Policing Together
Police Scotland is committed to being an anti-racist, anti-sexist and anti-discriminatory Organisation.
Police Scotland is determined to build an inclusive service, free from racism, sexism and discrimination of any kind. We strive to deliver the highest standard of service to all our diverse communities. Policing in Scotland is for everyone.
Policing Together is about how we make people feel, both internally and externally. That our people feel they have a sense of belonging and that communities across Scotland feel the Police Service is there to support them.
We have heard some tough messages that demonstrate we haven’t always treated people in the way we should, and they are hard to listen to, but they have been the catalyst for the Policing Together programme of activity.
Through Policing Together, we have an opportunity to lead change and improve experiences for our workforce and communities.
Policing Together in practice is a fundamental part of achieving the Chief Constable’s 2030 vision of Safer Communities, Less Crime, Supported Victim and a Thriving Workforce. It is important people have trust and confidence they will be listened to, understood and treated equitably, fairly and with respect.
To be a truly anti-racist, anti-sexist and anti-discriminatory organisation, it must be the felt experience of everyone within and out with the organisation.
Police Scotland’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, also known as the Policing Together Strategy, outlines the improvements which are being driven forward under the Policing Together programme.
Independent Review Group
An Independent Review Group (IRG), chaired by Robin Iffla, was commissioned in response to recommendation 18 of Lady Elish Angiolini’s Independent Review of Complaints Handling, Investigation and Misconduct Issues in relation to policing.
Recommendation 18 stated Police Scotland should be subject to an independent review of equality matters.
The IRG was permitted access to all materials, documents, and data presented to Police Scotland’s Policing Together Strategic Oversight Board.
Additionally, the IRG had autonomy to request further information and consultation with officers and staff as necessary to fully understand, scrutinise and provide feedback on Police Scotland’s EDI activity.
Police Scotland has received the IRG’s final report which was discussed at the Scottish Police Authority Board meeting on Thursday, 22 August, 2024 and can be read in the Independent Review Group on Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights Final Report .
The IRG also conducted a deep dive into Sex, Equality and Tackling Misogyny and Violence Against Women and Girls which can be read here: Deep dive into Sex Equality and Tackling Misogyny and Violence Against Women and Girls.
Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton, executive lead for Policing Together said: "Independent reviews and inspections, and direct messages from our officers and staff have underlined our duty to deliver meaningful cultural change in the Service and across society, including to tackle racism, sexism, misogyny and other aspects of discrimination.
"While long-term culture change takes time, we have already made real and tangible progress, and we will continue to measure success by the improved experiences of our officers and staff, and all of the communities, all our fellow citizens, that we serve."