Progress and Update

The PECSS Act was granted Royal Assent on 4 March 2025. Since then, the Scottish Government have been working towards the introduction of the Act.

The Full Business Case following consultation with the enablers, within Police Scotland, was updated and presented to the Portfolio Management Group (PMG) on 24 April 2025 and is progressing through the appropriate governance channels.
SPA Complaints and Conduct Committee Police (Ethics, Conduct & Scrutiny) (Scotland) Act 2025

The proposed updated Code of Ethics for Policing in Scotland has been prepared and has been submitted to the Scottish Police Authority prior to commencement of formal consultation on the Code of Ethics.

The draft online training package required to ensure all officers and staff within the organisation understand the proposed Code of Ethics as it is placed into statue has been completed by the project team. Police Scotland’s Leadership, Training and Development
department are currently converting the eLearning Moodle package from the training package. The proposed completion date is the end of June 2025.

The Scottish Government have proposed 25 June 2025 for the first Commencement Regulations. This will see thirteen sections within the Act come into force, some of which will allow the development of secondary regulations.

EQHRIAs and DPIAs continue to be developed.

The Scottish Government are currently drafting the new vetting regulations whilst Police Scotland Vetting Unit are developing the new Vetting Code of Practice. It is anticipated the regulations and code of practice will be available for consultation and parliamentary
process from October 2025. The regulations and Code of Practice are scheduled to come into force towards the end of 2025 and start of 2026.

Upgrade of the Centurion ICT application used by Professional Standards which will enhance Police Scotland’s reporting capabilities and enable the Barred and Advisory Lists to be hosted continues to be progressed by Digital Division, the supplier FIS Harris and Professional Standards. The anticipated go live date is scheduled for the end of June 2025.

The Project Team continue their engagement with Policy Support and Governance Audit and Assurance within Police Scotland to scope the policies and procedures currently in place within Police Scotland, which will require to be reviewed and updated because of
the new legislation.

The Project Team in conjunction with Probationer training are preparing for the updated Oath of Office taken by all new Constables to be introduced for its inaugural inclusion to the course commencing on 7 July 2025.

The Commencement Regulations coming into force on 25 June 2025 include the Duty of Candour. The Act places a statutory Duty of Candour on individual police constables and Police Scotland as an organisation. The Act does not place any Duty of Candour on
members of staff. However, as public servants, staff are already expected to be candid. The individual Duty of Candour will only apply to those who hold the office of constable.