Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 21
21
Acknowledged
We asked the Department how it was confident that these changes in approach, particularly the...
Conclusion
We asked the Department how it was confident that these changes in approach, particularly the online assessment process, were ensuring police forces were recruiting the right people and avoiding the recurrence of historic issues. The Department told us that the majority of forces hold virtual interviews as part of the online assessment process, and that this process was superior to the previous approach. It told us it was confident that the new process had maintained standards in recruitment, while ensuring that these standards were consistently applied.32
Government Response Summary
The government states forces are responsible for ensuring new recruits meet required standards, and the College of Policing continually monitors and evaluates the online assessment process. They continue to work with forces to improve the process and have commissioned research to evaluate the impact of the new recruitment process on the diversity of police forces.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Home Office works closely with forces to ensure that recruitment processes are fair, transparent and inclusive. As of June 2022, data shows the highest proportion of female officers and officers from ethnic minority backgrounds since records began. The Government believes that forces are best placed to determine the skills and experience required for police officers in their area. Forces are responsible for ensuring that all new recruits meet the required standards and are fit for the job. The College of Policing sets the standards for police recruitment and training, including the online assessment process. The College of Policing continually monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of the online assessment process to ensure that it is fit for purpose and maintains standards in recruitment. They continue to work with forces to improve the process and ensure that it is fair, transparent and inclusive. They have also commissioned research to evaluate the impact of the new recruitment process on the diversity of police forces.