We’re here to talk about a new report on Strathclyde Police Authority to see what progress it has made since an earlier report in July 2011 by the Accounts Commission for Scotland and Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary. That report said the force was performing well but the authority could do better. With me is John Baillie, chair of the Accounts Commission. John, can you tell me what you found?
Well, over the period since July last year there has been some progress in a few areas like financial monitoring. But overall, it has been disappointing.
A number of recommendations for improvement were identified but most have not yet been fully implemented.
There is little evidence that the authority is actively engaged in shaping future policing priorities. For example last winter, the force invited all 34 councillors on the authority to come to strategic planning workshops… but only three turned up. 
So where does the authority need to improve?
Strathclyde is unique among the Scottish forces because it has its own dedicated, eleven-strong, office support. But there is an absence of genuine joint decision-making and only some evidence that the chief executive is being held to account for the performance of the office or delivery of the improvement agenda.
What do you want to see happen now?
Well, there are signs that the authority is starting to move in the right direction. It has a new convener and new councillors following the local elections in May this year and they have a new improvement plan. That plan needs to be implemented fully and within the timescales that are set out in it.
The other aspect is the appointment of the new convener. I welcome the new convener’s commitment to addressing the underlying issues. It is essential that the chief executive and his team provide effective support to the convener and councillors, including the work to prepare for the introduction of a single Scottish police force next April.
Will you continue to keep tabs on the authority?
Yes indeed. The Commission wants to be kept informed on progress in the months ahead and will be monitoring just that.