The LGBTQI+ Police Scotland Citizens’ Panel was commissioned by Police Scotland in 2024. The Panel ran from January to April 2025 and was facilitated by Shared Future. This report details the process and final recommendations.

In Autumn 2024, invitations to register for the panel were shared through LGBTQI+ networks, including community radio. 73 people responded, registering their interest and availability, from which 27 participants were randomly selected to incorporate the many diverse identities within the LGBTQI+ communities of Scotland.

The Panel was asked to consider and deliberate on the question:

“What does Police Scotland need to change and do to build greater trust and confidence amongst LGBTQI+ people?”

After 25 hours of deliberation, the Panel produced 16 recommendations. 20 members of the Panel then voted to prioritise the recommendations.

Themes covered included: training and education; transparency, trust, and accountability; community engagement and visibility; internal police culture; and feeling safe, seen, and welcome when interacting with the police.

Chief Superintendent Nicky Russell, Tayside Divisional Commander and Chair of the Panel’s Oversight Group said: 

“This participatory approach has been the first of its kind for Police Scotland and has resulted in a randomly selected group of LGBTQI+ people coming together with their valued views, thoughts and intersectional lived and living experiences.

“I am delighted to introduce the result of this work which has not only delivered 16 recommendations for Police Scotland to consider and address but has grown a community among the people who have been involved. This work has been invaluable, giving people a voice, listening to so many diverse views and building confidence for individuals.

“This approach is vital to us as the service strives to become an anti-racist and anti-discriminatory organisation which is committed to our 2030 Vision of Less Crime, Supported Victims, Safer Communities and a Thriving Workforce. I do not underestimate the challenge of making progress with the Panel’s recommendations. Although we are undertaking significant work already, there continues to be more for us to do and most importantly more for us to communicate to our communities.”

Police Scotland’s Policing Together Strategy is co-ordinating progress within equality, diversity and inclusion throughout Scotland’s national police service. The Chief Constable has been clear that when Police Scotland say their mission is ‘Keeping People Safe’, this means everyone. The Citizens’ Panel was an important step, ensuring Police Scotland can learn about issues affecting our communities, and put learning into practice to deliver effective services for all of Scotland’s communities.