The Scottish Parliament

Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for MSPs to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)

Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

Question reference: S7W-03824

Asked by: Stephen Kerr, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 01 October 2026
Current Status: Answered by Neil Gray on 13 October 2026

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland Assurance review of Conduct and Discipline finding that 20% of Police Scotland officers and staff who died by suicide between 2013 and 2024 were subject to live complaints or conduct processes, what assessment it has made of the adequacy of wellbeing support available to officers and staff involved in such processes.

Every suicide is a tragedy with a far-reaching impact on families, friends and communities. Through Creating Hope Together, Scotland’s Suicide Prevention Strategy and action plan, the Scottish Government is committed to reducing suicide and tackling the inequalities that can contribute to it.

The action plan includes measures to support workforce wellbeing, ensuring employers have access to sources of support for mentally healthy workplaces which include a focus on suicide prevention, alongside wider mental health and wellbeing.

Workforce management is an operational matter for the Chief Constable, with oversight by the Scottish Police Authority.

The Scottish Government welcomes Police Scotland’s acceptance of HMICS recommendations, including strengthening wellbeing support for officers and staff involved in conduct and disciplinary processes. Support should be tailored to individual needs and delivered consistently.

Since 2024, Police Scotland has invested around £2 million annually in an occupational health contract to support workforce health and wellbeing.

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Question reference: S7W-03824

Answer