Item 7

HMICS ANNUAL REPORT

His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland, Craig Naylor (CNaylor), provided a summary of the report, highlighting:

• The role and responsibilities of HMICS.
• Areas of good performance in Police Scotland such as preventative work and 999 call times, along with delivering significant major events.
• Areas of concern such as budget position and potential impact on service.
• A range scrutiny activity has taken place during the year including collaborative work with partner agencies.
• HMICS three-year plan has been revised with changes mainly around timings. Reports on vetting, mental health demand and organisational culture are expected soon.

In discussion the following matters were raised:

• Members sought comment on benefits of joint scrutiny and heard joint inspections provide greater effectiveness and work continues to deliver a framework.
• Members heard HMICS recognise recommendation response times differ due to complexity but ensure all are followed up.
• Members heard there had been good communication on some key issues but less on others. As a result, when reports are published, HMICS look to ensure messages are highlighted and they are visible to respond to media questions.
• The Chair commented that inspectorates in England do not have powers to push for recommendations, but the SPA Chief Executives and current and former Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee Chairs have transformed how recommendations are followed through. The consequence has been that oversight and scrutiny in Scotland is high.
• The Chair noted HMICS’s statement that Police Scotland was an extraordinary organisation, and thanked CNaylor for HMICS’ co-operation.

The Authority RESOLVED to:

• NOTE the report.