Strategic engagement

Criminal Justice Committee 2026-27 pre-budget scrutiny

On Wednesday 5 November, along with Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs and Acting Head of Finance, Lynn Brown, I provided evidence to the Scottish Parliament's Criminal Justice Committee to inform their 2026-27 pre-budget scrutiny.

During the session, which followed submission of written evidence, I outlined the future resource requirements for policing in Scotland, including £104.9m of unavoidable costs in 2026-27, in order to stand still.

I also detailed that a further £33.7m (equivalent to a 2.2%) cash terms uplift would support Police Scotland to strengthen our frontline across organised crime and counter terrorism, and public protection, underpinned by an enhanced community policing model.

Engagement around resourcing for the budget has included extensive work with the Scottish Police Authority and communication with the Scottish Government and this work continues.

Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee

On Wednesday 12 November, along with Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs, I provided evidence to the Scottish Parliament's Citizen Participation Committee on their consideration of a petition by Lucy Hunter Blackburn, Lisa Mackenzie and Kath Murray calling on agencies to accurately record the sex of people charged or convicted of rape or attempted rape.

During the session, I confirmed that a man who was charged with rape or attempted rape is, should be, and will be recorded as a male by Police Scotland.

I outlined progress made in relation to Police Scotland's review of sex and gender, including the updates already shared with the Scottish Police Authority, as well as outlining a decision reached in October that Police Scotland would record a person’s biological sex and, where relevant, their transgender status, for suspects and victims of all crimes and offences.

Our review will continue to be responsive and informed by developments in law and statutory guidance, human rights advice, and ongoing engagement. We will continue to take action on specific areas, and I expect to provide a further substantial update to the Authority early next year.

Convention of Scottish Local Authorities conference 2025

On Thursday, 13 November, I addressed the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities conference 2025, which was held across two days in St Andrews, Fife, and which focused on the future of localism.

This was an important opportunity to thank local authority partners for our strong relationships at operational, strategic and national levels. I outlined the role policing has in contributing to community cohesion and provided an overview of our ongoing reform programme.

I want to thank COSLA, their President Shona Morrison and community wellbeing spokesperson Maureen Chalmers for their continued support and collaboration.

Independent Police Advisory Council

The new Independent Police Advisory Council (IPAC) held its first meeting at the end of September, sitting at a strategic level and acting as a critical friend and partner, supporting Police Scotland to deliver sustainable improvements to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and Human Rights outcomes across the service.

The IPAC will offer informed expertise, guidance, challenge and assurance on the development of policies, procedures, strategies and practices to safeguard against adverse impact on any section of our internal or external communities.

It replaces groups including the National Independent Strategic Advisory Group, Independent Review Groups, Professional Reference Groups and the Border Policing Command Independent Advisory Group.

The membership and knowledge base of the IPAC is geographically and demographically diverse, with the 11 members offering a wide range of experience of underrepresented communities and/or of delivering equality and diversity and human rights outcomes in academia and the public, private and third sectors.

Former Police Scotland Superintendent, Shaheen Baber has been appointed Chair of the group, and experienced Community Advisor, Mahmooda Ausat has been appointed Vice Chair.

The group will hold its second quarterly meeting in December and all members represent their own views and advice, and not on behalf of another organisation.