ASSURANCE REPORTING

POLICE SCOTLAND BEST VALUE UDPATE / 4.2 SPA AND FORENSIC SERVICES BEST VALUE UPDATE
JMcNellis advised that audit work is mostly complete, and indicative early findings have been shared which are positive. He explained most findings were anticipated from the self-assessment and emerging findings meetings are being held with Audit Scotland and HMICS. They will write a report, with early drafts expected late autumn, and the final report will be presented to parliament in early 2026.

No questions were raised.

Members noted the update.

POLICE SCOTLAND WHISTLEBLOWING ANNUAL REPORT
Members considered the report which provided an overview of Police Scotland’s whistleblowing data for the financial year 2024/25 and planned next steps for 2025/26. ACC Lynn Ratcliff (ACCRatcliff) highlighted a number of key points detailed within the report.

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• ACCRatcliff clarified that protected disclosures are the same as whistleblowing in the sense that officers or staff are raising it in the public interest and in terms of how they are treated.
• The Committee were assured that if a matter is investigated and it is established that it is not whistleblowing or protected disclosure, it does not change the protected status of the person. In terms of the 38 protected disclosures, Members were told approximately 60% have been found to be criminal, 15% gone to PIRC and remainder are internal processes such as grievance or performance. Members requested Police Scotland confirm how many of the 38 protected disclosures move to internal processes such as grievance.
• ACCRatcliff committed to ensuring future reports provide a breakdown and more detail of each category. This was welcomed by the Committee.
• Noting that 38 protected disclosures is a small percentage of the overall number of referrals, Members questioned whether the number was right and sought assurance that the triage process is appropriate. ACCRatcliff responded that the Professional Standard Department (PSD) staff have undergone significant training to allow them to determine if a referral falls under whistleblowing. The organisation is raising awareness of whistleblowing, protected disclosures and the rights that are given to those who report, and as such there is an increase in reporting which is positive. She confirmed the organisation is committed to continuing training. Members heard that whistleblowing formed part of the HMICS conduct review and recommendations are expected.
• Members sought further information on how feedback is provided. ACCRatcliff responded that providing feedback can be difficult as some reports are anonymous. She advised that when a report has gone into the conduct or criminal space, the privacy afforded from the Conduct Regulations means it can be difficult to provide feedback. Members were assured that every report received is acknowledged.
• The Committee discussed holding a deep dive session to better understand what segregates the 38 protected disclosures from other referrals, and the levels of assessment and investigation applied. ACCRatcliff agreed this would be helpful and highlighted that the vast amount of criminality reported is off duty criminality which is not whistleblowing. This is reflected in suspension and restricted duty details. She explained that the legislation criteria means that off duty criminality and whistleblowing are unlikely to overlap.
• Members questioned how organisational learning is applied. ACCRatcliff explained there was a number of mechanisms to decant any learning. Members heard TMcMahon has been tasked with taking forward a broader concept of organisational learning and securing platform where learning and advice from across the organisation can be uploaded. In terms of PSD, anti-corruption and whistleblowing matters, Members heard there was a single point of contact in every division to provide local level learning and regional and national level learning was also applied. ACCRatcliff agreed to provide a lived example.

Members noted the report and agreed the following actions:
20250814-AUD-001: Police Scotland to confirm how many of the 38 protected disclosures move to grievance.
20250814-AUD-002: A deep dive session to be arranged to allow Members to better understand what segregates the 38 protected disclosures from other referrals, and the levels of assessment and investigation applied.
20250814-AUD-003: Members to provided with a lived example of how organisational learning has been applied.

SPA WHISTLEBLOWING ANNUAL REPORT
Members considered the report which provided an annual update and assessment on the effectiveness of whistleblowing arrangements within the SPA. JMcNellis highlighted a number of key points detailed within the report.

Members were informed the SPA statistics on staff understanding and confidence came from recent SPA pulse surveys. Forensic Services do not have equivalent data for that period, but the current staff survey should provide some information.

Members noted the report.

POLICE SCOTLAND SCRS CRIME AUDIT 2023-24
Members considered the report which provided an overview of the Scottish Crime Recording Standard (SCRS) Crime Audit 2023-24. AWood highlighted a number of key points detailed within the report.

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• Members acknowledged the good compliance in bigger divisions but sought further information on the variances between some. AWood advised there was a national hub for shared learning and variances were due to different system inputs.
• Members heard this would not be reported annually to avoid duplication as HMICS are carrying out their own crime audit review. JPaterson advised work has already started and the audit is due later in autumn. He advised Members that results are reflective of transformation programme benefits.

Members noted the report.