Strategic review of policing the Commonwealth Games 2026 - terms of reference

Introduction

1. HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) has committed to an independent strategic review of specific aspects of the policing of Commonwealth Games 2026 (CWG26) as part of its published scrutiny plan for 2025-28.

2. The Commonwealth Games are set to return to Glasgow in 2026, marking a major international sporting occasion. While this event will be more streamlined compared to the 2014 Games, it remains a significant event on the global sports calendar. The Games will feature 10 sports across four existing venues in and around the Glasgow area. Approximately 3,000 athletes from 74 nations are expected to participate, alongside large numbers of spectators attending the events. Although the Games will be hosted in Scotland, they involve complex UK wide and international considerations, particularly regarding the security arrangements for athletes, spectators, and international dignitaries. Police Scotland will be required to deliver a substantial policing operation to support the Games, while continuing to maintain routine policing services across the country.

Aim

3. The aim of this strategic review is to provide independent assessment of the state, effectiveness and efficiency of policing arrangements for the CWG26 with focused assurance work across the following key areas:

• governance arrangements;
• level of preparedness;
• resource planning, and
• business as usual policing arrangements.

Background

4. Glasgow will host the Commonwealth Games for the second time in 11 years, with the Games taking place from 23 July to 2 August 2026. There will be four main venues situated across the Glasgow area. It will be the biggest international event in Scotland since the United Nations Climate Change Conference, referred to as COP26, which was held in Glasgow in 2021.

5. Glasgow 2026 Limited will deliver the Games with an anticipated budget of £150m. The body will fund policing costs. Under Operation Lannair, Police Scotland will police the Games and the King’s Baton programme through Scotland. Police Scotland is responsible for developing and implementing the policing plan for the Games, working in close partnership with key partners and stakeholders.

6. As the UK’s second largest police service, with over 16,000 officers and more than 5,000 staff, Police Scotland brings extensive experience in managing major events. Since its establishment in 2013, the service has successfully delivered policing operations for a range of high profile occasions, including:

• the Commonwealth Games 2014
• the 2014 Ryder Cup
• the European Athletics Championship 2018
• the visit of the President of the United States in 2018 and 2025
• COP26 held in Glasgow.

7. Police Scotland has formed a Strategic Oversight Board chaired by the Deputy Chief Constable for Operational Policing with the strategic aim of working with partners to deliver a safe and secure Commonwealth Games, while minimising the impact on the wider community. A command structure has also been developed with police Gold and Silver Commanders appointed and a core planning team established.

8. The Scottish Police Authority (SPA) has statutory functions that include maintaining Police Scotland and holding the Chief Constable to account. The SPA has established a Commonwealth Games 2026 Policing Oversight Group, which is a member-led advisory group that comprises representatives from the SPA and Police Scotland. HMICS has been invited to attend the group as observers. The group first met in March 2025 and meet bi-monthly to scrutinise Police Scotland’s preparedness for the Games.