The Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights Independent Review Group (IRG) was set up in 2021 following Lady Elish Angiolini’s review into complaints handling. Its first interim report in 2023 described “scepticism and even outright fear” among staff about raising concerns, prompting then chief constable Sir Iain Livingstone to admit for the first time that the service was institutionally racist, sexist and discriminatory.

The IRG’s final report was considered by the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) board in August 2024 but omitted from the published papers. Instead, it was quietly uploaded to a Police Scotland webpage with little notice. That report referred to a “deep dive” into sexism, misogyny and violence against women, but the document itself was not released until campaign group Murray Blackburn Mackenzie forced disclosure through a freedom of information request.

The deep dive found the force to be “an overwhelmingly male dominated environment” with “sexist and misogynist attitudes firmly embedded in its culture”. It described a “toxic” workplace where inappropriate jokes and sexualised remarks were common, often made by senior officers about younger women. Female officers reported persistent predatory behaviour, being relegated to making tea or taking minutes, and being dismissed as “ruthless careerists” if they sought advancement.

The report made 30 recommendations and set out 11 indicators to track cultural change, but Police Scotland later told MBM it was “out of date”.

Committee convener Audrey Nicoll MSP has written to SPA chair Fiona McQueen demanding answers on how the authority has scrutinised the issue. Citing “disturbing evidence of a series of high-profile cases”, she said: “I am concerned, therefore, to read the findings of the IRG ‘deep dive’ report which states IRG ‘believe that there is evidence of sexism, misogyny and VAW within Police Scotland, both at the institutional and individual level’.”

She added: “As the prime body responsible for the accountability of Police Scotland, I would like to give the SPA a chance to respond so that the committee can assess how well this critical matter is being scrutinised and addressed both within the SPA and by Police Scotland.”

An SPA spokesperson said: “There is absolutely no place for sexism or any form of discrimination in policing. The Scottish Police Authority is committed to supporting and holding Police Scotland to account in building a service that is inclusive, respectful, and free from bias.”