Minute

Board Members present:

Alasdair Hay (Interim Chair)
Chris Creegan
Paul Edie
Garry Forsyth
Tom Halpin
Pauline Howie
Brian Howarth
Nancy Johnson
Katharina Kasper
Angela Leitch
Mary Pitcaithly
Andrew Richmond

Board Member apologies:

Nicola Anderson
Amina Khan

In attendance: Scottish Police Authority
Chris Brown, Chief Executive
Karen Vallance, Governance Support Officer

Police Scotland
Chief Constable Jo Farrell
Deputy Chief Constable Bex Smith
Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston
Sarah Roughead, Chief Financial Officer

Forensic Services
Fiona Douglas, Director

National Crime Agency
Graeme Biggar, Director

British Transport Police Authority
Tricia Hayes, Chair
Iain Whyte, BTPA Scottish Railways Policing Committee Chair
Chief Superintendent Lorna McEwan, D Division Commander

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 Nicola Anderson and Amina Khan.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST AND CONNECTIONS
One declaration of interest was raised. Noting his role as a Commonwealth Games Volunteer, Brian Howarth declared an interest in any discussions relating to the Commonwealth Games.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Authority Members raised no other business.

DECISION ON TAKING BUSINESS IN PRIVATE (ITEM 10)
Members agreed that, in accordance with paragraph 20 of the SPA Standing Orders, the Authority would consider item 10 in private for the reasons set out on the agenda.

MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
MINUTE FROM MEETING HELD ON 25 MARCH 2026 FOR APPROVAL
Members approved the minute from the meeting held 25 March 2026.

ROLLING ACTION LOG
Members agreed the action log.

DECISIONS SINCE LAST MEETING
Members noted no decisions had been taken by correspondence since the last public Authority meeting.

SPA CHAIR’S REPORT
Members considered the report which detailed activities carried out by the Chair since the last Authority Meeting. The Chair highlighted a number of key points as detailed in the paper, and congratulated Neil Gray on his appointment as Cabinet Secretary for Justice.

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• Members asked what outputs would be expected from the Board Effectiveness Internal Audit. The Chair explained he expected to be provided with an objective assessment of how well the Authority operates and delivers its responsibilities. The auditors have been asked to consider the Best Value report recommendation on governance arrangements to ensure the right information is discussed in the right committee, to support effective scrutiny and reduce duplication. He added that the audit builds on the commitment to continuous improvement and he hoped it would give some tangible areas where board performance and accountability can be strengthened.
• Members sought comment on the pace of development around blue light engagement and mental health demands. The Chair responded that he had engaged with his counterparts at Scottish Fire and Rescue and the Scottish Ambulance Service and they were experiencing similar challenges in the mental health space. He highlighted they also wanted to see more pace across the reform collaboration landscape to provide a better service to those in mental health distress, whilst recognising the complexity.
• Feedback was sought on the Chairs’ discussion with Lord Hogan-Howe. The Chair advised that he had his shared his perspective of widely accepted benefits from reform: centralisation improving access to specialist capability; economies of scale delivering real savings; and improvements to accountability and increased scrutiny and transparency. He also shared negatives which included the perception that local policing had been centralised and the length of time to merge IT systems and culture.

Members approved the appointment of Angela Leitch to Chair of the Executive Leadership and Remuneration Committee.

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:
• Commonwealth Games Oversight Group
• Forensic Services Committee
• Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee
• Executive Leadership and Remuneration Committee
• People Committee
• Complaints and Conduct Committee

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• The Commonwealth Games Oversight Group Chair was asked if mutual aid is being used, with appropriate provisions in place if so. He confirmed there was an early focus on resourcing requirements, with a focus on specialist capabilities. If any mutual aid is required, Police Scotland will engage with national bodies such as the National Police Coordination Unit. Mutual aid will be used to target contingency measures as opposed to assisting overall resourcing. Chief Constable Jo Farrell (CCFarrell) confirmed Police Scotland had received the draft HMICS report on plans and readiness which drew out themes for consideration. She assured Members that Police Scotland have been able to commit to what Officer duties are in advance of the Games, evidencing a focus on wellbeing.
• The Commonwealth Games Oversight Group Chair was asked if there was any concern regarding management of spectators. He confirmed the approach is intelligence led, highlighting Police Scotland’s experience in dealing with major sporting events and the continuous learning taken from them.
• The Commonwealth Games Oversight Group Chair was asked to comment on the management of cyber risks. He highlighted that a presentation on cyber risks had been given at the last meeting which detailed that they are recognised in planning assumptions. Police Scotland has identified cyber investigation specialists who will focus on the Commonwealth Games, and Police Scotland are working with the dedicated cyber partner of the organising party.
• Comment was sought from CCFarrell and Fiona Douglas (FDouglas) on whether roadside testing in England and Australia relating to nitrous oxide and oral fluid saliva screening are appropriate in Scotland. Regarding the nitrous oxide roadside testing, CCFarrell highlighted that the National Police Chiefs Council will lead on the pilot in England and evaluation may prompt further work across the UK. Regarding the saliva screening, FDouglas responded that it was not of evidential standard and would still require scientific analysis.
• Further comment was sought from the Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee Chair on accountability and work required to improve the Internal Audit opinion. She responded that Police Scotland are reviewing governance arrangements around audit recommendations and whilst processes around management have been enhanced, work is required on ownership for individual recommendations. CCFarrell advised that there is an enhanced level of internal governance in relation to recommendations and greater accountability and scrutiny is required. She shared her confidence that the Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee will see progress at their next meeting. Chris Brown (CBrown) commented that improvement is a high priority, with accountability the key issue. He explained that some historic recommendations have been materially discharged over time or rolled into others therefore discussions will take place with HMICS and BDO to take a pragmatic approach. He confirmed the objective is to have an improved opinion next year. It was highlighted that in the NHS, limited assurance audits are taken to relevant committees for progress to be overseen. CBrown agreed to consider this approach.
• The Complaints and Conduct Committee Chair referred to the recent publication of the HMICS assurance review of conduct and discipline. He advised SPA welcomed the review and support for recommendations, two of which related specifically to the SPA and have already been implemented. He advised SPA with work with Police Scotland and Scottish Government to help strength the system and confirmed the Committee will look at the report in full at its next meeting.

Members noted the report.

CHIEF CONSTABLE’S REPORT
Members considered the report which provided detail relating to the Police Service, policing, and the state of crime. CCFarrell highlighted a number of key points as detailed in the paper. In addition to the written report, the following was highlighted:
• Noting recent convictions, thanks was paid to the National Crime Agency (NCA) for their support and partnership.
• Tribute was paid to ACC Stuart Houston (ACCHouston) and the Operation Branchform investigation team for their work which led to a guilty plea.
• The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service published its evaluation report on the national roll out of summary case management, which found the new regime has led to a significant reduction in adjourned trials, unnecessary witness attendance, and police witness citations, delivering clear benefits for victims and witnesses.
• CCFarrell advised she had met newly appointed Justice Secretary Neil Gray to discuss crime prevention, the community policing model and violence and disorder surrounding football. She recorded thanks to Angela Constance for her support and relationship during her time in the justice portfolio.

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• Members asked when the full evaluation on Body Worn Video (BWV) will be reported and asked what the next set of transformation priorities will be. DCC Bex Smith (DCCSmith) advised phase 1 roll out is complete and planning for phase 2 is underway. Formal evaluation is underway and will be reported in the coming months. She explained some positive impacts of BWV including reduction of court attendance by Officers; decrease of PIRC referrals; an increase in PIRC investigations; and evidence provided to COPFS quicker. CCFarrell added that there have been significant discussions across the justice system and those who lead on justice in government. The vision is to build on technology that has brought change and agree a cross agencies programme for digitisation across the justice system.
• Police Scotland were congratulated for winning Employer of the Year at the Scottish Veterans Award Ceremony and commended for the Special Constables Conference.
• Members asked what is being done to deter reckless driving on e-scooters, e-bikes and dirt bikes. DCCSmith highlighted that there has been an increase in e-bikes and e-scooter seizures due to police seeing increased use in parks and pedestrian areas and also being used in crime due to their fast speed and quiet noise. She explained that intelligence is taken from local communities to help with local policing operations with partners which has been a success. She stated that legislation is required on the sale and distribution of e-scooters and e-bikes.
• Members sought comment on the reasons for the increase in violence against women and girls and whether there is sufficient resource. DCCSmith responded that it is a public health issue of which policing is one element. She explained that an increase in reporting is due to victims having confidence to come forward but also due to societal changes such as online offending. She assured Members that resourcing the area is a priority but there was a requirement to understand future demand, resource and investment, and a well-connected partnership network was required. Members further questioned how progress is measured in relation to reporting and convictions. DCCSmith responded that feedback is provided from victim groups and stakeholders that inform changes to policies and procedures. Data is also monitored on detection performance and where pressure points are.
• Members asked how Police Scotland have used learning from the Glasgow ‘Beastie House’ learning review and sought assurance that frontline officers are equipped to recognise indicators. DCCSmith agreed that the review was important and highlighted that there was no direct criticism of Police Scotland. She explained that there was a need to balance the needs of an investigation with the needs of the child. As such, Police Scotland are making sure that trauma informed practices are embedded into all work. She added multi-agency safeguarding and information sharing is key and good processes are in place. Members were assured that all learning points are captured but DCCSmith stressed that digital investment would make a difference. CCFarrell highlighted that HMICS and other inspectorate bodies are examining quality and effectiveness of local safeguarding arrangements and Police Scotland are actively engaged and carrying out self-assessments. She advised that there were further opportunities for BWV in supporting partners making decisions relating to safeguarding and public protection.
• Members asked CCFarrell what insights she been shared with Lord Hoggan-Howe. CCFarrell told Members she had discussed what national capabilities were built during the development of Police Scotland that would not have been available to some legacy forces, and the benefit that brought to the public. They spoke of efficiencies, best value and savings that have been of benefit to the public purse, and enablers such as culture and technology. They also spoke of localism work and how Police Scotland overcame the perception that building a national service would lose local focus.
• Further comment was sought on Police Scotland’s engagement with football clubs and governing bodies, and CCFarrell was asked her opinion on accountability. CCFarrell responded that it is a significant public safety issue, with communities, businesses and supporters being disrupted. She stated that policing has a strong part to play in football but accountability and ownership from other bodies is lacking as violence goes unchecked. CCFarrell stated that the two football authority bodies need to strengthen their regulatory framework and be explicit on sanctions following pitch invasions. She added that visible measures are required to control behaviours and clubs need stronger ownership. From a legislative perspective, CCFarrell noted that the threshold for banning orders against those who commit offenses is higher in England and suggested this is an area for examination, as well as legislation for pitch invasions. Members probed further on the financial cost and whether partners, football clubs and football authority bodies understood the impact. CCFarrell spoke of the number of Officers deployed for football matches and the number of public order officers deployed on the final day of the season, highlighting the cost that came from diverting Officers from their usual place of work and owing back rest days. She noted that whilst policing events is part of the job, the cost would not be as high if football clubs and football authority bodies had greater control with consequences.
• Members commended the work of Operation Branchform and sought further comment on the complexity. ACCHouston explained that it required commitment over a long period of time from a number of Officers, specialist staff and forensic accountants. He added that the benefit of the specialist crime division to flex and Officers being brought in to support days of action contributed to the success.
• Regarding recruitment, Members questioned if the pipeline is sufficient to meet workforce requirements and sought further information on diversity of new recruits and whether there was challenges in recruiting for rural areas. CCFarrell confirmed there was a strong pipeline of recruits and that diversity is a key strand of the selection process. She highlighted that there is an increase across all diversity groups which was a positive indication of the organisation being representative. CCFarrell also confirmed there was a specific team focussed on rural recruitment and its requirements.
• Comment was sought on Police Scotland’s response to the terror threat level increase. CCFarrell explained that there was increased engagement and patrols around the Jewish community and places of worship before the threat level was increased, and that established links have been built on which the Jewish community have welcomed. ACCHouston added that community engagement to discuss concerns and learn about community tensions allow Police Scotland to have a true assessment. CCFarrell confirmed the Policing Together portfolio have a significant dedicated resource which is complimented by community police monitoring.
• Referencing public service reform, Members noted the impact that changes in other sectors can have on the work of Police Scotland and asked how the organisation manage these. CCFarrell spoke of engagement with Local Authorities and discussions on strengthening local planning partnerships She highlighted the mental health provision model in Ayrshire and Arran, noting she felt it was the model required across Scotland.

Members noted the report.

SPA CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT
Members considered the report which detailed activities involving SPA corporate staff since the previous Authority Meeting. CBrown highlighted a number of key points as detailed in the paper.

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• Members sought comment on the implications to police of public sector reform and flat cash settlements. CBrown explained that flat cash was an assumption of the spending review and will evolve and be refined as public sector reform grows. He added that the Public Sector Reform Strategy may lead to more target based and incentive driven settlements and he expected them to be different across the public sector. He added that the medium-term financial strategy will consider scenarios like flat cash to help the Authority understand the consequences.
• Members requested insights of the outputs and impact of the Scottish Government Justice Board. CBrown stated that it was an important vehicle to drive system wide collaboration and reform, strategic in nature and where high priority initiatives can be developed. CCFarrell agreed that it was a vehicle for promoting and developing work.
• Members questioned what steps are taken to assess the impact of the Gaelic Language Plan. CBrown advised that the plan is a public body duty that the Authority is required to comply with. Due to the nature of the Authority’s business, he explained there is a limit to the contribution that can be made. The most recent monitoring report shows that the Authority has completed 45% of the planned commitments and he was content with the progress. CBrown summarised the most significant progress made but advised he was not aware of any research that looks at the impact, but any feedback would be taken on board.

Members noted the report

NATIONAL CRIME AGENCY UPDATE
Members considered the report which provided detail on NCA’s performance in Scotland. Graeme Biggar (GBiggar) highlighted a number of key points as detailed in the paper and provided an overview of recent NCA work.

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• Noting the withdrawal of wastewater analysis in Scotland, Members asked whether this meant there was a gap in understanding heroin use in Scotland and sought GBiggar’s opinion on the decision to withdraw. GBiggar confirmed it was used in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and it was disappointing if it going to be stopped in Scotland as it is a cost-effective way of understanding the scale of drug use. He told Members a partial ban of poppy growth in Afghanistan has meant a reduction in heroin in the UK, however it was also the reason it is now being cut with synthetic opioids. He explained that the NCA has a small part of tackling drugs in Scotland and the NCAs drug statistics have been skewed by its responsibility to deal with border seizures. He added that border referrals have reduced in Scotland so NCA in Scotland can focus on other investigations but there was a focus on synthetic opioids. ACCHouston and FDouglas confirmed that synthetic opioids were a priority for both Police Scotland and Forensic Services.
• Members asked if there were trends in changing patterns of sentencing in relation to crimes the NCA investigate. GBiggar advised he did not have data on how sentences differ between England and Scotland but the average sentence from NCA investigations has increased. He highlighted that if border referral sentences are removed (as they tend to be low), it is a big increase due to changing strategies to high level crime. He told Members that England and Wales have higher sentences and there was disparity which he was uncomfortable with but noted it was a political challenge. He cited community or suspended sentences for 80% of those convicted for viewing indecent child images as an example.
• Members asked which features of social media enables child sexual abuse. GBiggar responded that social media enabled mass discoverability of children; the ability to contact children directly; the ability to start conversations with children and move the conversation away from end-to-end encrypted platforms; algorithms which do not provide safeguards against abusive material; and the ability to take, share and view nude images. Members sought GBiggar’s opinion on whether the government should ensure accountability of online platforms such as introducing legal requirements which are enforceable by design. GBiggar agreed and stated that as companies will not make changes the government should step in.
• Members sought GBiggars insights on police reform in England and Wales. He explained that a national service would work but would be different to Police Scotland as there would be separate police forces at regional level. He also shared that local accountability should remain key but more national decision making is required due to technology and society becoming more connected. He stated that he felt a national service should include the fundamentals of both policing and the NCA.
• Further comment was sought on illicit finance and money laundering through the retail space. GBiggar explained that the amount of money laundering from within UK was £12billion and a proportion of that is being laundered through high streets. He spoke of the first two phases of Operation Machinize which was a collaboration between forces and trading standards to undertake searches, with positive results. He confirmed that more money received from the spending review will allow this to continue and a new unit in the Home Office has been established to better understand the challenges. He also advised that changes in laws for Companies House has given them more capability to respond to economic crime.
• Members asked what safeguards are in place for Police Scotland in relation to Operation Beaconport, and how early learning is being fed into system. GBiggar confirmed Police Scotland are using the same methodology and a separate review team within Police Scotland provides a level of independence. He advised that when confidence in an English force has been lost, there is an option for a case to be sent to another force, and this option is also open for Police Scotland. He confirmed learning will be fed back in quickly. ACCHouston reiterated that Police Scotland was following the NCA methodology.

Members noted the report

BRITISH TRANSPORT POLICE UPDATE
The Chair welcomed British Transport Police (BTP) Chair Tricia Hayes (THayes), BTPA Scottish Railways Policing Chair Iain Whyte (IWhyte) and Chief Superintendent Lorna McEwan (CSMcEwan)to the meeting. All three BTP attendees provided an input covering the work of the Scottish Railways Policing Committee, collaborative working between BTP and partners, BTP performance and a forward look of BTP strategic priorities.

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• Members asked what difference the multi-year funding settlement is making to strategic objectives. THayes explained that it allows the force and the Authority to work together to improve effectiveness that can’t be delivered in a single year, citing technology and innovation as an example. In a Scottish context, IWhyte advised that D Division (Scotland) will get an uplift of Officer numbers where demand is required, and Members heard that recruitment is already underway.
• Members questioned whether BTP are involved in developed pathways for mental health demand management. CSMcEwan confirmed BTP are involved in Police Scotland pilots for mental health work and are hopeful of receiving funding for further triage work.
• Members were assured that BWV is available for officers and staff although it is not mandated. Everyone is encouraged to use it and BTP are building confidence that it is an asset.
• Members asked what learning can be applied in Scotland from work undertaken only in England and Wales. CSMcEwan cited court disposal methods in England and an increased use of Section 38 notices as examples.
• THayes confirmed she agreed with CCFarrell’s comments that Scottish football governing bodies and football clubs should take more responsibility for fan behaviour.
• CCFarrell thanked BTP for ongoing work and partnership with Police Scotland.
• The Chair noted he would attend a future Scottish Railways Policing Committee and invited BTP representatives to a future Commonwealth Games Oversight Group meeting.

Members noted the report

RETAIL CRIME TASKFORCE UPDATE
Members considered the report which detailed recent work from the retail crime taskforce. ACC Catriona Paton (ACCPaton) highlighted a number of key points as detailed in the paper.

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• Members questioned how learning is captured and embedded and heard the Prevent Strategy scopes current practice and best practice is shared with local policing teams.
• Notwithstanding funding, Members asked what other challenges there were in achieving better results. ACCPaton explained that challenges and demand throughout the justice system impact progress and highlighted that work in the prevention area is key to further success.
• Members noted that 1300 arrests was a substantial number and asked what the consequence was for the wider criminal justice sector. ACCPaton assured Members that Police Scotland were engaged with the Crown Office but highlighted that arrests provide positive intervention opportunity.
• Members questioned the effectiveness of the Joint Retailer Forum and the Small Independent Retailer Forum. ACCPaton advised that they have been recently established but there is recognition that retailers have responsibility to do what is in their gift. She advised that retailers were supportive of the forums and use funding well.
• Members asked if the taskforce also focussed on online retail crime and whether there was any learning. ACCPaton confirmed the taskforce looks at online retail crime but focus is predominantly on the 4% of offenders responsible for 30% of retail crime. She agreed to share case studies of online and high street retail crime taskforce work.
• The Chair noted that the update provided reassurance on the link between national service and local service delivery, highlighting that small investment can be effective and impactful. He highlighted that the Policing Performance Committee will explore the areas in further detail.

Members noted the report and AGREED the following action:
20260528-BM-001: Case study to be provided showing differences between online and high street retail crime.

The remaining item was taken in private.

MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
MINUTE OF ITEMS TAKEN IN PRIVATE FROM MEETING HELD ON 25 MARCH 2026 FOR APPROVAL
Members approved the minute of items taken in private, from the meeting held 25 March 2026.

Meeting end.