Commonwealth Games Oversight Group

MAIN ITEMS OF BUSINESS
- Terms of Reference Review
- Operational Briefing
- Planning Assumptions
- Police Scotland Stakeholder Register
- Finance Briefing
- Risk Update

KEY ISSUES RAISED
The Terms of Reference (ToR) for this Oversight Group was presented. It was noted that the ToR received final approval at the Authority Meeting on 27 March 2025, following the changes that were made to Section 1.4.

The Oversight Group received a comprehensive update detailing the policing planning progress, opportunities and risks and areas of priority for Police Scotland in relation to the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Members welcomed Chief Superintendent Gerry Corrigan to the meeting, in his new role of Silver Commander. It was highlighted that the formal Financial Minute of Agreement is pending approval and sign off by Police Scotland and Glasgow 2026 Ltd. Police Scotland anticipate this will be signed off by the next meeting. ACC Sutherland raised that the venue delivery partner has not yet been appointed, which is delaying planning regarding design and policing overlay. The Oversight Group sought further clarity around the potential implications around the decision to operate a dispersed accommodation model rather than an athlete’s village. Members felt assured by the progress that has taken place and acknowledged the strong partnership working. The Oversight Group requested an update on Welfare considerations for Police officers and staff at a future meeting.

Police Scotland’s Stakeholder register in relation to this work was presented to the Oversight Group. It was queried if volunteers will be used to support the policing of the Games. Members were advised that discussions are ongoing regarding this, and a firmer position will be provided at a future meeting.

Members considered an update on the finance workstream and cost recovery for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The cost recovery route was discussed and Members noted that the total cost of policing the event was still to be established. It was reiterated that there should be no financial gain or detriment to Police Scotland or the Scottish Police Authority as a result of policing the event and best value will be sought at every opportunity to minimise policing costs, without compromising public safety.

Police Scotland provided an update on risk. The Risk Governance diagram was presented to the Oversight Group which detailed how risks are identified and managed within Police Scotland’s internal governance structure and subsequently presented to the SPA. Members sought and received assurance that risks outside Police Scotland’s tolerance will be flagged to the Gold Commander and then brought to this Group for oversight.

CONCLUSIONS/ACTIONS REACHED

- Terms of Reference noted following approval at the 27 March 2025 Authority Meeting.
- Members of the Oversight Group noted that the formal Financial Minute of Agreement is pending approval and sign off by Police Scotland and Glasgow 2026 Ltd.
- Deployment of volunteers to support the policing of the 2026 Commonwealth Games to be advised at a future meeting.
- Members sought to understand the total policing cost in relation to the 2026 Commonwealth Games. They were advised the total cost was yet to be established at this stage and public safety will not be compromised in relation to costs.
- The Oversight Group reviewed the schematic articulating how Police Scotland identify, manage and escalate risks in relation to policing of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.