Seòmar agus comataidhean

Thank you.

I have a brief question about data, particularly in relation to assaults. We are very aware of assaults on officers. Last week, Unison Scotland published a survey that has been on-going since 2006. It has captured information about 55,000 assaults on public sector workers in Scotland in 2022-23, which was a 31 per cent increase from the previous year. In relation to civilian police staff, whom Unison Scotland organises, will you point us in the direction of, or share with us, the data that you have on abuse and assaults? Perhaps you could also share with us any roles that face particular issues. I know that there has been a trend for a variety of different roles to move from officers to civilian staff.

Could you look into that and share with us any information that you are able to get? Obviously, civilian police staff carry out a range of public-facing roles. Perhaps you could come back to us on that.

You were speculating. Is that as far as you can go? Is that the level of the organisation’s knowledge?

Yes—you have answered that question. Thank you.

I put the same question to Dr Simpson. How do you take into account the views of, and what is said by, those who have relevant lived experience?

My question is for Dr Rushton. It has been incredibly useful to hear about IIAC’s work and the skill sets of those who are involved. Could you give an indication of the time commitment that is required of your board members and of the secretariat? It sounds as though you are involved in a great deal of hands-on work—is it fair to say that?

How will uplifts be calculated to take into account increases in the cost of living? Will increases be in line with inflation, or will another formula be used?

That is fine. It would be very helpful if the minister could keep the committee updated on that.

Have you given thought to what more can be done for kinship carers who will not be eligible for the support?

Yes—I am sure that the way that the system works can be very frustrating.

In these situations, there are often different perspectives. I was previously a personal injury lawyer, so I am aware that the employer can have a very different perspective from that of the employee and their representatives. How do you deal with the fact that there are those different perspectives, and how is that represented in your work?