Remove barriers to reporting sexual offences by colleagues

We have reviewed the findings and recommendations in detail and accept them all. We have a number of ongoing national improvement plans and we are assessing how these will be updated and added to in light of the Inquiry findings.

However, the report today highlights the need for further action and the government, in tandem with policing partners, will thoroughly consider the recommendations made by Lady Elish and respond in full in due course.

Work continues nationally to strengthen reporting, investigation and victim support mechanisms, ensuring that complaints are managed appropriately and that complainants receive the necessary support throughout the process.

Work is being carried out by the NPCC Culture Portfolio to understand and address the cultural barriers that can prevent staff from reporting harassment, sexual offences and inappropriate behaviour committed by colleagues. A National Culture Guide is being developed, with support from representatives from academia.

Forces are interpreting this sub recommendation more broadly than dedicated reporting processes and are increasingly adopting broader models that combine a range of mechanisms.

1.45 Summary of progress: Progress on this recommendation has not been made as planned, with feedback from forces showing disagreements in how and when implementation of this recommendation will take place, and what form it will take at a force level. Despite this, the Inquiry was told that efforts to address this nationally will be made through the introduction of a National Police Chiefs’ Council Assurance Lead to manage and evaluate progress. The College of Policing and National Police Chiefs’ Council’s joint Culture and Inclusion Strategy 2025–2030 sets out a national plan to embed diversity and inclusion, strengthen leadership accountability and empower officers to challenge poor behaviour.