Scotland's outgoing Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone says Police Scotland is institutionally racist
He told the Scottish Police Authority Board: "Recognising institutional discrimination, in my view, is a statement of reality."
Sir Iain added that all organisations, including "our police service" should "move beyond words and focus on action"
A report earlier this week by an independent review group found Police Scotland to be racist, sexist and homophobic
In his statement to the board he also defends the "diligence and integrity" of the ongoing investigation into SNP finances
Livingstone has been in the role since 2018 and has been a serving officer since 1992
Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone begins giving his evidence, reminding everyone he is retiring in the summer.
Sir Iain says his last working day will be the 10th of August.
Martyn Evans is working through the agenda, as we await the arrival of Sir Iain Livingstone.
The importance of a balanced budget for Police Scoltand is stressed by the chair of the SPA, external.
Mary Pitcaithly tells the meeting about the external audit annual plan and staff absences.
The main part of the meeting with Sir Iain should begin shortly.
Police Scotland's chief constable, Sir Iain Livingstone, will be speaking to the Scottish police authority as he prepares to retire after five years in the job.
Sir Iain, 56, took over the role in 2018 and has been a serving officer since 1992.
Before he took on the top job in Scottish policing, he was preparing to retire but he was catapulted into the role after the resignation of Phil Gormley.
He was a popular choice to replace Mr Gormley, who had no experience of policing in Scotland.
His route into policing was unconventional, having graduated in law from the Universities of Aberdeen and Strathclyde, before working as a solicitor.
His time in charge as seen a number of difficult periods and he has recently warned about funding pressures on the force.
His replacement will be announced in June.
SPA Chair Martyn Evans has got proceedings under way.
Apologies for the low level of audio, we are working to fix this.
While we're waiting for the stream of the Scottish Police Authority meeting to start, here's a reminder of who Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone is.
Sir Iain Livingstone, 56, took over the role in 2018 and has been a serving officer since 1992.
He has responsibility for 23,000 officers and staff in what is the UK's second largest police force.
Scotland's chief constable is to retire as the country's top police officer in the summer.
Image source, PA MediaA review group has reported on Police Scotland's record on equality, diversity, inclusion and human rights
A review of the culture within Police Scotland has uncovered first-hand accounts of racism, sexism and homophobia by serving officers.
The review group, set up in 2021, heard instances of people being "punished" for raising concerns.
It also heard the force's efforts to improve its culture are being held back by financial issues and pressure on frontline resources.
The initial findings were published in the first of two reports, external due this year.
It comes just weeks after four women spoke to BBC Newsnight about allegations of a "boys club" culture at all levels of Police Scotland.
One of the women, former firearms officer Rhona Malone, won almost £1m in compensation from the force after an employment tribunal found she had been victimised when she had raised concerns about sexism.
Sir Iain Livingstone is speaking at the Scottish Police Authority
Good morning and welcome to our coverage of Chief Constable Iain livingstone speaking to the Scottish Police Authority Board about culture in policing.
You can watch the meeting with us by clicking on the play icon at the top of the page.
We'll bring you updates and analysis throughout the morning.