Recommendation 13

HM Government Deferred

We are looking to develop reforms to the workforce as part of the forthcoming Police Reform White Paper. This will include activity designed to support the retention of police officers and to support them through their careers. This Government recognises the importance of recruiting the right candidates into policing and retaining skilled and experienced officers. The retention of police officers is a priority for the Home Office and the National Police Chiefs’ Council. Voluntary resignation rates in England and Wales, at 3.4%, are low compared to other sectors. The latest Home Office survey of new recruits carried out in 2023 (receiving a total of 3,556 responses) found that 85% of respondents were satisfied with their job, 72% intend to stay in their role until retirement age. Experienced officers are incredibly valuable, which is why forces should be using effective, evidence-based strategies to manage retention and progression of existing officers in addition to focussing on high quality recruitment processes to recruit new officers. Decisions about police recruitment, including how recruitment and selection processes are run, are a matter for Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners and are therefore managed locally by forces. This is done within a national application, assessment and selection framework, in line with national guidance maintained by the College. The College of Policing also provides a learning platform for all forces that contains learning, insights and guidance themed around Attraction, Recruitment, Onboarding and Retention. Forces should be accessing this learning to support recruitment and retention activity. A specific focus on retention is also being delivered through the NPCC National Leavers Framework (NLF).