New government must take responsibility for the Police Race Action Plan, says ISOB
The new government must put anti-racist policing at the core of its proposals by providing direct responsibility and funding of the Police Race Action Plan, according to a new report by the Independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board (ISOB).
In its latest annual feedback report, the ISOB highlights limited progress on delivering the plan four years after it was jointly announced by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the College of Policing.
The ISOB is calling on the Government to take on responsibility for the Police Race Action Plan and accelerate action to create a fairer policing system for black communities.
The report outlines ongoing challenges in the Race Action Programme, including a lack of resources, limited performance metrics, and inconsistent engagement with individuals outside of policing. Central government responsibility will unlock vital funding that will ensure measurable progress in improving policing for black communities.
Abimbola Johnson, chair of the ISOB, said: “We recognise the dedication of those working directly and indirectly on the Police Race Action Plan, which is shown on a daily basis. We have seen improvements particularly at the beginning of this year. This is despite ongoing budget challenges, limited accountability for the programme’s success, and continued refusal by policing as a whole to acknowledge institutional racism.
“We want the Government to take responsibility for the Plan to ensure sustainable funding, proper accountability, and to develop a comprehensive long-term strategy making policing better for black communities.
“A forward-thinking roadmap, developed in partnership with policymakers and anti-racism experts, will improve the consistently low levels of trust we see in black people in policing.
“Delivering on the overall aims that inspired the creation of the plan and achieving an adequately funded strategy will provide the action needed to create change.”
The report comes as the programme responsible for implementing and embedding the Police Race Action Plan enters its final year as a standalone initiative.
In response to this time constraint, the report recommends that the central programme focuses on:
- Introducing tangible and measurable performance metrics that are linked to the Police Race Action Plan’s Outcomes Framework to ensure forces continue their journey to becoming anti-racist beyond the end of the programme;
- Identifying clear areas of focus to ensure a laser focus on outcomes rather than outputs; and
- Increasing engagement with external stakeholders, particularly with black people under 25, to more effectively demonstrate how this engagement has informed the plan.
Ms Johnson adds: “The central Police Race Action Plan programme is in its crucial transition year.
“The programme needs a focused approach that will embed change into the very structure of policing.
“To ensure a strong legacy that will drive change in individual forces, tangible and measurable performance metrics must be established, clear focus areas must be identified, and meaningful engagement with stakeholders outside of policing must be increased.
“The Police Race Action Plan still has the potential to create change; this year is make or break.