College begins major review of its role in policing
The new chair of the College of Policing board has launched a “fundamental review’ of its work to explore how effective it is in supporting the police service”.
Almost a decade on from when the college was established, Nick Herbert (Lord Herbert of South Downs) said “the time was right to look at its place in the policing landscape”.
While it has made considerable progress in recent years in strengthening its connection with day-to-day policing, the college believes more needs to be done to ensure it meets its potential and that its work and role within policing is “valued across the service”.
The college’s role in promoting and supporting leadership at all levels of policing, leading improvements in equality and diversity in policing and the impact of technology are just some of the key issues that will be considered as part of the review.
Lord Herbert said: “This is a critical time in policing with the demands and pressures on the service only increasing during the pandemic. I believe the time is right to look at the work that the college does, as well as the place that it occupies in the policing landscape.
“It’s important that we explore how effective the college is in supporting a police service whose mission has been extended and capability stretched over the last ten years.
“I’m keen that we listen to people from across policing, regardless of their rank, grade or role, to find what they want from their College of Policing and help us identify the areas where we need to improve.
“I’m committed to ensuring that the college stands proudly in the policing landscape to support the service in its mission to protect the public and keep people safe.”
Views are being sought from frontline officers, staff and policing organisations as part of the comprehensive review.
The review will:
- Conduct a fundamental assessment of the college, its role, effectiveness and how it operates alongside other organisations in the policing landscape; and
- Ensure that, as the professional body for policing, the college is highly valued by every section of policing, from frontline officers to chief constables to police and crime commissioners.
The detailed review will consider the college’s role in all aspects of policing, from how well it supports professional development, shares good practice and sets standards, through to how useful people working on the front line find the college’s services.
The review will also look at the relationship between the college and other policing organisations and how well equipped it is to support the police service to deal with future challenges.
Bernie O’Reilly, interim chief executive officer of the College of Policing, said: “We’ve been making some real progress in improving our connection with the front line through supporting policing across critical areas such as the Covid-19 pandemic and bringing an additional 20,000 officers into the service.
“We know there’s more to do – this review is crucial to help us understand where the service feels we could improve and to help us to meet the needs of our frontline colleagues in a way that they feel supported with the right tools, knowledge and guidance they need and deserve to keep people safe.”
As part of the review, the college is issuing a call for evidence, which will be open until April 30.
Policing Minister Kit Malthouse said: “The College of Policing has an integral role to play in supporting our police officers to carry out their vital work protecting our communities.
“As plans to recruit 20,000 more police officers continue at pace, I welcome this review, which will enhance support to our hardworking officers and help the college recognise its full potential as the professional body for policing.”
The National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Police Superintendents’ Association and the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) are among the organisations that will be asked for their views.
John Apter, national chair of the PFEW, said: “This root and branch review is a great opportunity to make the College of Policing more meaningful and relevant to rank and file officers, providing them with the training, guidance and support they deserve.
“The review must, therefore, be bold and brave to ensure the college is fit for purpose. The Police Federation will play an active part, feeding into the review to ensure that the views of our members are heard and acted upon.”
The college will use the feedback from across policing to inform a series of recommendations that will be outlined in a report later this summer.
To have your say, download the ‘call for evidence’ form and email your views to review@college.pnn.police.uk by April 30, 2021.
College of Policing review – call for evidence (docx) 63.57 KB