Equality and Diversity Mainstreaming & Equality Outcomes Progress Report 2021 - Police Scotland
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Police Scotland Equality and Diversity Mainstreaming & Equality Outcomes Progress Report 2021 NEXT CONTENTS
Contents
Chief Constable’s Foreword ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������3
Introduction������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 4
Covid-19 Pandemic��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������5
Section 1 – Mainstreaming ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 6
Leadership������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������6
Strategy, Planning and Performance����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������6
Governance����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������9
Procurement������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 11
Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment (EqHRIA) ��������������������������������������������������������12
Section 2 – Equality Outcomes Progress����������������������������������������������������������������14
Equality Outcome 1 ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������15
Equality Outcome 2����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 20
Equality Outcome 3����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 24
Equality Outcome 4����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 29
Equality Outcome 5������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������33
Equality Outcome 6������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������37
Equality Outcome 7 ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 46
Appendix A ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 52
Police Scotland/SPA Equal Pay Statement 2021 ������������������������������������������������������������������������52
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MAINSTREAMING & EQUALITY OUTCOMES PROGRESS 2021
BACK NEXT CONTENTSChief Constable’s
Foreword
The consent, support and co-operation of Improving equality and diversity is a
our fellow citizens lies at the heart of Police challenge for all of society. It is right that
Scotland’s identity and legitimacy. policing strives to demonstrate public
leadership and be an exemplar for others.
Policing in Scotland will always value that
deep-rooted and fundamental relationship In progressing vital work to mainstream
with the public we serve. equality and diversity, policing can enable
and support our dedicated and committed
To ensure that bond is as strong as possible,
officers and staff to better represent, reflect
policing must fully represent and reflect the and serve the public.
communities which we serve.
Our commitment to equality and diversity
Our Equality and Diversity Mainstreaming
is crucial to the public service that Police
and Equality Outcomes Progress Report Scotland provides to our fellow citizens.
2021 demonstrates how we work to ensure
equality is embedded in everything we do.
It outlines the progress which has been
made against our Equality Outcomes across
all levels of the organisation.
This is a legal obligation for Police Scotland,
but it is also a moral duty reflecting our Iain Livingstone QPM
values of Integrity, Fairness, Respect and Chief Constable
upholding and enabling the Human Rights
of everyone.
Important progress has been made,
however there is much still to do to ensure
policing in Scotland supports and enables
all people to thrive, flourish and fully be
themselves.
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MAINSTREAMING & EQUALITY OUTCOMES PROGRESS 2021
BACK NEXT CONTENTSIntroduction
Police Scotland has a duty to ensure we We will continue to strive towards
pay due regard to, and act in line with, the mainstreaming equality and diversity into all
Equality Act 2010. Our aim is to exceed we do as an organisation. Police Scotland
these requirements wherever possible recognises there is still work to be done and
by integrating equality into day-to-day we will continue to develop and focus on
business practices and decision making this as an area of significant priority.
while ensuring Police Scotland plays its
part in contributing to the advancement
of equality and good relations in both the
workplace and communities.
This report provides updates on
mainstreaming across key strategic
areas, including leadership, strategy and
performance, and procurement. It also
highlights the activity which has been
undertaken to reflect the progress we’ve
made to date against our most recent
Equality Outcomes.
This report is comprised of three sections:
Section 1 Mainstreaming
Section 2 Progress on our Equality
Outcomes
Section 3 Equal Pay Statement
Everyone within our organisation has a key
role to play in delivering our equality and
diversity priorities; the Progress section of
this report provides evidence of some of
the excellent work happening across Police
Scotland. As we move into the next phase of
our plans we aim to make further progress
in these areas as well as looking at those
featured in our new Equality Outcomes.
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MAINSTREAMING & EQUALITY OUTCOMES PROGRESS 2021
BACK NEXT CONTENTSCovid-19 Pandemic
The last year has seen significant pressures A national Community Impact Assessment
and change for our officers and staff and and an Equality and Human Rights Impact
communities across Scotland due to Assessment (EqHRIA) has been developed
COVID-19. In February 2020, the Chief to allow us to consider wider needs and
Constable implemented a command impacts on our policing activity. EqHRIA
structure and strategy for Police Scotland’s processes continue to be refined to ensure
response to COVID-19 in Scotland, under that they reflect the changing nature of
Operation TALLA. Police Scotland’s response to COVID-19 and
how that impacts on certain sectors and
Operation TALLA has seen the development communities. We continue to deliver;
of a number of contingencies recognising
the unprecedented nature of the pandemic • Visible patrols
and the significant impact it continues to • Effective call handling based on
have on people’s lives. individual need
We know that it has exacerbated underlying • Professional investigations to support
inequalities having a disproportionate effect victims of crime
on some groups including those on low
incomes, older people and disabled people. • Support for the most vulnerable in
However, we have continued to consolidate society
and create partnerships at local and national On 8 April 2020, the Chief Constable
levels, working to mitigate the impacts of commissioned an Independent Advisory
COVID-19 and to safeguard community Group (IAG), led by Human Rights lawyer
resilience and cohesion. John Scott QC. The IAG continues to review
Police Scotland’s use of the emergency
The Chief Constable has from the outset,
legislation and ensure its application has
outlined a clear and consistent policing
been, and continues to be, proportionate
style, approach and method. Our public
and ethical, reporting to the Scottish Police
engagement is based on an approach using
Authority. The IAG brings considerable
the 4 ‘E’s
value and experience to our thinking and
• Engage operational practice and contributions to
the group from grassroots representatives,
• Educate
advocates and activists allow the voices of
• Encourage the communities we serve to be heard.
• Enforce Police Scotland continues to focus on the
safety and wellbeing of people, places and
communities in Scotland and adapt to the
changing demands COVID-19 presents.
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MAINSTREAMING & EQUALITY OUTCOMES PROGRESS 2021
BACK NEXT CONTENTSSection 1 – Mainstreaming
Police Scotland have focused on developing
our mainstreaming approach at a strategic
level and have seen improvements in this Evidence in Practice – The Deputy
area since the last reporting period. While Chief Constable (DCC) sponsor for race
our approach to tactical matters also recently held a series of ‘Talk Truth to
focuses on mainstreaming Equality, Diversity Power’ sessions where officers and staff
and Inclusion into all relevant work, we have from ethnic minority backgrounds were
provided our tactical level updates in section invited to talk directly to the DCC about
two of this report set against our Equality their lived experiences of working
Outcomes to avoid duplication of reporting. for Police Scotland. The officers and
staff openly discussed their personal
experiences in a safe space and to
Leadership express what action they felt could
We are committed to developing leadership support the organisation in creating a
at all levels and have a leadership framework more inclusive culture. Following these
in place to develop leaders who are visible, sessions the DCC shared the learning
approachable, supportive, act as mentors with other members of the executive
and who coach and develop talent in the team and supported the development
organisation. This framework highlights of a BME action plan which sets out the
that our leaders will recognise the value in action that we will take to create an
harnessing diverse and different thinking inclusive culture that attracts, develops
and will support and encourage the and retains a diverse and representative
development of all our people, at every workforce.
opportunity, across the organisation. They
will create environments where innovation
and change is enabled with our people’s
well-being at the heart of decision making.
In order to promote diversity and inclusion Strategy, Planning and
our leadership team have established Performance
executive level sponsors for a number
In order to integrate mainstreaming, we are
of protected characteristic groups. The
working on embedding equality, diversity,
creation of these sponsors sets out a strong
inclusion and human rights into all of
executive level commitment to equality,
our strategies, plans and performance
diversity and inclusion and acts as an
framework. This strategic approach aims
example to all levels of management across
to ensure that equality, diversity and
Police Scotland. The executive sponsors
inclusion is captured in strategy, delivered
work closely with our Equality and Diversity
through normal business planning and
specialists and diversity staff associations
reported through our national performance
and advocate the priorities of these
framework. In addition, specific Equality and
protected group at an executive level.
Diversity plans and reports are developed as
required to complement the organisation’s
planning and performance mechanisms and
provide a specific focus where required.
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MAINSTREAMING & EQUALITY OUTCOMES PROGRESS 2021
BACK NEXT CONTENTSPolicing for a safe, protected and resilient Scotland
2020 saw the launch of a new Joint This strategy reflects our commitment to
Strategy for Policing, Policing for a safe, equality, diversity and inclusion and provides
protected and resilient Scotland, which a strong platform to continue to build a
sets out the kind of police service we fairer and more inclusive police service.
believe we should be and that we should all Our strategic outcomes, which form part of
be working towards. this strategy, strongly align to our Equality
Outcomes 2017 – 2021:
Strategic Outcome
Equality Outcome 2017 – 2021
2020 – 2023
Outcome 1 – Threats Equality Outcome 2 – All incidents involving harassment of
to public safety people based on their protected characteristics are recorded
and wellbeing are and subject to a holistic assessment of wellbeing concerns
resolved by a proactive and needs to influence wider multi-agency investigation,
and responsive intervention and support tailored to individual needs, and to
police service prevent repeat victimisation.
Equality Outcome 3 – Victims of gender-based violence/
abuse are safer and are confident that the police are
responsive to their needs.
Outcome 2 – The Equality Outcome 4 – People from and across protected
needs of local groups are meaningfully engaged with us and their views
communities are contribute to service improvements.
addressed through
effective service
delivery
Outcome 3 – The Equality Outcome 1 – Victims, witnesses and partner agencies
public, communities feel more confident in reporting hate incidents through a
and partners are variety of methods.
engaged, involved and
have confidence in
policing
Outcome 4 – Our Equality Outcome 6 – We have a workforce that is more
people are supported reflective of the communities we serve.
through a positive
working environment Equality Outcome 7 – We have a workplace where officers
enabling them to serve and staff feel valued and respected and have their needs met
the public appropriately.
Outcome 5 – Police Equality Outcome 5 – Everyone accesses services,
Scotland is sustainable, communication and information from Police Scotland in ways
adaptable and or methods that best suit their needs
prepared for future
challenges
This alignment ensures that our service wide priorities drive progress in relation to equality,
diversity and inclusion and paves the way for effective mainstreaming through our planning
and performance mechanisms.
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MAINSTREAMING & EQUALITY OUTCOMES PROGRESS 2021
BACK NEXT CONTENTSAnnual Police Plan 2020 Enabling Strategies
Our Annual Police Plan 2019/20 (APP) is Underpinning the Annual Police Plan is a
framed around the strategic outcomes that range of enabling strategies at business
describe the impact and difference Police area level. Our approach to strategy
Scotland aims to make to the lives of people development ensures that Equality &
across Scotland. Diversity is a key consideration and that
we assess the impact of our strategic
The plan describes clearly how we will direction. These assessments are also
prioritise our resources towards the issues used to inform the development of
that cause the most harm to people and supporting delivery plans and actions.
communities. This ensures we have the This work is an ongoing journey and is
greatest impact by outlining our objectives
gradually improving as each of the enabling
and our activity across our service. strategies is developed or reviewed.
Mainstreaming into this plan therefore
ensures that equality, diversity and inclusion
remains an organisational priority. In this Evidence In Practice – Our People
regard, our Annual Police Plan 2020/21 Strategy – Empower, Enable and
included two wide reaching actions relating Develop Our People (2018 – 2021)
to equality and diversity: includes the equality considerations
identified through the EqHRIA within
• Use high quality Equality and Human
the strategy document itself. This
Rights Impact Assessments (EqHRIA)
aims to ensure that the considerations
to ensure that policy and practices
are clearly visible to those driving the
in policing proactively consider the
strategy forward and built into the
potential impact on equality and
delivery of the strategy. This strategy
human rights
is now under-review again and we
• Promote equality and diversity, both are building on this initial success
externally and internally, striving to include clear alignment to our
to exceed the requirements of the employment equality outcomes within
Scottish Public Sector Equality Duty the revised strategy.
These actions are owned across the service
and ensure that every business area builds
relevant Equality & Diversity actions into Performance Framework
their local plans. The Police Scotland and Scottish Police
Our commitment to mainstreaming will Authority performance framework is fully
continue to be reflected in future Annual aligned to the strategic outcomes and
Police Plans and other service plans. objectives set out in the Joint Strategy and
the APP. This framework provides the means
to monitor and measure progress on our
strategic outcomes and priorities for policing.
The alignment of our strategic outcomes
with our equality outcomes and the
inclusion of Equality & Diversity actions
in our annual plans therefore supports
improved mainstreaming into our
performance reporting practices. Relevant
Equality & Diversity performance measures
have now been built into the performance
framework to ensure that relevant
performance updates are included in our
usual performance reports.
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MAINSTREAMING & EQUALITY OUTCOMES PROGRESS 2021
BACK NEXT CONTENTSPerformance reports are provided publicly Governance
to the SPA on a quarterly basis. In addition,
an annual performance report measuring Our strategic governance structures
progress against agreed outcomes is for equality, diversity, inclusion and
provided to the Chief Constable and human rights are comprised of an
to the Scottish Police Authority. overarching strategic oversight board
with two supporting groups – one with a
We made a commitment to mainstreaming service delivery focus and one covering
relevant Equality & Diversity reporting into employment matters. These meetings are
performance reports in the Quarter One all chaired at executive level and provide
Performance Report 2019-2020. forums to focus on key equality, diversity,
inclusion and human rights priorities.
The equality, diversity and inclusion
focused meetings are aligned to the
Evidence In Practice – The Quarter
organisational priorities and also escalate
Two Performance Report 2019-2020
to the relevant governance board to
included:
ensure successful mainstreaming as
outlined in the chart over the page. Police
Workforce profiles in relation to sex,
Scotland Governance Boards have also
race, sexual orientation and disability
had inputs to reinforce the importance
of the Equality and Human Rights Impact
Scottish Women’s Development Forum
Assessments and how this process
(SWDF) hosted their annual Awards and
should inform relevant agenda items.
Conference
In addition, all wider primary and
SWDF pregnancy & maternity research management boards use a single reporting
(look forward) template which includes a section to
highlight any relevant equality, diversity,
Gender Neutral Hats and LGBTI inclusion and human rights and/or socio-
Recruitment Event (look forward). economic implications. This allows business
areas to outline their equality and human
rights considerations and decision makers
to take account of relevant impacts and
opportunities in their decision making.
Since then a number of Equality and
Diversity updates have been included
throughout our performance reports
including a full update on our Equality
Outcomes in the Chief Constable’s
Assessment of Policing Performance
2019/2020 (Pg 68 – 77).
We recognise that this is an ongoing and
evolving journey and will continue to focus
on appropriate opportunities to mainstream
equality, diversity and inclusion updates into
our performance reporting mechanisms.
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MAINSTREAMING & EQUALITY OUTCOMES PROGRESS 2021
BACK NEXT CONTENTSFigure 1 Strategic Governance Structure
Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Rights Strategic Oversight Board Employment (EDIE) Group
A new Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and In October 2019, the EDIE Group Terms
Human Rights Strategic Oversight Board, of Reference were reviewed to ensure a
chaired by DCC People and Professionalism strategic focus that drives mainstreaming
met for the first time on 1 March 2021. and is aligned to current policing priorities.
The Board replaces the previous Equality To support this, the EDIE group membership
and Human Rights Strategy Group and is now includes senior representatives from
made up of Assistant Chief Constables and Crime and Operational Support, Local
Directors, Equality and Diversity Specialists Policing and Corporate Services to ensure
and statutory and diversity staff associations. a link into divisions. In addition the group
now escalates to other relevant primary/
The Board’s role is to:
management boards including the People
• draw together current activity and
and Professionalism Management Board
close identified gaps;
and Strategic Leadership Board in addition
• focus on prioritising and giving effect to the Equality, Diversity and Human Rights
to identified actions; Strategy Group.
• oversee the delivery of the Equality The EDIE standing agenda now covers:
Outcomes and the Equality and • Strategic Employment Priorities –
Diversity Action Plans being developed; which allows relevant organisational
• deliver on the current Equality, activity to be considered from an
Diversity and Inclusion (Employment) equality, diversity and inclusion
Framework; perspective and appropriate
recommendations provided to the
• engage with external partners activity owner.
or critical friends and agreeing
appropriate, ethical and deliverable • Data, Insights and Ideas – which includes
measurements to ensure delivery the review of workplace monitoring,
against all of the above. research results, benchmarking and
environmental scanning. This supports
The Board reports into the Strategic the identification of new and emerging
Leadership Board and the Scottish Police trends, best practice and potential risks
Authority Board. and helps to drive an innovative and
evidence based approach.
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MAINSTREAMING & EQUALITY OUTCOMES PROGRESS 2021
BACK NEXT CONTENTS• Communications and Engagement Procurement
– which supports effective
mainstreaming across the service We continue to undertake procurement in
through sharing of data findings, accordance with the Scottish Government
priorities, lessons learned and best guidelines and requirements; the process is
practice etc. followed, from initiation to the awarding of
contract.
Equality & Diversity External Service As part of the procurement process, we
Delivery Group utilise a sourcing strategy for each project.
Within this strategy, specialists and client
The Equality & Diversity External Service
departments examine any requirements
Delivery group provides is a link between
or necessity for EqHRIAs relating to the
the Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Human
goods or services we are procuring.
Rights Strategic Oversight Board and the
This has helped to ensure that equality
public service delivery functions of Police
considerations are an integral part of the
Scotland. Its primary responsibility is to
gather evidence of work undertaken to procurement decision-making process
meet Police Scotland’s service delivery and that the needs and impact of relevant
groups are fully considered.
focused Equality Outcomes, and where
necessary to drive progress to assist in Further stages of the procurement
meeting our Equality Outcomes, building process are planned in advance to ensure
an evidence-based understanding of our equality and diversity are considered.
quality of service to diverse communities. Procurement are part of the Clothing
and Equipment Working Group where
The group promotes a corporate and
there is representation from our staff
consistency of policy and practice across
associations. This has provided procurement
Police Scotland in matters relating to
the opportunity to hear opinions and
Equality & Diversity service delivery to
perspectives from a diverse group for
the public, and identifies items of good
consideration and also allows procurement
practice across the force area, and outwith,
to feedback improvements/changes
and encourages implementation for all
appropriate divisions. to clothing and equipment that are
planned. For example, at the specification
The group also examines and draws on development stage and also during user
findings of EQHRIAs, external research trials and evaluation for clothing and/or
studies (by universities and other agencies), equipment, consideration is given to styles
and Police Scotland’s own management and fits that suit individual needs, to ensure
information and research, to identify areas that any issues that may inhibit a user/
for improvement in Equality & Diversity wearer of the final selected product are
service delivery to the public. addressed prior to award.
All matters regarding Equality & Following the tendering element of
Diversity business are discussed and if the procurement process, as described
appropriate, escalated to the Equality, above, there is ongoing contract supplier
Diversity, Inclusion & Human Rights management which can influence this
Strategic Oversight Board and/or other subject over the course of the contract.
appropriate governance boards. Community Benefits can be a scored criteria
within the tender whereby an offer can
be evaluated by evidencing community
benefits that could be provided or realised
over the course of the contract.
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MAINSTREAMING & EQUALITY OUTCOMES PROGRESS 2021
BACK NEXT CONTENTSContract supplier management is used to Equality and Human Rights
monitor and encourage the delivery of any
community benefits. Communities are not
Impact Assessment (EqHRIA)
just considered to be a geographic area – a tool for mainstreaming
but can encompass communities that are EqHRIA is an evidence-based assessment
identified by protected characteristics. that ensures potential equality and human
rights impacts and opportunities are
identified and acted upon as part of a
decision making process. It is a key tool
Evidence In Practice – Procurement to support mainstreaming of equality and
of BSL human rights considerations into all policing
policies, processes, practices and decisions.
During 2020 it was recognised that
In recognition of this, we aim to
British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting
continuously improve our EqHRIA practices
was not available through existing
and tools to ensure we are evolving our
agreements for the Justice Sector in
organisational approach to EqHRIA –
Scotland.
moving from process to mindset. We are
focused on ensuring organisation wide use
The main interpreting agreement for
of proportionate and effective EqHRIAs to
public sector by Scottish Government
support mainstreaming.
did not include BSL and various local
arrangements were being used. While EqHRIAs are routinely used to support
the development of more inclusive policies
Police Scotland undertook a and practices, we have identified gaps in
procurement exercise on behalf of the relation to the development and publication
Justice Sector and awarded a contract of EqHRIAs (outwith policy) and are working
for BSL interpretation that ensures to improve this.
that the specialist needs of BSL users
are considered so they are able to
effectively communicate to Police and
other agencies.
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MAINSTREAMING & EQUALITY OUTCOMES PROGRESS 2021
BACK NEXT CONTENTSThis improvement work is currently led by
the EqHRIA Improvement Group which has
a remit to: Evidence In Practice – Introducing
Video Conferencing for Custody
• coordinate the continuous
Court Appearances
improvement of EqHRIA policy,
guidance, training, communications
Following a joint review with Crown
etc., and
Office and Procurator Fiscal Services
• monitor Police Scotland compliance (COPFS) and the Scottish Court
through scrutiny and assurance work. and Tribunal Services (SCTS), we
Work to support continuous improvement examined alternative measures to
of EqHRIAs so far includes: custody court appearances using
Video Conferencing rather than
• an EqHRIA Assurance Review to personal appearances. The objective
identify areas of strength and areas for surrounding the work was to identify
improvement, and mitigate any barriers that may
• pilot of an EqHRIA form for strategy prevent individuals, particularly those
and change, with protected characteristics from
being able to utilise this method of
• development of EqHRIA ‘quick guides’ court attendance.
to support training
• development of EqHRIA Employment An EqHRIA was completed, enabling
Tools for common employment us to highlight both improvements
activities such as organisational and any obstacles in introducing
change, this method. We did extensive
consultation with court users,
• inclusion of an EqHRIA risk on our risk including Sheriffs, Court Officers
register, and Prosecutors and representatives
• benchmarking and dip sampling of from the Law Society and members
EqHRIAs from Equality Advocacy groups. We
The continuous improvement of this also invited members of Supporting
mainstreaming tool ensures that progress Offenders with Learning Difficulties
is maintained and that EqHRIA becomes a (SOLD) to attend at a custody suite,
common mind-set and a truly embedded to enable them to see and provide
part of our decision making processes. their input on the process.
We then adapted a full mitigation
plan to adapting criteria to allow
all persons in custody to be able
to appear at court via Video
Conferencing and used their
personal feedback to further
improve the process. Carrying out
the consultation and using the
EqHRIA has allowed us to identify a
virtual process for all persons who
need to appear at court which takes
cognisance of Human Rights and
equality considerations.
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MAINSTREAMING & EQUALITY OUTCOMES PROGRESS 2021
BACK NEXT CONTENTSSection 2 – Equality
Outcomes Progress
Introduction
The previous Equality Outcomes were
published to coincide with the 2017/21
reporting period, with 6 monthly updates
being aligned to Equality and Diversity
Governance processes. Since 2020 progress
on our Equality Outcomes is captured as
part of the main strategic updates that
support the delivery of the Annual Policing
Plan and Deputy Chief Constable/Deputy
Chief Officer Plans. SPA also continue to
oversee our delivery.
The updates record the range of activities
being undertaken to ensure our outcomes
are progressed.
It is acknowledged that we may not
have achieved all that we set out to do,
however we continue to work with our
business areas, partner agencies and the
communities to bridge these gaps, and seek
to continuously improve.
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MAINSTREAMING & EQUALITY OUTCOMES PROGRESS 2021
BACK NEXT CONTENTSEquality Outcome 1
Victims, witnesses and partner agencies feel more confident in reporting hate
incidents through a variety of methods.
Being a victim of hate crime and targeted We have made some progress in relation
wholly or partly due to a personal to mechanisms and processes in how
characteristic can have a devastating impact we deal with Hate Crime and supporting
on victims, their families and can potentially victims and witnesses to report it.
lead to a corrosive effect on community Some of our work and activities in
cohesion. Hate Crime is a priority for progressing this are highlighted below.
Police Scotland and we continue to work
on raising awareness of Hate Crime and
its impacts, internally and externally with Hate Crime Improvement Plan
partners and other organisations. HMICS have completed an inspection of
hate investigation, and while we await
We have provided information on some of
their final conclusions, we have identified
the work we have been doing in order to
a number of matters that we are working
continue to improve confidence in reporting
to address. These include an improved
Hate Crime, but acknowledge further
analytical product, sharing of best
progress remains to be made.
practice, governance and dip sampling of
performance.
We said we would: Ensure accuracy
and consistency in police information Hate Crime Champions
systems for recording ‘Hate Crime’, Hate Crime Champions are a network of
offences aggravated by prejudice and trained staff who are readily available to
disability related harassment. provide advice, support and assistance to
colleagues in identifying and tackling the
Review and refresh training and issues surrounding hate crime. We have
development for officers and staff increased our champions to 484 from a
regarding ‘Hate Crime’, offences variety of roles and ranks across the force.
aggravated by prejudice and disability
related harassment.
Third Party Reporting (TPR)
At present, restrictions surrounding GDPR
and the disparate nature of our eight legacy We said we would: work with
crime systems prevents reporting without partners to review and improve
considerable manual effort and challenge. the effectiveness of the third party
reporting centre network, identify
The new Core Operational Solutions (COS) barriers to reporting and develop
platform is being rolled out nationally and action steps to remove them, and to
will deliver a suite of applications which will ensure that third party reporting is
be designed to streamline the recording and widely available and publicised.
management of operational information
and supporting activity. The roll-out of the
COS National Crime Module will commence
in May this year and is estimated for
completion in mid/late 2022.
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MAINSTREAMING & EQUALITY OUTCOMES PROGRESS 2021
BACK NEXT CONTENTSDuring COVID-19 restrictions we updated We worked with I am Me, using their award
the list of centres across the country which winning “I Am Me film” which is based on
were able to offer a remote reporting real life experiences and helps audiences to
facility, ensuring victims continued to understand the importance of looking out
have access to advice and support during for other people and reporting concerns to
lockdown. authorities.
Working in partnership with the Scottish Along with a training pack, the film was
Government (Connected Communities), shown to our attendees providing an
a national review is ongoing into insight into the experiences and impact of
current arrangements for third party those affected by hate crime and helping
reporting centres. Nationally, all divisions to improve awareness and understanding
are involved in work to improve the in this area. Those trained include frontline
use of TPR, increase confidence and officers, line managers, C3 service centre
deliver training in this regard. staff, crime registrars, custody staff and
divisional prevention and intervention staff
throughout the force.
Education and Awareness
Police Scotland also worked with I Am
Me Scotland to develop the Keep Safe
We said we would: We will continue Ambassador programme. The programme
to deliver, with partners, an annual, is open to 14-18 year olds and adults
national public education campaign with learning disabilities teaching them to
to improve understanding of the recognise disability hate crimes and know
nature and extent of hate crime. how to safely report them, as well as how
they can support the Keep Safe initiative in
their communities. 124 police officers and
staff have been provided with an enhanced
Many people who experience hate crime understanding of disability hate crimes
or who witness it may not immediately giving them the skills to train Keep Safe
recognise when they have been victims Ambassadors in communities, and to date
of hate crime or they are accustomed to 1043 people have been trained as Keep Safe
ongoing low-level victimisation. We have Ambassadors.
continued to focus on raising awareness
of hate crime and working with partners
to enhance a greater understanding of the
impacts that it can have.
I Am Me Scotland is a community based,
multi-award winning charity that aims to
raise awareness of and tackle disability hate
crime. They have 2 educational awareness
programmes one of them being I Am Me.
This programme is a suite of educational
and training resources for high school and
adult audiences.
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MAINSTREAMING & EQUALITY OUTCOMES PROGRESS 2021
BACK NEXT CONTENTSHate Crime during COVID-19 Police Scotland Youth Volunteers
During the pandemic, Police Scotland
(PSYV)
has been encouraging the reporting of
disability hate crime. Consultations with
partner organisations representing disabled
communities illustrated that many disabled
Volunteering for our communities
people have felt disproportionately affected
by restrictions and guidelines associated Some of our PSYV groups have also been
with COVID-19. As such Police Scotland involved in work to support hate crime
has taken part in many webinars and virtual such as:
conferences (some are highlighted below)
to encourage hate crime reporting and › Dundee East and West Police Scotland
continue raising awareness of Hate Crime. Youth Volunteers who carried out
hate crime inputs with a group of
› Hosting and participating in sessions keep safe ambassador volunteers with
with a number of diverse groups using learning difficulties. The PSYV have
various formats, (available online and also completed supporting activities
offline) in relation to reassurance regarding hate crime.
messaging, information on hate crime,
understanding it and continuing to › Oban Police Scotland Youth Volunteers
break down barriers of engagement with also played a big part in Oban Pride
groups; and have had frequent LGBTI training.
They have also carried out sessions on
› Live Facebook Q&A sessions on Hate Hate Crime in line with police Scotland
Crime answering questions posed by the Guidelines.
LGBTI community
› Society of Scotland published on the Hate Crime Campaigns
society’s YouTube channel
We developed two hate crime focused
› Participated in online webinars with marketing campaigns aimed at increasing
British Deaf Association, Disability understanding and awareness of what
Equality Scotland and Scottish Autism, hate crime is. Through our focused
answering questions from the public communication we wanted to improve the
and encouraging disability hate confidence of people to report these crimes
crime reporting. Feedback from the to us.
organisations suggested they had been
well received.
› Reassurance messages produced via
video in English, British Sign Language
and subtitled, to communities and
partners (who shared these), regarding
issues affecting disabled communities.
YouTube – Police Scotland message BSL.
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MAINSTREAMING & EQUALITY OUTCOMES PROGRESS 2021
BACK NEXT CONTENTSEvidence In
Practice They spat at me
because of my accent
2019 Hate Campaign
Night Time Economy #Don’tTolerate
This campaign focused on workers in the
night time economy and aimed to improve the This is a hate crime.
confidence of victims in the police response Please don’t put up with it. Report it.
scotland.police.uk
and raise the levels of reporting. We worked in
partnership with Scottish Grocers Federation,
Security Industry Authority, Scottish Ethnic
Private Hire Association, Just Eat, Nisa Retail and
In partnership with:
#DontTolerateHate
Scottish License Trade Association.
They shouted
homophobic abuse
at me
They threatened me If you have been targeted because of your
disability, race, religion, sexual orientation
because of my religion or transgender identity, or you are aware of
someone else being targeted, we want you
to report it.
Police Scotland takes hate crime very
seriously and will do everything we can to
bring those responsible to justice.
There are lots of ways you can report hate crime:
• By telephone on 999 (emergency) or 101 (non-emergency)
• In person at a police station
• Online via our hate crime reporting form:
www.scotland.police.uk
• If you don’t feel comfortable contacting the Police directly,
you can report hate crime at a third party reporting centre
(TPR). Find your nearest centre at: This is a hate crime.
www.scotland.police.uk
Please don’t put up with it. Report it.
scotland.police.uk
This is a hate crime.
Please don’t put up with it. Report it.
scotland.police.uk
In partnership with:
#DontTolerateHate
In partnership with:
#DontTolerateHate
They attacked me
They spat at me If you have been targeted because of your
disability, race, religion, sexual orientation
because of my skin colour
because of my accent or transgender identity, or you are aware of
someone else being targeted, we want you
to report it.
Police Scotland takes hate crime very
seriously and will do everything we can to
bring those responsible to justice.
There are lots of ways you can report hate crime:
• By telephone on 999 (emergency) or 101 (non-emergency)
• In person at a police station
• Online via our hate crime reporting form:
www.scotland.police.uk
• If you don’t feel comfortable contacting the Police directly,
you can report hate crime at a third party reporting centre
(TPR). Find your nearest centre at:
www.scotland.police.uk
This is a hate crime.
Please don’t put up with it. Report it. This is a hate crime.
Please don’t put up with it. Report it.
scotland.police.uk
scotland.police.uk
In partnership with:
#DontTolerateHate In partnership with:
#DontTolerateHate
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MAINSTREAMING & EQUALITY OUTCOMES PROGRESS 2021
BACK NEXT CONTENTSEvidence In He spat in my face
Practice
because he thought
I looked different
The 2020 Disability Hate Crime Campaign
This is a hate crime. If you’ve been
targeted, or you witness someone
being targeted, report it.
This campaign ran for four weeks in March 2020
www.scotland.police.uk/hate
#DontTolerateHate
and aimed to increase awareness and reporting of
disability hate crime. The campaign was evaluated
highly and supported by partner organisations
and it is assessed that the increased confidence in
reporting, may in part be a reason for the increases They damaged my
car because I have a
in disability hate crimes. disabled parking space
This is a hate crime. If you’ve been
targeted, or you witness someone
being targeted, report it.
www.scotland.police.uk/hate
#DontTolerateHate
They shouted abuse
at me because I have
a disability
This is a hate crime. If you’ve been
targeted, or you witness someone
being targeted, report it.
www.scotland.police.uk/hate
#DontTolerateHate
I was bullied
online because
I have a disability
This is a hate crime. If you’ve been
targeted, or you witness someone
being targeted, report it.
www.scotland.police.uk/hate
#DontTolerateHate
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MAINSTREAMING & EQUALITY OUTCOMES PROGRESS 2021
BACK NEXT CONTENTSEquality Outcome 2
All incidents involving harassment of people based on their protected
characteristics are recorded and subject to a holistic assessment of wellbeing
concerns and needs: to influence wider multi-agency investigation,
intervention and support tailored to individual needs, and to prevent repeat
victimisation.
Care Inspectorate
It had been identified there was no process
We said we would: implement
in place to collate and monitor incidents
nationally consistent roles,
where police were called to Care Home
responsibilities and common business
establishments caring for vulnerable adults.
processes within Concern Hubs.
Working in partnership with the Care
Inspectorate a Care Home Notification
Process was introduced. Now when officers
Concern Hub Processes attend an incident at a care establishment,
an alert is sent to the relevant concern hub,
Divisional Concern hubs are a key part allowing the circumstances to be reviewed
of our business. Resourced by specially and monitored. An escalation protocol is
trained officers and staff, they provide embedded into the process, triggered by
a holistic assessment of each Concern repeat incidents, allowing information to be
Report submitted relating to wellbeing shared with key partners.
and protection matters. Accurate and
proportionate research and decision- This has improved consistency in
making is carried out to consider the our approach in dealing with these
sharing of relevant information to statutory incidents and allows a comprehensive
and non-statutory partners. assessment of the police response
to incidents at care establishments.
This enables early and effective intervention Ultimately it ensures early and effective
and prevention presenting the best identification of risk of harm for potentially
opportunities for a more positive outcome vulnerable adults, across Scotland.
to keep people safe. Complimenting this,
in June 2020, The public task approach
for information sharing was introduced,
representing a change in policy which
allows us to consider the views of the
individual and share relevant information
where we believe a Third Sector
Organisation can offer support/assistance.
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MAINSTREAMING & EQUALITY OUTCOMES PROGRESS 2021
BACK NEXT CONTENTSWorking with partners
We said we would: deliver a practice
Recognising the impact and trauma of
model to bring about the required
childhood sexual abuse, we are working
changes across culture, systems
with statutory partners and third sector
and practice in how we research,
organisations to ensure survivors are
assess and share wellbeing concerns
supported through the investigation
regarding individuals – that will help
and criminal justice process. Working
people with situational vulnerabilities
with support groups including Insight
achieve their full potential.
Scotland we obtain invaluable feedback
from survivors of child abuse. Their lived
experience helps to inform us, to better
understand the experiences and trauma
SCD Negotiators that survivors experience. This allows us
to continually review our responses and
On average Police Scotland Negotiators reduce the barriers to reporting abuse.
deploy to over 300 incidents per year, the
vast majority of which involve vulnerable As a result of these discussions, new
adults. From 1 January 2021, if negotiators literature is being developed to promote
are used in situations involving vulnerable survivor engagement with relevant support
people, the information is subsequently organisations.
provided to our Concern Hubs. Vital
information provided by negotiators in
relation to personal triggers and successful Operation Hydrant
engagement activities with an individual Operation Hydrant is a nationwide policing
can help to safeguard their wellbeing in operation established to help all UK forces
any possible future incidents involving to focus on how they co-ordinate, respond,
police, allowing officers and staff to have an investigate and manage historical child
informed approach in the initial stages of sexual abuse in institutional settings, and
a crisis incident, focusing on the wellbeing also abuse alleged to have been perpetrated
of the individual and introducing successful by persons of public prominence.
intervention methods tailored to their needs.
In September 2020, Hydrant adapted Police
Scotland’s ‘Information for Adult Survivors
of Childhood Abuse’ animation film which
We said we would: Achieve was then released to UK Police Forces and
a consistent approach to the external stakeholders, receiving positive
management of police information to feedback from UK wide victim and survivor
ensure the right information reaches groups. The Independent Inquiry into Child
the right people at the right time Sexual Abuse (IICSA) in England and Wales
to better support individuals and now use the film with survivors who are
prevent further victimisation or harm. participating in their Truth Project.
Ensure that the sharing of wellbeing
concerns is lawful, necessary and
proportionate for the purposes for
which it is being shared.
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MAINSTREAMING & EQUALITY OUTCOMES PROGRESS 2021
BACK NEXT CONTENTSNational Child Protection Register
We said we would: We will develop
From 1 December 2020 all 32 local
a national method to record
authorities now provide data in relation to
Inter-agency Referral Discussion
children on their ‘At Risk’ register, which is
outcomes; adult protection concerns
recorded on our national database (iVPD).
and risk factors.
This now allows Police to hold a national
record in respect of information relating to
risk, harm or threat to their wellbeing which
was previously only available via contacting Inter-agency Referral Discussions (IRDs) are
the 32 individual Local Authorities. The a structured tri-agency (Police, NHS and
creation of the National Child Protection Social Work) approach to initial discussions
Register demonstrates progress in allowing relating to child protection. In September
Police Scotland to improve our capability 2020, Police Scotland introduced a national,
to deal with incidents involving children IRD data recording method providing a
who may be at risk of harm. It now provides fuller, comprehensive assessment of child
officers the opportunity to make earlier, protection information from across the
more effective and informed decisions country. This process provides agencies
relating to children at risk or harm. with greater opportunities to identify risk,
the need for a child protection investigation
or whether other measures are required. It
We said we would: Work
allows for identification of a lead agency to
collaboratively with partners to
progress matters relevant to the child which
develop innovative approaches and
may not be criminal. This has been rolled
make a decisive shift towards early
out alongside force wide training and with
intervention and prevention rather
our Child Protection Policy Department
than waiting for crises responses.
conducting quality.
We said we would: Where there is a
Evidence In Practice – Fife Division protection need we will work with
partners to investigate and protect
Officers in Fife worked alongside Fife from further risk of harm, whilst
Alcohol Support Service and in January holding perpetrators to account.
2021 introduced a referral system
for people affected by isolation and
loneliness at a time when so many Working with partners, Police Scotland
people are struggling with the impact launched a campaign targeting perpetrators
of the COVID pandemic. of Online Child Sexual Abuse. The campaign
This new referral mechanism will saw an increase of online traffic to “Get Help
be monitored and reviewed with resources” of over 300%. The campaign
consideration for wider rollout. forms part of ongoing activity working with
Additionally, Curnie Clubs provided partners to investigate perpetrators whilst
officers with cards to signpost protecting victims. Details of the campaign
members of the public and featured in are shown on the next page.
the 2020 festive campaign to promote
good mental health over the holidays.
They shared a toolkit of activities and
information that Fife division were
able to then communicate to their
communities via social media.
22
MAINSTREAMING & EQUALITY OUTCOMES PROGRESS 2021
BACK NEXT CONTENTSEvidence In Practice – Online Child Sexual Abuse Campaign
Police Scotland Online Child Sexual Abuse Campaign in collaboration with Stop It Now!
Scotland launched in April 2020.
The Campaign was entitled “Get Help or Get Caught” and focused on child sexual abuse
groomers, aimed specifically at perpetrators. Phase 1 of the Campaign ran for 4 weeks.
During the campaign internet traffic to Stop it Now! Website increased from 620
(monthly average) to 79125 for the duration of the campaign. Visitors to this site
clicking on the ‘Get Help Resource Link’ rose from 60 users pre campaign to 185 during
the campaign.
Overall the campaign was deemed a success with Phase 2 commencing on 16
November 2020 and running until 16 March 2021.
23
MAINSTREAMING & EQUALITY OUTCOMES PROGRESS 2021
BACK NEXT CONTENTSEquality Outcome 3
Victims of gender-based violence/abuse are safer and are confident that the
police are responsive to their needs.
Evidence In Practice – Get Consent Campaign
This campaign launched 26 February 2021 and ran for six weeks. The Get Consent
campaign aimed to educate males aged 18-35 within Scotland, who are in a relationship
on the issue of consent, to prevent them from offending with the single proposition of
‘Sex without consent is rape’.
The main aim of the campaign was to drive perpetrators or those at risk of offending to
our website campaign pages, so they are educated on the issue of consent (sex without
consent is rape) within a relationship, in order to stop offending.
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MAINSTREAMING & EQUALITY OUTCOMES PROGRESS 2021
BACK NEXT CONTENTSThere is a risk that vulnerable witnesses
We said we would: Engage with (including children) and victims or
partners, locally and nationally, witnesses of the most serious and traumatic
to ensure best practice is used to crimes can be re-traumatised through
prevent and investigate sexual crime their participation in the criminal justice
and target those who pose the process and as such, the SOLO VRI Pilot
greatest risk of harm. aimed to improve the experiences of
the justice process for victims of rape
We said we would: Continue to work and to develop a better understanding
with partners to provide support to of how to obtain best evidence.
victims and build their confidence to
report sexual crimes. We will review On 1st November 2019, the pilot involving
national training to ensure responses SOLO officers and video interviews was
to reports of sexual crime. launched in within Police Scotland. Some
other aims of the pilot were to improve the
We said we would: Expand experience of victims within the Scottish
engagement with key partners Court system without compromising the
who work with perpetrators of rights of the accused, and also to consider
rape and sexual crime in order to whether the criminal trial process as it
improve prevention and intervention relates to sexual offence cases should be
opportunities. modified or fundamentally changed.
Feedback has been provided from SOLO VRI
officers and Senior Investigating Officers in
VRI SOLO Pilot - Video Recorded relation to the pilots.
Interviews and Sexual Offences
Liaison Officers Initial findings indicate that the VRI captures
excellent evidence and does so in a manner
In March 2015 The Scottish Courts which is more complainer focused, effective
and Tribunal Service (SCTS) published and efficient than by way of a manuscript
their Evidence and Procedure Review statement.
which called for Scotland to harness the
opportunities that new technology brings To date the cases reported to COPFS are at
to improve the quality and accessibility of an early stage in the criminal justice process,
justice. The Lord Justice Clerk, examined and VRI has yet to be tested in court. Further
how existing processes, with a focus on feedback from COPFS and Rape Crisis
evidence by commissioner, could be Scotland will be sought as cases progress
improved and it was recognised there was a through the criminal justice process.
need to develop our own, Scottish, solutions
to the challenge.
The Vulnerable Witnesses (Criminal
Evidence) (Scotland) Bill received Royal
Assent on 13 June 2019, and commenced
20 January 2020.The Act makes provisions
to allow a ‘prior statement’ of children and
other vulnerable witnesses to be used as
Evidence-in-Chief in criminal proceedings
to better avoid such witnesses having to
give evidence personally in court.
25
MAINSTREAMING & EQUALITY OUTCOMES PROGRESS 2021
BACK NEXT CONTENTSProstitution and Protecting Women
involved in Sex Industry We said we would: Continue to build
upon our operational response to
Police Scotland continued to engage with reported incidents of domestic abuse
key partners in respect of Prostitution. With and will review national training to
the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic, ensure our response remains current,
our response during this time to protect is reflective of victims’ needs and
the safety of individuals involved in the sex incorporates new and effective ways
industry, included reinforcing the “stay safe” of working.
national message. This was circulated via
key partner agencies and media outlets, We said we would: Continue to
subsequently being retweeted within work with local communities and
the Violence against Women network relevant partner agencies to identify
(Encompass). and eliminate barriers to reporting
Our Prostitution Working Group was for domestic abuse victims. We will
established in 2019. The purpose of this continue to develop our domestic
group is to promote transparency of abuse ‘online’ reporting system,
current and developing issues, increase ensuring it is accessible to all.
awareness and understanding of future
challenges, provide an environment to We said we would: Maximise
share information and address strategic opportunities to engage with the
issues and coordinate and disseminate the public through joint [partner agency]
collective views of our Public Protection domestic abuse campaigns and other
Units throughout our organisation. national events.
Analytical work undertaken highlighted
areas across the country where prostitution
may be occurring, and the information has
being used to update a Standard Operating
Domestic Abuse Champions
Procedure and Toolkit which will assist our Police Scotland now has a network of
front line officers should they encounter 700 trained Domestic Abuse Champions
those involved in prostitution. This is (DAC). Our champions are staff and officers
complimented by a national network of (constables and sergeants)from across the
Prostitution Champions, who are police force and from a variety of different roles.
officers. They can support frontline policing They have a critical role in embedding and
offering informed peer to peer advice. sustaining learning from the Domestic
Abuse Matters Scotland (DAMS) training
programme and developing the policing
We said we would: Reduce the response to domestic abuse within local
harm caused by domestic abuse: policing divisions across Scotland.
by supporting victims, targeting We are working with Scottish Government
perpetrators and working with local and SafeLives to develop a Continuous
communities and partner agencies to Professional Development (CPD)
better share information, learning and programme for the champions. After
best practice. engaging with Domestic Abuse Matters
trainers and from information gathered from
an online survey, we have now identified
priorities for additional learning which
will focus on the impact of COVID-19 on
responses to Domestic Abuse. Additionally,
a library of online and offline resources will
be available for everyone to access.
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MAINSTREAMING & EQUALITY OUTCOMES PROGRESS 2021
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