HMICS Annual report 2024-25

Our inspection framework is based on the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence Model and Best Value Characteristics. The purpose of the framework is to support lead and associate inspectors to take a common and objective approach to assessing policing in Scotland. The framework can be used in its entirety, or selected and adapted so that the key themes and sub-elements reflect the purpose of the inspection to be undertaken.

During 2024, we reviewed our corporate plan and inspection frameworks, together with our methodologies, governance and joint working with other public and scrutiny bodies. We will review our frameworks following each inspection and at the conclusion of our evaluation of the inspection meeting. This allows for continuous improvement of our methodology, and lessons to be learned from those we inspect and work alongside. Our corporate plan, inspection framework and custody inspection framework covering the period 2025-28 were published in March 2025.

Our scrutiny plan sets out how HMICS aims to meet its statutory purpose to inquire into the state, efficiency and effectiveness of both Police Scotland and the SPA. It was published in terms of Section 75 of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 and sets out our scrutiny priorities from April 2025 to March 2028.

This plan is designed to provide a forward look for planning purposes for Police Scotland and the SPA. it will be kept under review during the three-year period to ensure that any new and emerging issues can be addressed appropriately. Our approach is to support Police Scotland and the SPA to deliver high-quality, effective services that are continually improving, effective, responsive to local needs and providing best value.

We undertook public and stakeholder consultation to consider the areas that are of most interest to scrutinise in the forthcoming three-year period. Our approach will build upon our previous plan and articulate the understanding we have from inspections, stakeholder engagement and wider environmental scanning.

We continue to work closely with our partners in our role as a member of the Strategic Public Sector Scrutiny Network (SPSSN). The SPSSN promotes collaboration among Scotland’s main public sector scrutiny bodies by identifying shared risks, priorities and learning. It holds public bodies to account and aims to support improvement in the effectiveness, efficiency and impact of public services for the people of Scotland. Scrutiny bodies involved include the Accounts Commission; Audit Scotland; Education Scotland; the Care Inspectorate; Healthcare Improvement Scotland; His Majesty’s Fire Service Inspectorate for Scotland; His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland; His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland; and the Scottish Housing Regulator.

We are also a member of the UK National Preventive Mechanism (NPM), contributing to the UK’s response to its international obligations under the UN Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT).