Strategic review of the Scottish Police Authority

The aim of this strategic review was to assess the state, efficiency and effectiveness of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) in fulfilling its core role and meeting its statutory obligations. These are:

• To maintain the Police Service
• To promote the policing principles
• To promote and support continuous improvement in the policing of Scotland
• To keep under review the policing of Scotland
• To hold the Chief Constable to account for the policing of Scotland.

HMICS has undertaken four inspections of the SPA, or the forensics services that it provides to Police Scotland, since the inception of the service in 2013. In the early days of Police Scotland and the SPA, there were considerable challenges – both in the creation of the police service and the body overseeing and providing its scrutiny. The intervening years have seen difficulties and tensions between the SPA and the police service, often arising from differing personal views and approaches.

Our last inspection of the full SPA was in 2019, and progress made since then has been professional and considered, enabling a strategic scrutiny body that supports the service and all those working within it. The last inspection came at a time of significant change for the SPA, with the current Chief Executive having only been very recently appointed. That report resulted in 14 recommendations, all of which have since been closed. Some issues remain to be taken forward but actions for the SPA have all been discharged. This time round, a full, detailed inspection was not considered proportionate, so this strategic review took the format of validating a self-evaluation conducted by the SPA, as well as analysis of other documentation, interviews and observations.

The SPA differs from other public bodies, and the governance of policing in Scotland is an innovative model with a collaborative and open approach. This can leave room for differing interpretations, and there has been much talk over the past 11 years about the independence of the role of the Chief Constable. It is therefore interesting to observe the very public scrutiny of board and committee meetings where SPA members seek assurance on activities and outcomes delivered by policing. These public sessions are well prepared and supported by both the SPA and Police Scotland, and seek to show effective governance of a large public body.

The role of the SPA in scrutinising the activity of the service is complex and – on the evidence available to HMICS – this is done in good faith, with an ambition to improve services for the public of Scotland. We observed candour and appropriate challenge on both sides, and this can only be strengthened by enhanced scrutiny in some areas. As a result, we are confident that – with the strong leadership now in place, and the support provided by the SPA’s corporate function and board members – the necessary longer-term vision and sustainable policing model can be achieved, through continued collaboration with Police Scotland.

HMICS is clear that the Scottish Government’s “On Board” guidance for all statutory boards applies to the relationship between the SPA Board and the SPA Chief Executive, and its relationship with the Chief Constable. We see evidence of steps to ensure that these standards are maintained and delivered effectively, and are satisfied that the SPA is now in a position of compliance with this guidance. We found no evidence of board members acting outwith their non-executive role.

The self-evaluation conducted by the SPA that formed the basis of our strategic review was detailed, well evidenced, and conducted effectively. This has allowed a wider understanding of issues that it faces and how it intends to provide assurance that it is meeting best value expectations. The Best Value in Public Services: Guidance for Accountable Officers that was used as the basis of the self-evaluation was published in 2011 (superseding previous sector-specific documents). HMICS intends to work with partners to develop a set of policing-specific expectations for use in future work, to assess whether best value is delivered by Police Scotland and the SPA. This work will take time, but will be based upon the 2020 Best Value revised statutory guidance issued by the Scottish Government.

Our inspection has been well supported by the SPA and Police Scotland, and provides a clear description of the progress and positive developments made since the last inspection, and the evident drive to provide value for money in the expenditure on policing in Scotland.

This inspection was headed up by lead inspectors Dr Annie Crowley and Tina Yule, with a team of inspection professionals. We are grateful for the input and support provided by colleagues from Audit Scotland. We would like to thank all those who contributed to the self-evaluation and the fieldwork for their professionalism and diligence.

Craig Naylor
His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary
June 2024