe.
ICVS – 34 per cent of detainees available at time of visits seen, as per previous four quarters. Detainee concerns was 299 (95 less than previous). 77 per cent of concerns were resolved at the time of visit (6 per cent less than previous) - the top five types of concern remain unchanged.
Governance Support – 100 per cent of SPA Corporate papers, for public items, were published on time (as per the previous two quarters). Papers submitted on time remained at 50 per cent, and papers circulated on time reduced from 87 per cent in Q1 to 79 per cent. Forensic Services and Police Scotland figures are provided for comparison.
