Report detail

Background

The Corporate Governance Framework of the Scottish Police Authority is made up of a suite of documents comprising 6 annexes:

• Annex A – The Scottish Government’s Governance and Accountability Framework of the Scottish Police Authority
• Annex B – The Authority’s Standing Orders
• Annex C – The Authority’s Committee Terms of Reference
• Annex D - Matters Reserved for the Authority’s Board
• Annex E - The Authority’s Financial Regulations
• Annex F – The Authority’s Scheme of Delegation

The Framework is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains fit for purpose. The most recent update was approved by the Authority in November 2024.

Since that time, the 2024/25 Committee Effectiveness Review has been completed. This annual process provides assurance that the Authority and its committees have met their governance responsibilities during the year. Findings were reported to the Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee (ARAC) in May 2025.

As part of the 2024 review, an in-depth benchmarking exercise of the Framework was undertaken. As a result, the proposed changes in this 2025 review are less substantial.

A thorough internal review has been carried out, incorporating feedback from Authority officials and committee chairs. Engagement with Police Scotland and Forensic Services has also informed this review.

Overall, the review concludes that the Corporate Governance Framework remains effective, with only limited updates required. The proposed amendments seek to:

• address accessibility issues
• apply Plain English principles
• simplify and clarify language
• ensure committee scopes are up to date and accurately reflected.

The Governance and Accountability Framework of the Scottish Police Authority

The Governance and Accountability Framework for the Authority is a Scottish Government document, developed with input from the Authority. Police Division officials are reviewing the document with a view to updating it in a new template developed for all public bodies. At present, this document remains unchanged. Any future updates will be reported to Members.

The Authority’s Standing Orders

The Standing Orders have been reviewed and updated to align with the Authority’s Corporate Style Guide. No substantive changes are proposed. Tracked changes are provided in appendix A.

Committee Terms of Reference

All Committee Terms of Reference have been reviewed. Tracked changes are provided in appendix B. A summary is set out below:

Audit Risk and Assurance Committee – Typographical correction; oversight of whistleblowing processes transferred to the Complaints and Conduct Committee.

Complaints and Conduct Committee – Addition of oversight of adherence to Standards of Professional Behaviour and whistleblowing processes.

Exceptional Circumstances Committee – No changes proposed.

Forensic Services Committee – Addition of oversight of Best Value principles and resourcing/risk considerations.

Legal Committee – No changes proposed.

People Committee – Minor updates to reflect the remit of the proposed new Executive Leadership and Remuneration Committee and avoid duplication. Addition of oversight of pension scheme management, in conjunction with the Resources Committee.

Policing Performance Committee – Minor updates to ensure consistency of format and structure with other Terms of Reference.

Resources Committee – Updates to better reflect remit and scope, including assurance on delivery of corporate functions.

Executive Leadership and Remuneration Committee (new) – Proposal to establish this new committee to provide oversight and scrutiny of remuneration, allowances, development, and performance management arrangements for Executives across Police Scotland, Forensic Services, and the Authority. This is provided as appendix C.

Oversight Groups

The Corporate Governance Framework allows for Member-led oversight groups to be established for specific, time-limited purposes. Two groups are currently in operation:
• Policing Together Oversight Group, established in October 2023
• Policing of the Commonwealth Games 2026 Oversight Group

It is proposed that, from 1 April 2026, responsibility for oversight of the Policing Together programme transfers to the People Committee. This reflects Police Scotland’s ongoing work to build an inclusive service and tackle discrimination. It will also enhance transparency and accountability in reporting progress.

Matters Reserved for the Board

A review of Matters Reserved for the Board has been completed. No changes are proposed.

The Authority’s Financial Regulations

Officials are engaging with the Scottish Government on a review of specific delegations from Ministers to the Authority. Once this work concludes, a full review of the Financial Regulations will be undertaken.

The Authority’s Scheme of Delegation

Financial delegations remain under review and subject to discussion with Scottish Government officials. Any updates will be aligned with changes to the Scottish Government’s Governance and Accountability Framework. At present, no changes are proposed.

Next Steps

Subject to approval, the Authority’s Corporate Governance Framework will be updated and replace the existing documentation available on the Authority’s website.

Any update to the Scottish government’s Governance and Accountability Framework for the Authority and associated Scheme of Delegation will be shared with Members when available.