SPA CHAIR’S REPORT

Members considered the report which detailed activities carried out by the Chair since the last Authority Meeting. The Chair highlighted the National Conversation on the use of Live Facial Recognition Technology by policing and thanked the public, stakeholders and interest groups who had engaged in the conversation. The Chair commented that it was an innovative engagement approach and a good example of the principles of early engagement that underpin the Memorandum of Understanding.

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• Members sought feedback on the three virtual regional scrutiny engagement sessions. The Chair advised that the agendas were similar but there were differences in discussion. Rural areas focussed on different areas to urban, however, local policing model implementation and youth violence were recurring themes. The Chair thanked the conveners for their frankness and discussion.
• Regarding the Supreme Court judgment on the legal definition of a ‘woman’ for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010, Members asked if the estates masterplan was compliant to which Chief Constable Jo Farrell (CCFarrell) confirmed it was. DCC Alan Speirs (DCCSpeirs) added that committing to a review helped ensure focus, and the organisation was sensitive and attentive to both the workforce and communities. Members heard Police Scotland were working through the Equality Human Rights Commission guidance during the consultation period and were liaising with the NPCC to arrive at a UK policing position. DCCSpeirs confirmed a substantive update would be provided to the June Policing Performance Committee.
• Noting the judgement would have implications for a small number of trans identifying staff, assurance was sought that the transitioning at work policy review would be handled sensitivity. DCCSpeirs advised a collaboration group had been set up to allow engagement with staff associations and there was direct engagement with those members of staff who would be impacted.
• In light of the judgement, Members questioned if any operational guidance had been issued. DCCSpeirs advised that staff were kept engaged through communications but confirmed that the judgement has had no direct impact on day-to-day operational policing.
• CCFarrell stated that other public sector bodies have reacted quickly, but she felt there was a risk in mis-stepping and having to reset if a review was done at pace. CCFarrell highlighted the objective is to do it once and do it right, considering all views and legislation.
• Members sought assurance that all interested groups and associations have been engaged with. DCCSpeirs confirmed Police Scotland had reached out to interested parties and currently 20 organisations will be represented at the stakeholder event scheduled for 29 May, including the Scottish Women’s Development Forum. Advising that the stakeholder event would not be a one-off event, DCCSpeirs reiterated that any groups who have an interest will be afforded the opportunity to be engaged with.

Members noted the report.