An inspection by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) found that misconduct and grievance processes are “perceived as lacking openness, transparency, fairness and pace of resolution” and there is a “general lack of trust in these processes”.

However, the report into the force’s organisational culture and ethos concludes that it has improved markedly since its establishment in 2013.

The report makes 11 recommendations designed to enable Police Scotland to improve culture, address inequalities, define effectively what is valued and how it is measured, streamline processes and enhance communication, training and guidance.

Chief inspector Craig Naylor said: “Many of the aspirations for Police Scotland have been achieved with specialist service access to all postcodes, improved investigative capabilities and significant cost savings of in excess of £1 billion, to name a few. These are evidence of the value and benefit of the creation of the single service.

“But the speed of change was a challenge, with many under pressure from an initial autocratic leadership approach and a performance-driven culture. It was only in the past few years that the style and tone has stabilised while maintaining a focus on the delivery of effective operational policing. Resourcing and budget pressures remain with a resultant lack of investment in improvements which would benefit service delivery to the general public.

“Reform of this scale in Scotland has not been attempted beyond police and fire and while the funding and workforce in most public sectors has grown, in policing it has shrunk.”

He added: “The culture of Police Scotland is defined by many factors, but its leadership should be actively championing areas of good practice and excellence to improve the way it feels to work in the service, so that all staff and officers feel they are being treated equitably and fairly, and that the organisation is listening and responding effectively to the issues raised by the workforce and their staff associations.

“Only by doing so can Police Scotland realise its full potential, maximise the wellbeing of its people and ensure it delivers the best and most efficient service for the persons, localities and communities in Scotland.”