A newly surfaced review of Police Scotland reveals an environment where misogyny, discrimination, and gender-based harassment remain deeply embedded despite prior reform efforts. The findings depict a male-dominated workplace in which sexist norms, internalised misogyny, and “boys’ club” dynamics created a culture of silence. Women reported being dismissed as “troublemakers” when raising concerns, and many described fear of retaliation, limited trust in reporting systems, and visible tolerance of misconduct among senior ranks. The review also captured frequent internalised misogyny from senior women toward junior colleagues, reinforcing an atmosphere in which women were routinely blamed, sidelined, or disbelieved. Additional accounts highlighted routine gendered expectations, such as women being asked to make tea or take minutes, and assumptions that mothers or part-time workers were less committed.
Experts in equality and workplace culture stress that confidential reporting channels, impartial investigations, and zero-tolerance anti-retaliation policies must serve as core safeguards. They encourage HR and organisational leaders to redesign systems so harassment cannot be ignored or minimised. This includes embedding inclusion into leadership expectations, strengthening psychological safety, and ensuring that consequences for misconduct are timely, consistent, and transparent.
