The news follows on from the recent publication of a report into leadership and training by Peter Neyroud, former chief executive of the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA).
Speaking about the new consultation, Nick Herbert said: “In challenging times we need strong and focused leadership at every level in the police to ensure all the service makes the best use of all its resources.”
The minister continued: “We also need high quality training to ensure the service has the skills needed to fight crime. The Government is clear that the service should have the lead role in this, in line with our wider approach to public services and policing.”
Herbert added that he’s grateful to Neyroud for producing his report, and would like both members of the public and the police service to offer the coalition their views on his recommendations. “
“I will give those views careful consideration before final decisions are made,” explained the minister.
Response from the ACPO president
The key recommendation of Neyroud’s report is to introduce a body responsible for leadership and training.
The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) would take on a role within this new organisation, which is set to operate under Royal Charter status.
Responding to the Neyroud report, ACPO president Sir Hugh Orde commented: “We’re incredibly proud of the critical service our officers and staff deliver in communities, within a British model of policing held in high regard for its professionalism around the world. This review offers an opportunity to better recognise our officers and staff for the incredible range of skills they have. If achieved, then raising the status of policing to that of a profession, supported by a Royal Chartered Institute, will represent a step change for the service.”
ACPO’s leader added: “Publication of this review marks a key moment in the debate chief officers have been having over a long period about how to secure the necessary reform to ACPO that we seek. We note the review places ACPO as the ‘head and heart’ of a professional body. As leaders of the service we recognise such a body must be open to all who deliver policing, and its inspiration shared across all ranks and grades. The consultation which now follows is an important opportunity for all, including ACPO, to contribute.”
Have your say on the matter
The public consultation period will now run for 12 weeks. You can read the consultation on the publications section of the Home Office website (a dedicated link is provided on the right hand panel of this page)
Consultation questions include:
Police pay recommendations deemed ‘fair’ by Government
Principles set out in the Winsor Review on police pay and working conditions will now progress to next stage of consideration.
Recommendations made by Tom Winsor are being considered by the Police Negotiating Board and Police Advisory Board for England and Wales.
The Home Secretary has asked for a response on the wide-ranging review of police pay and conditions by the end of July.
Theresa May said: “We have the best police service in the world and I am clear that police officers should be rewarded fairly and reasonably for what they do. That is why I asked Tom Winsor to undertake one of the most comprehensive reviews of police pay and conditions for more than 30 years.”
The Home Secretary has considered Winsor’s report and believes that the principles he sets out provide the right framework for fair and sustainable arrangements for remuneration and conditions of service.
“As a result of these considerations, I will direct the Police Negotiating Board and Police Advisory Board for England and Wales to consider Tom Winsor’s recommendations as a matter of urgency and report back to me by the end of July.”
The Home Secretary stressed: “I’m determined that we do all that we can to protect jobs. We struck a tough but fair settlement for the police in the spending review, but with a record budget deficit we face extraordinary circumstances.”
Given that 80% of the police budget is spent on staff, the coalition Government’s view is that changes to pay and conditions have to be part of efforts to protect police jobs, keep officers on the streets and cut crime.
Next steps in the process
In line with all decisions on changes to police pay and conditions, the Police Negotiating Board (PNB) has to discuss recommendations fully before they can be introduced.
The PNB is made up of representatives from the Home Office, the Association of Police Authorities, the Association of Chief Police Officers and officer staff associations.
To read the Home Secretary’s statement in full access the web link on the right hand panel of this page
