Report Summary
This report provides members of the Scottish Police Authority's Audit, Risk & Assurance Committee with an overview of the effectiveness of whistleblowing arrangements within the Scottish Police Authority.
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Meeting
The publication discussed was referenced in the meeting below
Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee - 14 August 2025
Date : 14 August 2025
Location : online
Background and police assurance process
The SPA Whistleblowing Policy outlines the requirement to provide an annual update to the Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee with a particular focus on concluded whistleblowing cases and lessons learned as a result.
This annual update goes beyond the specific policy commitment with further information to ensure a full and rounded assessment of the effectiveness of whistleblowing arrangements.
POLICY ASSURANCE PROCESS
There are a number of routes available to raise a whistleblowing concern under the SPA Whistleblowing Policy, each of which entail notification to the SPA Complaints & Conduct team for recording (and, in specific circumstances, coordinating investigation). There have been no notifications of Whistleblowing disclosures during 2024/25, with any matters raised prior to 2024/25 having been concluded prior to the reporting period.
Ordinarily, a six-monthly SPA assurance process is in place ensuring the SPA Chief Executive, Director of Forensic Services and SPA Whistleblowing Champion (SPA Board Member) receive an update of the effectiveness of the policy against criteria set out below. However, in the absence of any cases during the reporting period, no assessment is provided.
Policy Requirements
The number of whistleblowing concerns that are outstanding, how they are being dealt with and for how long they have been outstanding.
The number of whistleblowing concerns that have been closed, along with the outcome, lessons learned, and improvements made as a result of the concern being raised.
The extent to which procedures used are adequate to track the actions taken and in ensuring appropriate follow-up action has been taken to investigate and, if necessary, resolve.
The extent to which whistleblowers are being effectively provided with updates and feedback.
The extent to which there have been any difficulties with confidentiality.
The extent to which there have been any concerns in relation to fair treatment.
The extent to which issues raised could have been resolved earlier before the concern was raised.
Any relevant views from the whistleblower and/or trade unions on the current whistleblowing policy.
