Police Scotland advised to re-train staff and avoid ‘boys’ club’ culture

Police Scotland is being advised to train all staff and officers in equality and diversity in the wake of an employment tribunal which found its armed response unit was an “absolute boys’ club”.

A report following the tribunal also “strongly” recommends that the structures, recruitment and selection process for the firearms unit are reviewed “to ensure that they are fully compatible with equality legislation, and that any barriers to selection are addressed”.

It comes after Rhona Malone successfully pursued a victimisation claim against Police Scotland at a tribunal last year – with the former armed response officer later awarded a settlement of almost £1 million.

Following the tribunal findings, Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone commissioned an independent review to make recommendations for action by the force. That report, by Mark Hamilton, Deputy Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, has now been published.

Sir Iain, meanwhile, has also “underlined his personal commitment to leading change in policing in Scotland” to improve the experiences of women in the force.

Mr Hamilton’s report recommends “training should be rolled out to all officers and staff on equality and diversity” – initially focused on areas of the force where “there is a perceived ‘men’s club’ culture”.

The report noted: “There are identifiable individuals who are in need of this training, although it would do no harm to refresh all.”

This should send out a “clear message” that where protocols are breached, this could give rise to disciplinary or misconduct referrals, it added.

It comes after the tribunal heard the “culture experienced within armed police was described as ‘absolutely boys’ club and horrific”’ with evidence being put forward that an inspector had posted images of topless women into a work group chat.

Referring to the armed policing unit, the report said consideration should be given to identifying the reasons why females are under-represented.

Rhona Malone.