Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 20
20
Deferred
The NAO report highlighted a number of changes to police recruitment that the Programme has...
Conclusion
The NAO report highlighted a number of changes to police recruitment that the Programme has facilitated. These include a more standardised approach to recruitment 25 Committee of Public Accounts, The National Law Enforcement Data Programme, Twenty-Ninth Report of Session 2021–22, 8 December 2021 26 C&AG’s report, paras 7, 15 27 Q 18 28 Q 18; C&AG’s report para 2.8 29 Q 70 The Police Uplift Programme 13 applications and assessment, greater engagement between the Department, national and local policing, and increasing commonality in workforce data.30 Introducing these changes has brought about improvements to the way police recruitment works in England and Wales. For example, the more standardised approach to applications enables the Department and national policing bodies to draw upon more consistent data about the volume and characteristics of applications nationally; The Department also told us that the use of a standardised online assessment process had helped the Department to “ensure the professionalisation of assessors, consistency of assessors and consistency of the process”. Further, the availability of more consistent data allows the Department and national policing bodies to identify and address issues in police recruitment and workforce planning at a national level.31
Government Response Summary
The Home Secretary has asked the National Police Chiefs’ Council to lead a review of operational productivity in policing, reporting within 12 months with interim findings in spring 2023.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The government recognises the importance of standardisation across policing to achieve better value for money while respecting operational autonomy. The Home Secretary has asked the National Police Chiefs’ Council to lead a review of operational productivity in policing. This review will improve the department’s understanding of effectiveness and productivity in policing, identifying the barriers and the most efficient operating models. The review will also look at the scope for using new technology or streamlining processes and removing bureaucracy to drive efficiency and better outcomes. The review will be led by Sir Stephen House, supported by an advisory board including Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), the chief executive of the College of Policing and Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC). Terms of reference will be published in due course, following agreement by the advisory board and Home Office. It is expected to report within 12 months and with interim findings in spring 2023.