Introduction - Audit and Consultation

INTERNAL GAELIC CAPACITY AUDIT

Following an audit of the Authority’s workforce in 2018 (circa 550 staff), 6 individuals working across both SPA Corporate and Forensic Services identified themselves as being able to speak, read, write or understand Gaelic.

The Authority worked in conjunction with Police Scotland to conduct an audit of the entire policing workforce. The survey during April/May 2021 focused on officers and staff under the direction and control of the Chief Constable, as well as the SPA’s Corporate Team and those working across Forensic Services. Through the survey, we will be able to determine the linguistic profile of the entire policing workforce, including:

• The number of employees who speak, read, write or understand Gaelic and the level
  of their language skills.
• The number of Gaelic speaking staff able to support delivery of the Plan and in which
  capacity they may do this.
• The departments and/or working locations of identified individuals.
• The number of posts where Gaelic is a desirable skill.
• Any services or internal processes conducted through the medium of Gaelic.

The results of the audit are included at Appendix 1 and will enable us to consider how to use and enhance the skills of our current staff.

CONSULTATION ON THE DRAFT GAELIC LANGUAGE PLAN

The 2005 Act requires that public authorities consult on their draft Gaelic language plan before submitting it to Bòrd na Gàidhlig.

This draft version of the Scottish Police Authority’s second edition Gaelic Language Plan was published for engagement and consultation during July and August 2021. The results of the consultation are outlined at Appendix 2 and have informed this draft.