Police Negotiating Board for Scotland: annual report 2023

Statutory background

The legislation for the Police Negotiating Board for Scotland (PNBS) is set out under the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012, in particular Chapter 8A and Schedule 2A. The body was brought into force through Regulations and two Commencement Orders (No. 7 and No. 8) which were laid before the Scottish Parliament on 4 May 2023, coming into force on 17 August 2023. PNBS replaced the PNB which was abolished at that time.

In accordance with paragraph 5 of Schedule 2A of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012, the Scottish ministers prepared and published the PNBS constitution.

The constitution sets out how the PNBS will carry out its functions to negotiate the pay, terms and conditions of police officers in Scotland. The constitution also sets out how conciliation and arbitration should be used when all other options are exhausted.