THE head of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) is to resign from the role following criticism of his conduct and controversy over transparency and governance at the organisation.
SPA chair Andrew Flanagan said he is standing down from the police oversight body after concluding it was in the “best interests of policing”. He will stay in post until a successor is appointed.
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said there will be a review of how the SPA board can be supported “to take informed, transparent decisions”.
Flanagan’s resignation followed mounting pressure from MSPs. He came under fire at a series of parliamentary inquiries into the workings of the SPA and was accused of bullying by a former board member.
Holyrood’s Public Audit Committee voiced “very serious concerns” about Flanagan’s conduct while the Justice Sub-Committee on Policing last month declared it had “no confidence” in his leadership.
Flanagan said: “Recent events have focused on my disagreement with a board member and perceptions of a wider lack of transparency in the SPA.
“I have apologised to the former board member and put in place changes to the governance processes of the SPA.
“There are many serious challenges faced by policing in Scotland but the continued media and parliamentary debate on these issues risks becoming a prolonged distraction.”
In his resignation letter, Flanagan – chair of the SPA since September 2015 – said “the debate has become quite personalised and has impacted on me and my family. This is not something that I wish to endure further”.
He added: “With a strategic direction for the service well in train and the right mix of leadership in Police Scotland to deliver it, I do not wish the ongoing debate to get in the way as we move into the implementation phase. I have therefore taken the decision that it would be in the best interests of policing if I were to step down from my role as chair of the SPA.
“The next few months will involve an intensive period of work to develop implementation plans and effective governance structures to manage and oversee the transformation programme.
“To avoid any hiatus or delay, I have indicated to the cabinet secretary that I would be willing to stay on until he appoints a successor and to ensure an orderly handover.”
He added: “I take pride in being a part of this chapter of policing history in Scotland and for the personal successes I have had since taking up the role in 2015 – in particular shaping a long-term strategy for Police Scotland, recruiting a new Chief Constable and senior leadership team, and setting a clear direction for bringing financial sustainability.
“As a result, I am confident that the single police service in Scotland now has a solid platform from which to build an even better service for the people of Scotland.
“I hope that is a position on which we can build both consensus and momentum.”
Governance at the SPA came under close scrutiny following a row over board meetings being held behind closed doors.
Revelations concerning Flanagan’s conduct emerged during parliamentary sessions, including his “inappropriate” handling of board member Moi Ali, who quit after speaking out against the closed-door policy, and the failure to circulate a critical letter from HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary for Scotland (HMICS) Derek Penman to the rest of the board. The disclosures led to an inspection of the SPA by HMICS being brought forward.
Matheson said he was grateful to Flanagan for his “significant contribution to policing”.
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