Humza Yousaf has been accused of failing to address misogyny within Police Scotland after former female officers spoke out against the force’s “boys club” culture.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar grilled Yousaf on his promise to resolve concerns over how complaints are handed by the force. The First Minister had made the pledge when he was justice secretary.
It comes as four women told BBC Newsnight about allegations of a “culture of misogyny” at all levels within the Scottish force.
Former Tayside Police assistant chief constable Angela Wilson said women currently working in the force are too afraid to speak out about their experiences.
She has spoken of her support for Rhona Malone, who won almost £1 million in compensation from Police Scotland after an employment tribunal ruled she had been victimised while raising sexism concerns.
Wilson said her own 30-year career had been disrupted by trying to address the culture. She took early retirement in 2013.
She has since called for a judge-led inquiry into the claims.
Georgina Gallivan, who worked in an IT civilian role in the force for 20 years, told BBC Newsnight her appraisals had all been excellent until she complained about a male colleague in 2017.
She said: “After that, it all kind of became ‘she’s a problem, she’s got mental health issues, she’s just causing trouble’.”
Gallivan said the male officer made comments about her being “hormonal”, adding “it was humiliating in front of colleagues that you’ve worked with for such a long time”.
Sarwar accused Yousaf of “consistently failing to deliver” on the issue during First Minister’s Questions on Thursday. Yousaf had pledged to move “at pace” following a report into complaints and the governance of Police Scotland during his time in the justice brief.
Yousaf said “decisive action” is being taken on addressing misogyny within society generally.
He added: “In terms of some of the concerns that have been raised in relation to misogyny within the police force, I know from my engagement with the Chief Constable (Sir) Iain Livingstone how seriously he takes the issue of misogyny.
“We take as a Government, and I know the police do, extremely seriously any concern raised against police officers.”
Sarwar said Yousaf’s response had been “complacent”, and added: “He seems to be in denial.
“The fact that female police officers are feeling compelled to speak to the media in order to inspire change from this Government is a record of failure – not one of success or progress.
“We have a First Minister who talks big but consistently fails to deliver.
“This is an incompetent and dysfunctional SNP Government which after 16 years has left every Scottish institution weaker.”
Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: “Policing in Scotland is not immune from sexism and misogyny which persists across society and we are tackling this challenge head-on to improve the experiences of all women, including our officers and staff.
“The onus is on us to address policy, process and education gaps and challenge bias at every level, and wherever it occurs to maintain and build confidence will all communities.
“Police Scotland strives to enable our people to make their voices heard so we can make effective and sustainable change based on what they tell us.”
However, he said there are “no quick fixes”, with efforts ongoing to address the issue, including the appointment of a dedicated officer to drive the required change.
The force also said the grievances raised by Gallivan were “appropriately concluded” and no employment claim has been made in the case.
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