BI-ANNUAL LEARNING, TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT REPORT

Members considered the paper which provided a bi-annual update on activity across Learning, Training and Development.  In addition to the submitted report the following was discussed.

• Members considered the report and noted a number of points as summaries by the Head of Learning Training and Development.
• A question was asked about challenges with recruiting driving instructors.  The work to address shortages of instructors was recognised and clarity was sought on what was being done to make sure the numbers of instructors are sufficient for the needs of the Force.
• Ch Supt Gibson explained that going to market has been more of a challenge than anticipated and the business area is being remodelled to create capacity for the training and upskilling of existing staff which brings its own challenges as it is an intensive training and takes time and not everyone who is upskilled passes the tests required of the instructor course.  One of the main challenges is Police Scotland is looking to provide advance driving train every ARV officer and that will take some time.  
• Members were told that focus will be on improving the capacity challenges down to a more manageable level but in a way that means Police Scotland continues to deliver to a high standard to large numbers across the organisation.  Multiple rotations and flexible approach to make sure the training is taken out to the areas that need it the most.
• DCC Speirs provided the Committee with an assurance that there is no adverse impact on how Police Scotland deliver a service  to communities in Scotland just now because of people waiting to get a driving course.  The DCC offered reassurance about the service Police Scotland can deliver across the communities in Scotland.
• Members welcomed this reassurance from the DCC and will look forward to seeing the impacts from the steps being taken to address challenges in this area.
• In response to a question about what was being done so that good collaborative links exist with the College of Policing so that any opportunities to collaborate exist it was confirmed that Police Scotland are always keen to work with the CoP because they give a valuable national perspective on training and this is done where appropriate.
• Comments from Staff Association were supportive of the transparency of the reporting and the effort to increase training completion was also welcomed.  Staff associations and Trade Union colleagues continue to work closely with the H&S Manager.  The 
• The issue of a H&S issue which has been raised at the Scottish Crime Campus and this is being investigated and will report through the necessary governance channels.
• The Chair of the Committee recognised the good work being done to support policing colleagues internationally and commended this work.

Members noted the report.