Legal Committee

The formal minute of the public items of business will be available at the meeting scheduled for 4 November 2025. This will also be published on the SPA’s website. A full recording of the public items of business taken at this meeting can be accessed at Legal Committee – 12 August 2025

MAIN ITEMS OF BUSINESS
• Legal Services Claims Handling - Quarterly Statistical Information Report - Trends & Analysis in litigation
• Litigation Overview
• Litigation – Finance Update
• Public Inquiries Update
• Police Appeals Tribunals

KEY ISSUES RAISED

Legal Services Claims Handling - Quarterly Statistical Information Report - Trends & Analysis in litigation

Members welcomed a report on settlement figures arising from claims raised against Police Scotland. Following a request from members for further information on actions or claims raised against Police Scotland within the previous quarter, the report provided insight into the work currently being undertaken by Police Scotland Legal Services. Members were assured that the higher number of Employer Liability cases within Edinburgh was as a result of a single incident with a number of claims within that. It is anticipated that as those claims are addressed those numbers would return to normal. Members were assured that organisational learning, in respect of that single incident, has been captured and progressed within the organisation. Members were further assured around organisational learning by being updated on a pilot currently being run within Greater Glasgow Division. This will be a more assertive approach to organisational learning by reporting near misses. Members were advised that it is thought that the earlier reporting around slips, trips and falls provides opportunity for the organisation to address issues at a much earlier stage. Members welcomed an update on this pilot and highlighted the need for a systemic shift within the planning of operations to ensure staff have all the relevant equipment required.

Members noted the want to see a reduction in employment tribunal cases and sought assurance that managers, who have staff requesting reasonable adjustments, have the support in place to address those requests. Members were advised that with this being a large risk area and where majority of claims emerge there is more being done as part of an internal restructure. Members welcomed the intention to ensure that divisions and departments have a more dedicated HR resource to assist with those cases. In addition, Occupational Health is an additional option for support. A short life working group is in place to look at reasonable adjustments and how managers can be supported in this area.

Members welcomed the progress around the presentation of the report.

Litigation Overview
Members were provided with a report which detailed significant ongoing litigation involving the SPA and Police Scotland.
Litigation – Finance Update
Members welcomed a high-level overview of legal liabilities and legal costs for the current financial year. Members have asked Police Scotland colleagues to consider future reports being presented in public, although appreciate the requirement to give consideration to information which is commercially sensitive or which could indirectly identify individuals.

Public Inquiries Update

Members welcomed a report providing an update in relation to live Public and Fatal Accident Inquiries currently being serviced by Police Scotland Public and Fatal Accident Inquiry Unit along with detail on how lessons are captured and cascaded through its Organisational Learning Framework.

Police Appeals Tribunals

Members were provided with an update on the current position in relation to various appeals to Police Appeals Tribunals which are presently ongoing.