Report Summary
This report provides members of the Scottish Police Authority's Audit, Risk & Assurance Committee with an overview of the internal audit reports on the Grievance Process, IT General Controls and Best Value Readiness from the 2023/24 internal audit plan.
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Meeting
The publication discussed was referenced in the meeting below
Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee - 9 May 2024
Date : 09 May 2024
Location : online
Grievance Process
Full report in Appendix A
Background:
• This review covers the design and operation of controls relating to the grievance process in place, to provide assurance over the design and operational effectiveness of the grievance processes.
Internal Audit Findings:
• Limited assurance has been provided over the design and operational effectiveness.
• BDO can see that clear steps are being taken to improve the culture within the organisation and further develop softer skills. This is being done through the creating a positive workplace programme, which includes actions being taken to roll out people manager training, further mediation support, and raising awareness on the support and services in place. However, a number of important findings were raised.
• Key themes of the findings include:
Introducing enhanced grievance governance and performance reporting, in particular to the SPA Board or Committee level.
Grievance processes and supporting documentation being completed in full compliance with the grievance process procedure in place.
Introducing ongoing grievance process feedback mechanisms.
• Actions to address previously identified grievance process recommendations are ongoing, and that the impact of rolling out the creating a positive workplace programme on culture and confidence in the grievance process cannot yet be assessed.
Summary of Findings of the Report:
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS # OF AGREED ACTIONS
High 2 3
Medium 2 3
Low 1 3
(2 actions were not accepted by the management)
TOTAL NUMBER OF FINDINGS: 3 9
SPA Considerations:
• There has been significant focus on values and standards, what they mean and what is expected from those who represent the police service. All within the police service have a duty to challenge and report unacceptable behaviours and improper conduct when they encounter it.
• SPA welcomes the internal audit report findings. We note that all high and medium related actions have been agreed with short implementation dates set.
• Two low risk actions have not been agreed to. We recognise that management has provide rational for this decision.