HMICS launches its new Inspection Framework today that will be used as a basis for all inspections of Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority.
This Framework is based on the Public Service Improvement Framework (PSIF), the European Foundation for Quality Management (EQFM) Excellence Model and Best Value characteristics. These models have been adapted to provide an inspection framework model to assist with identifying areas of good performance and in establishing priorities for improvement.
There are six overarching themes which link to statements that will be used to assess the organisation or service area we inspect. The overarching themes are; Outcomes, Leadership and Governance, Planning and Process, People, Resources and Partnerships.
The approach to inspection outlined in this framework will help HMICS staff to develop a common understanding of the key themes to be considered for each inspection. A consistent approach will also help inspected bodies, stakeholders and the public to know what to expect from HMICS.
HM Inspector of Constabulary Scotland Derek Penman said:
“The creation of a single police service in Scotland has led us to fundamentally review the work of HMICS and also how we undertake that work. Our new Inspection Framework ensures we are transparent in our scrutiny of policing across Scotland.
The six themes outlined in our Framework are underpinned by continuous improvement. The themes are comparable to those used by other inspectorates. We were keen to align what we are doing with the wider justice sector to minimise duplication and our scrutiny footprint.
We aim to add value and strengthen public confidence in policing by ensuring that Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority deliver services that are high quality, continually improving, effective and responsive to local needs. Our framework will help to give confidence and clarity to the way in which we inspect and the criteria we use to make judgements about the provision.
It is important we share our independent assessments of policing with communities, and everything we do will be published on our website and reported to the Scottish Parliament.”
