POLICE Scotland is being urged to provide training for its staff and officers in equality and diversity.
This comes in the wake of an employment tribunal which found its armed response unit had become 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”.
Last year, Rhona Malone pursued a successful victimisation claim against Police Scotland with the former armed response officer later awarded a settlement of almost £1 million.
Following the tribunal’s findings, Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone commissioned an independent review to make recommendations for action by the force.
He has also “underlined his personal commitment to leading change in policing in Scotland” to improve the experiences of women in the force.
The report, published by the Deputy Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, recommends that “training should be rolled out to all officers and staff on equality and diversity”.
It further 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.
The tribunal heard evidence that an inspector had posted images of topless women in a work group chat.
The report further suggested that the reasons behind the under-representation of women should be explored in greater detail.
Police Scotland’s Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor said: “The Chief Constable has provided a personal apology to Ms Malone for the serious issues highlighted in the employment tribunal judgement, including Police Scotland’s poor response when a dedicated officer raised legitimate concerns.
“The Chief Constable has also underlined his personal commitment to leading change in policing in Scotland which drives equality and inclusion to improve the experiences of all women, including our own officers and staff.”
