Minute detail

INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME
CHAIR’S OPENING REMARKS
The Chair opened the meeting and welcomed all Authority Members and representatives from Police Scotland’s senior leadership team.

APOLOGIES
Apologies were received from Paul Edie and Katharina Kasper. The Chair advised Pauline Howie would join later in the Agenda.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST AND CONNECTIONS
One declaration of interest was raised. Noting her status as an NHS24 Board Member, Amina Khan declared an interest in any discussions relating to mental health.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Authority Members raised no other business.

DECISION ON TAKING BUSINESS IN PRIVATE (ITEM 13)
Members agreed that, in accordance with paragraph 20 of the SPA Standing Orders, the Authority would consider item 13 in private for the reasons set out on the agenda.

MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
MINUTE FROM MEETING HELD ON 19 FEBRUARY 2026 FOR APPROVAL
Members approved the minute from the meeting held 19 February 2026.

DECISIONS SINCE LAST MEETING
Members noted one decision had been taken by correspondence since the last public Authority meeting, relating to the additional Bank Holiday to recognise Scotland’s participation in the men’s football World Cup. The Chair advised the outcome would be communicated later that day.

SPA CHAIR’S REPORT
Members considered the report which detailed activities carried out by the Chair since the last Authority Meeting. The Chair thanked Fiona McQueen, Tom Halpin and Mary Pitcaithly for their contribution to the SPA and policing. He also congratulated all those who attended and were honoured at the Police Scotland Bravery Awards.

No questions were raised.

Members approved the changes in Committee Memberships listed within section 2 of the report, effective immediately.

COMMITTEE CHAIRS’ REPORTS
Members considered the report which provided an update on business progressed through Committees and Oversight Groups since the last Authority Meeting. Committee and Oversight Group Chairs highlighted the main points raised at the following meetings:
• Resources Committee
• People Committee
• Complaints and Conduct Committee
• Policing Together Oversight Group
• Legal Committee
• Policing Performance Committee

No questions were raised.Members noted the report.

Pauline Howie joined.

CHIEF CONSTABLE’S REPORT
Members considered the report which provided detail relating to the Police Service, policing, and the state of crime. Chief Constable Jo Farrell (CCFarrell) highlighted a number of key points as detailed in the paper. In addition to the written report, she provided the following updates:
• Commenting on the murder of Brian Low, an apology to Mr Low’s family was reiterated and confirmation given that all policies and procedures around attendance at unexplained deaths have been reviewed.
• 2,000 Body Worn Video devices were provided for officers and staff in Glasgow (G Division), taking the total to over 7,000 across the country. Thanks were paid to CDIO Andrew Hendry and his team for pushing the programme at pace.
• Thanks were paid to the Finance team for producing a balanced budget which prioritises the frontline and invests in estates and digital transformation. Some difficult decisions were made including a 20% reduction in overtime budgets and the release of temporary staff including civilian investigators, vetting staff, and production workers. Any significant additional costs relating to public inquiries cannot be accommodated within the existing allocation, and additional funding through the Spring Budget Revision was anticipated to allow for the cost of new legislation. The transformation programme for 2026-27 will be prioritised, focussing on roles and projects which free-up frontline officers and staff through better ways of working or by reducing demand. Investment will continue in estates, body armour replacement, fleet, and cyber security. The challenging public finance outlook illustrated by the Scottish Spending Review was acknowledge and Police Scotland will build on its reputation for best value with a focus on medium-term financial planning, better workforce planning and management, and a further three-year business plan. The frontline will continue to be the priority.

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• Members questioned what SPA can do to help support issues around Officer safety. CCFarrell responded that there was a responsibility for all to highlight that violence against officers is unacceptable. ACC Mark Sutherland (ACCSutherland) agreed it was important for all to recognise that it was not part of the role. He explained how the Your Safety Matters programme has had a positive impact and the taser roll out has helped decrease officer assaults. He also explained how wellbeing leads and champions and a trauma informed approach has helped keep officers and staff safe.
• Members questioned whether there had been any engagement with football clubs following disorder at the Old Firm cup match and sought assurance on policing resource at football matches. CCFarrell confirmed Police Scotland had a strong reputation for policing football matches but highlighted that responsibility for security within the grounds lies with the football clubs. She advised that she had met with the Chief Executive of Rangers Football Club and she was hopeful of meeting representatives from Celtic Football Club. ACC Alan Waddell (ACCWaddell) added that football needs to be self-regulating. He explained that colleagues in Greater Glasgow are working with partners to assist with planning but emphasised that expectations of fan behaviour was for football clubs to manage. With regards to resource, ACCWaddell advised that policing football matches and other events brings significant burden and that there were opportunities to reduce officers numbers, but it had to be done in a proportionate way based on threat, risk and harm. He advised that the policing resource at the Old Firm Cup game was the highest of the football season so far.
• Members sought clarity on the sick pay policy. CCFarrell responded that wellbeing is a significant focus and through examination by the People Committee and an HMICS report, more support was needed for those coming back to work. She confirmed that consistently of policy approach was important and work continues in this area.
• Members sought further information on the continuous learning from the Forth Valley local policing trial and rollout. ACCSutherland responded that policing local communities is key to delivering the vision. The pilot is live in three divisions and learning is being done continuously with positive outcomes allowing an increase in pro-activity work. He explained that community investigation hubs allows local resolution and creates capacity, with local leadership key to success. Members were told Police Scotland will do their own evaluation followed by an independent academic review, then HMICS will carry out a more detailed inspection
• With regards to the fire on Hope Street, Glasgow, Members heard positive feedback had been received the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and ScotRail. CCFarrell confirmed learning will be taken on board from any reviews.
• Members sought assurance on preparedness for any increases in protests and retail crime, due to current geo-political events. ACCWaddell advised there was a 50% increase in protests since last year, with over 500 since January and they relate to domestic and international events. With regard to anti-immigration protests, he explained that there was a national structure to provide a consistent style and tone that is community based. Local Commanders work with local partners, and Police Scotland are engaged in COSLA and Scottish Government led forums. ACC Catriona Paton (ACCPaton) explained the role of the Policing Together Programme in this area, highlighting the relationships built. In terms of the economic impact, CCFarrell assured Members that the Retail Crime Taskforce continue to work to respond to concerns.
• Members sought an update on impacts from Operation Begonia and the next steps from Operation Lockstream. With regards to Operation Begonia, ACCPaton advised that the number of interactions with policing are analysed and results provide opportunity for preventative work. She highlighted the Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy is still in place and work continues to improve the trauma informed approach. With regards to Operation Lockstream, ACCPaton described work undertaken to protect borders and Police Scotland’s collaboration with the National Crime Agency.
• Members questioned the learning from recognised links between human trafficking and illegal shop sales. ACCSutherland responded that retail crime is driven by vulnerability and human trafficking is driven by organised crime so work on both needs to be undertaken in tandem.
• Comment was sought on AI opportunities for policing in Scotland. CCFarrell responded that the organisation was looking at AI for more covert areas of policing. She emphasised all new technology is introduced in an ethical way, citing the human rights based pathway.
• Assurance was received that there was still commitment on international development work.
• Assurance was sought that dispersal zones in Glasgow city centre were proportionate. ACCSutherland explained that dispersal zones come under anti-social work and are used as a last resort, advising that intelligence had shown an increase in anti-social behaviour in Glasgow city centre, predominantly by young people. He confirmed EQHRIA and community impact assessments are ongoing.
• In response to a question relating to the American/Israel/Iran conflict, ACCWaddell committed to providing further information on fuel plans.

Members noted the report and AGREED the following action:
20260325-BM-001: Further information on fuel plans and associated testing to be provided to the Authority.

SPA CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT
Members considered the report which detailed activities involving SPA corporate staff since the previous Authority Meeting. Chris Brown (CBrown) thanked Fiona McQueen, Tom Halpin and Mary Pitcaithly for their work and support. In addition to the report, he highlighted the following:
• The Strategic Police Plan has been approved by Ministers and laid in Parliament.
• A response had been received from Ivan McKee, Minister for Public Finance, in relation to the challenges raised regarding capital spend and borrowing powers. It was advised that the current structural arrangements do not allow for borrowing without impacting on central government’s ability. CBrown will discuss further after the election period.
• The implementation of Lady Elish's Independent Review recommendations has reached a point where the remaining recommendations are either progressing through legislation or will be kept under review. As such, with all non-legislative policing recommendations delivered, the three tier governance framework will be stood down. CBrown stated that Lady Angiolini's review has been a catalyst for systemic cultural change and organisational development and the changes made since publication of the Review have provided more transparency and accountability and have improved the accessibility and outcomes for complainants.
Chris Creegan, incoming Complaints and Conduct Committee Chair, reinforced the importance of progress in relation to Lady Elish’s review and the impact on transparency. He confirmed it would remain a focus of the Committee.

Members noted the report

FORENSIC SERVICES DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Members considered the report which detailed activities within Forensic Services in line with the requirement for the full Authority meeting to provide leadership, direction, support and guidance to the Authority. Fiona Douglas (FDouglas) summarised the key points detailed in the paper.

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• Members commended the work undertaken on the workforce plan.
• Members asked what learning can be taken from drug driving work to help with future challenges. FDouglas responded that learning had been taken since 2022 and Forensic Services have worked closely with Police Scotland and the Crown Office to take a system wide approach to manage demand. She explained that there have been discussions on the challenges from the budget settlement and highlighted that the tri-partite MOU sets out responsibilities. She assured Members that Forensic Services will continue to drive improvement across the whole system.
• Members sought comment on the underspend causes and the impact in terms of meeting demand. FDouglas responded that it had been a challenge to maintain the established headcount as it takes a long time to train staff and a disproportionate time to recruit. She explained that the implementation of the new operating model meant a lot of internal movement which has impacted recruitment. FDouglas confirmed that the service was now at budgeted headcount which is positive in terms of delivery especially with a reduction in overtime.
• Members sought assurance that FDouglas will prioritise work to address issues around workplace culture. FDouglas confirmed feedback received indicated challenges around culture therefore working groups have been established that listen to lived experience. She also highlighted training and development of managers and leaders and progressing active bystanding training to help give people the tools to challenge behaviours. FDouglas encouraged staff to share any experiences to help ensure the organisation are targeting the right activity. She committed to keeping the Forensic Service Committee updated on progress.
• Members sought Police Scotland’s early considerations of the recent Biometrics Commissioner Report. ACCSutherland responded that there were a number of areas where Police Scotland are already taking active steps and they will continue to explore best practice. He confirmed that the Biometrics Commission is happy with how Police Scotland take, store and use large number of samples.
• FDouglas confirmed that acquisitive crime was still a priority and the operating model has allowed Forensic Services to be more responsive, which results are starting to evidence. CCFarrell added that the Policing for our Communities programme also allows Police Scotland to respond quicker which compliments Forensic Services focus.

Members noted the report

SPA BUDGET 2026-27
Members considered the report which presented, for approval, the draft budget for revenue, capital and reform. Sarah Roughead (SRoughead) provided a detailed summary of the key points detailed in the paper.

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• CBrown thanked SRoughead and the finance team for the work undertaken. He stated that there was an appropriate level of risk within the budget but with appropriate management it is achievable.
• Resources Committee Chair, Pauline Howie, confirmed that the Committee had considered it in detail and noted that considerable savings will be required; assumptions on future funding have been made; and the operational consequences. She explained that assurances were sought on the deliverability and the impact on strategic outcomes. Noting a continued focus on reform and transformation is required, she reinforced that the Committee expected full trade union and staff association engagement before any organisational change is implemented. She confirmed that UNISON had written to her raising concern on workforce engagement.
• A question was raised with regard to Public Inquiries costs. CCFarrell reiterated that the decision to hold a Public Inquiry is important to families affected and Police Scotland enter them (and Fatal Accident Enquiries) with full candour and cooperation.
• Further information was sought on the increased vacancy factor. SRoughead explained that staff numbers and the vacancy factor will remain the same for the year ahead. Accountability was required so leaders have to scrutinise any recruitment in terms of importance to help manage the vacancy factor.
• Comment was sought on mental health demand costs. CCFarrell responded that a new policy position on mental health demand was required, whilst recognising that police will respond to people in need. She highlighted that Police Scotland are filling a gap in provision and further discussions within existing partnerships is required.
• Members sought assurance that whilst challenging, the budget is deliverable. SRoughead provided assurance that there had been detailed engagement during the budget setting process and the outcome was that it is manageable and will be monitored through various internal forums. She advised that overtime is the biggest challenge and a change in risk appetite is required in an appropriate manner. She assured Members that progress of non-pay will be reported to the Resources Committee. CBrown added that it would also be covered in weekly budget discussion. SRoughead explained that slowing pace of change and transformation is an area that can be reviewed as well as the vacancy factor. She added that Police Scotland will approach Scottish Government regarding any additional asks, being clear on funding and what the investment could create.
• Members sought information on the opportunities to use transformation less and maximise income. SRoughead responded that there is additional funding in Scottish Government and across the UK that Police Scotland can take advantage of. She confirmed Police Scotland would remain consistent on their rates for events. These areas will be built into medium and long term financial planning. ACCSutherland referred to improvement to the Criminal Justice Sector and benefits already progressed.
• Members questioned the challenges brought from procurement increasingly moving from a capital to revenue model. SRoughead explained that the strategic procurement function allowed the organisation to anticipate what is needed ahead of time and digital transformation and capability will be digital cloud based hence the move to revenue. She cautioned that it wasn’t explicitly articulated in the Spending Review how it will managed going forward and will therefore be a key part of medium-term financial planning.
• CCFarrell and CBrown confirmed that the budget is adequate to fulfil their respective responsibilities for Police Scotland and SPA. FDouglas confirmed that the budget is adequate to fulfil Forensic Services statutory duties, with the exception of its drug driving toxicology provision.

Members APPROVED the draft budget for revenue, capital and reform, and the schedule of rates for events and other services.

ANNUAL POLICE PLAN
Members considered the report which presented the Annual Police Plan 2026/27 and accompanying Delivery Plan. CCFarrell summarised the key points detailed in the paper.

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• Members sought assurance that anti racism activities and all forms of discrimination will be a focus. CCFarrell confirmed that the focus is for Police Scotland to be an anti-discriminatory organisation. ACCPaton added that the Policing Together Programme has been the vehicle for making a difference with continued investment and resources; a commitment to an annual survey; and improving culture dashboards.
• CCFarrell assured Members she was committed to introducing a new integrated HR and finance system, but it would be a multi-year piece of work requiring investment.
• Questioned on the balance between the Annual Police Plan and Local Police Plans to reflect local needs, ACCSutherland explained that, whilst Local Police Plans are statutory obligations, national work is flexed locally to help support local needs.

Members noted the report.

ESTATES MASTERPLAN UPDATE
Members considered the report which presented an overview of the progress made since the 2019 estates strategy, summarising the progress and key achievements. Donna Vallance (DVallance) provided a detailed summary of the key points detailed in the paper.

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• Members acknowledged the progress being made, noting the improved position to previous years.
• Questioned on the threat of inflation to progress, DVallance advised that current geopolitics makes it hard to determine future challenges.
• Members sought comment on how geographical boundaries are managed. DVallance responded that the estates team are bound by the policing model rather than geographic boundaries and work collaboratively with teams to discuss requirements. ACCSutherland supported the comments on being mindful on geographical boundaries, explaining that work needs to be data and evidence led.
• Members sought detail on how anti-discriminatory work and flexible working is fed into estates. DVallance advised that only 10-15% of the workforce are eligible to work flexibly therefore it does not have a huge impact on estates, although work continues with operational policing to determine the estate size required. She explained Equalities Impact Assessments are always done and the organisation is bound by building regulations and workplace regulations such as accessibility and The Equalities Act.
• Members sought comment on the impacts from the sex and gender review. ACCPaton assured Members that the Policing Together Programme have worked closely with the estates team around provision of facilities (predominately locker and toilet facilities). She confirmed the organisation is compliant in terms of its legal responsibilities. DVallance added that the most cost efficient way to respond is to include changes within the roll out of improvements and refurbishments.
• Members sought assurance that there will be a sufficient volume of buildings in the next 5-10 years. DVallance advised that she is in dialogue with Chief Executives of other public sector bodies to understand their availability and compare size, location and quality criteria. She confirmed new builds will not be ruled out but considered when required.
• Following a question on the Force Mobilisation Model, ACCWaddell advised Members that progress is being made but it was not anticipated to impact on estate size.
• Members questioned whether there was the opportunity to horizon scan for strategic connections and DVallance advised she was guided by the operating model, but anything would be dependent on location criteria.
• Members sought assurance that environmental impact assessments are also being taken. DVallance confirmed that they are provided when statutory required. She advised that sustainability work has moved into estates work and provided examples such as LED lighting.
• CCFarrell praised the amount of improvement activity undertaken by DVallance and her team, and their recognition of sustainability and digital work. She advised that the focus was on comfort spend and improvement of police houses.

Members noted the report.

SEX AND GENDER UPDATE
Members considered the report which presented an update on Police Scotland’s sex and gender review. ACCPaton provided a detailed summary of the key points detailed in the paper.

Noting it had been discussed at the recent Policing Performance Committee, Chris Creegan summarised the outcomes from that discussion:
• The Committee welcomed progress made in what is a complex area with ongoing public interest and a diversity of opinions.
• The Committee sought assurance about the breadth and depth of internal and external engagement, noting engagement can’t achieve consensus but can underline a commitment to building trust and confidence.
• The Committee welcomed the leadership and the involvement of a human rights advisor and were content to see the review close but recognised ongoing engagement will continue.
• Key areas of assurance important to the Committee were impact, estates and oversight, noting the sensitivity of balancing equality considerations for people with protected characteristics and the ability to balance legal compliance with organisational values. Estate work was noted as ongoing. With regards to oversight, ongoing monitoring of the policy impacts and seeking of insights will continue.

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• Members questioned if estates implications were included in the budget proposal and what the delivery timelines were. DVallance responded that every building will have a mixed sex toilet and each division will have a station that will be entirely compliant. She advised that neither of these pieces of work would have a significant financial cost.
• Members sought further information on the timelines and cost implications from changes to recording. ACCPaton told Members of the multiple systems required to be updated, explaining the current practice is to ensure consistent terminology. She confirmed linked core systems will be a priority, with a report detailing timelines and financial implications expected.
• Policing Performance Committee Members were encouraged to consider whether the Scottish Government consultation on stop and search is consistent with current policy and if it is doing enough to protect female officers who carrying out stop and search. ACCPaton responded that the Stop and Search Code of Practice is owned by Scottish Government. She advised that search will be carried out based on biological sex but there is provision for anyone who wants to be searched based on lived gender. She confirmed this has happened once and the organisation would continue to learn from experience.
• Members were advised that the Sex and Gender Oversight Board will report to the People Committee or the Policing Performance Committee as and when required.

Members noted the report.

COSLA UPDATE
Members considered the report with presented an update on key strategic areas of COSLA’s work. Councillor Shona Morrison (CllrMorrison) and Councillor Maureen Chalmers (CllrChalmers) summarised the key points which focussed on cross-COLSA activity and policy development that link to policing.

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• Comment was sought on the impacts of social care arising from budget challenges. CllrMorrison explained that a preventative model was the focus, but budget challenges causes difficulty. She confirmed COSLA will continue to give advice when it can. CCFarrell explained that scrutiny forums with COSLA provide opportunity to receive feedback, citing Operation Moonbeam as a positive example. ACCSutherland added that Police Scotland are working with COSLA to understand the impact from reduction of services.
• Further comment was sought on the Community Justice Policy. CllrChalmers told Members that the early prisoner release scheme has had an impact, and it had been important for COSLA to provide feedback and guidance to the Sentencing and Penal Policy Commission. ACCSutherland highlighted that there were positive relationships and a collective responsibility to make improvements with available funding.
• Following a question on financial impacts, Members were told multiyear funding would allow a focus on prevention, improved long term planning and would lessen the impact on pay negotiation resource. CllrChalmers also added that multiyear funding would allow the opportunity to share with the third party sector.
• Members were asked what work was being undertaken to help civility in public life. CllrMorrison told Members that a civility round table was held in 2025 and was well attended which has informed a number of workstreams. She explained that focus is on creating a protocol based on the English model for which elected members can contact the police. She also explained that briefings and local media reporting has been well received and it is discussed frequently at the Community Wellbeing Board.
• Police Scotland representatives were asked on opportunities to record non-crime and associated funding. ACCPaton advised that the organisation is looking to understand demand and what sits beneath it, as well as trends and data to help target interventions. Discussions with Scottish Government and other partners are ongoing to understand requirement from all partners.
• Members sought further comment on community cohesion. CllrChalmers explained that COSLA try to provide a leadership role in this work and have provided short term resources. She explained work will continue with national partners across the UK to create a national strategy.

Members noted the report.

Before the public session closed, CCFarrell thanked Tom Halpin and Mary Pitcaithly, paying tribute to their contribution to the SPA and Police Scotland

The remaining items were taken in private.

Meeting end.