Portfolio Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament am ar 26 Mehefin 2024.
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland’s “HMICS Strategic review of the Scottish Police Authority”, which was published earlier this month and sets out the progress made by the Scottish Police Authority in providing oversight and scrutiny of policing in Scotland. (S6O-03631)
The HMICS report highlighted the considerable progress that has been made by the Scottish Police Authority in its role of providing oversight and scrutiny of policing. In particular, the report notes that improved leadership and direction at the SPA has greatly enhanced its work. Chief Inspector Craig Naylor stated that the SPA has
“clearly demonstrated a significant difference in the approach and effectiveness of the SPA as a corporate body since”
the 2019 inspection.
I am grateful to the current SPA leadership, which has guided the organisation to that positive position, and I will continue to support it as it goes further to address the report.
What steps is the Scottish Government taking to ensure that the SPA continues to fulfil its role in the scrutiny of Scottish policing?
It is for the SPA to action the issues that have been raised by HMICS. Nonetheless, the Scottish Government will support the SPA to do so. There was one recommendation, and the areas for further development include self-evaluation, leadership, performance and outcome measures, streamlining plans and reporting.
The Scottish Government will continue to support the SPA, particularly as it carries out its vital role in holding the chief constable to account. I meet the SPA and its chief executive regularly.
Contrary to the Scottish National Party’s spin that we have just heard, the HMICS report is not all positive. It reveals that Police Scotland currently reports 17 strategic risks, 11 of which are at the most serious red status. However, the inspector identified a failure to take responsibility and no timescales to fix those, and added that the SPA must “demonstrate much stronger governance”. Specifically, what discussions has the cabinet secretary had with the SPA about tackling those strategic risks?
As I said in my earlier answer, I meet the SPA and other policing partners very regularly. I refute the allegation that this matter has anything to do with SNP spin. Chief Inspector Craig Naylor said:
“There have been real improvements in leadership, governance and accountability—the core statutory role of the Authority. Planning, capacity and capability have all been improved. These improvements have also been acknowledged by external auditors.”