Report Summary
This report provides members of the People Committee with an overview of the recommended optimum process and arrangements for the appointment of police officers to the rank of Assistant Chief Constable and above by the Scottish Police Authority.
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Meeting
The publication discussed was referenced in the meeting below
People Committee - 4 December 2025
Date : 04 December 2025
Location : Online
Implications
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are financial implications associated with the recruitment of senior officers. These relate to advertising, the selection process, candidate/panel expenses and accommodation/catering costs. Provisions for the costs associated with senior officer recruitment is incorporated annually into the Authority’s Corporate budget.
PERSONNEL IMPLICATIONS
There are personnel implications associated with this paper. Appropriate consultation with stakeholders will take place as the process progresses.
LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
There are legal implications associated with this paper. The Police Service of Scotland Regulations 2013 set out clearly the requirements on the Authority in appointing senior officers. The approach recommended in this paper meets all of these requirements.
REPUTATIONAL IMPLICATIONS
There are reputational implications associated with this paper. Previous recruitment processes have attracted significant public and media interest. A professional and robust recruitment and appointment process conducted with professionalism and transparency will support a positive reputation for both the Authority and Police Scotland.
SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are social implications associated with this paper. Given the national standing of senior officers, the public is entitled to be assured that the appropriate appointments are in the interests of Scotland.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
There are community implications associated with this paper. It is important that the senior officers of Police Scotland are perceived to be reflective of our community.
