Information

1 Welcome and introductions.

Attendees:
PFCC Danielle Stone (DS)
DPFCC Marianne Kimani (MK)
Jonny Bugg (JB)
Paul Fell (PF)
Vaughan Ashcroft (VA)
Vicki Martin (VM)
CC Ivan Balhatchet (IB)
DCC Ash Tuckley (AT)
Temp ACC Adam Ward (AW)
Nick Alexander (NA)
Sam Ashby Clarke (SAC)
Stuart McCartney (SMc)

Apologies

ACO Paul Bullen

DS welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2 Minutes and decisions of previous meeting

Actions – An update on actions was provided. The OPFCC Performance Director requested an update relating to the demand model work. The Chief Constable provided an update and suggested a further report to be delivered at a future meeting. The Commissioner sought clarity regarding demographic data in relation to victim support. The Chief Constable agreed to investigate the matter. The Commissioner also agreed that the OPFCC would examine the matter of disaggregating VAWG crime data.

ACTION – IB to ensure that a timeline is provided to the PFCC relating to key deliverables and milestones for the Force demand work

PART 1

Public Confidence in Policing

Temp ACC Ward briefed the meeting on both the performance of the force and the work being undertaken. He noted the Force were the first in the region to provide feedback to officers and staff which is also used for learning and development. The Commissioner sought further information relating to the issue of the shift systema and the impact it has on providing feedback. The Chief Constable noted the shift system was being looked at and explained the weaknesses within the current arrangement. The Commissioner asked if automated processes could be utilised. Temp ACC Ward explained the Force had tried such an approach and noted the weaknesses in the system used. Work was ongoing to look at alternative systems, but other forces have received negative feedback as people prefer in person contact with the police. He also explained that the Force’s website will host landing pages to direct people in relation to specific crimes. The first related to violence and provides key information to people. He agreed to share the link with the Commissioner. Temp ACC Ward then briefed the meeting on the Officer Attendance Survey and noted the force had a score of 4.2 out of five and was receiving good feedback and improving the provision of contact details was being worked on. The Commissioner explained that if the Force engage people will feel welcome.

ACTION – ACC Ward to provide link to PFCC that victims can use to access crime specific advice on the Force website.

Temp ACC Ward then updated the meeting on confidence data. The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) data highlight the figures for the force had improved and it was a positive outlier nationally. The OPFCC Performance Director noted the differences in the local and CSEW figures. In response, Temp ACC Ward explained that it was important to work with partners and explain to people what matters the force are responsible for. The OPFCC Performance Director noted the local figures were moving in a positive direction. Temp ACC Ward explained that it was hard to compile comparative data but whilst other forces were experiencing a downturn, the situation in the county was positive. However, it reiterated the need to explain how the force works in partnership to deal with local issues with residents, but the long-term trend was positive. The OPFCC Performance Director noted two challenges – understanding local crimes and delivering an excellent level of services. Temp ACC Ward explained these were being worked on including measuring data and demographics. The Chief Constable added the challenge of an underperforming justice system as a lot of people were being let down by the courts, in terms of matters such as court waiting times.

ACC Ward assured the Commissioner that he had a high level of confidence that the local data in relation to trust and confidence in their local police would continue to rise and would go above 50% over the next 12 months

PART 2

Angiolini Inquiry

DCC Tuckley briefed the meeting on the report and the progress being made by the force. He explained the recommendations for the force have been implemented and noted that they cut across many areas of the organisation. The Chief Constable noted the force had established a Women’s Network which will support the work being delivered.

The Commissioner asked about suspensions and the impact of vetting on the Force. The DCC responded and noted the feedback the force had received from officers and the importance of transparency within the process. The Commissioner enquired about the data relating to officers facing disciplinary action. The Chief Constable noted there was no clear trend, but dismissals were historically high. The Commissioner noted the importance of this issue is monitored as new recruits enter the organisation. The OPFCC Prevention Director noted the positive progress and sought clarification on next steps. The DCC responded and explained the importance of capturing more information. The Commissioner felt a mapping exercise would capture what all three organisations are developing. She felt it would be useful to have one page overview of what is currently being delivered. The DPFCC agreed and the OPFCC Prevention Director was tasked with delivering it. The DPFCC noted the lack of detail relating to online harm within the policy. The Chief Constable agreed to look into this matter and how it is dealt with. The OPFCC Director for Performance noted the benefits of home visits and psychometric testing of candidates. He felt that such an approach should be introduced then examine against what the national guidance suggests. The DCC agreed and the Chief Constable provided some further background on the recommendation and explained that any changes must add value to the organisation.

ACTION – VM to undertake some analysis to produce a graphical representation of the activity being undertaken to better protect women and girls in the county.

Assurance Statement
The Commissioner agreed that the Force response to this report and recommendations provided a solid start, with some positive action being taken in relation to the required actions and recommendations.
There we some recommendations mainly that were awaiting action from national bodies. There were some discussions in relation to this and the Commissioner stressed the importance and her desire for the Force to consider these and where there was national action or guidance required and was yet forthcoming that the Force exp[lore pro-actively if they were able to undertake some action in relation to these areas and then revise their approach in the light of any emerging national guidance or practice.

 

Treasury Management Strategy

The Chief Finance Officer introduced the strategy and explained the net borrowing requirement and the reason it was higher was due to investment into the Force’s estate. The OPFCC CFO reminded colleagues that the organisation was not tied to any PFI contracts. The Chief Finance Officer explained that the financial strategy being implemented would be prudent and avoid unnecessary or high-risk activities and would be kept under constant review. The DCC sought clarification relating to the potential for borrowing between Police and Fire. The Chief Finance Officer explained the advantages of such arrangements and where it would be appropriate to utilise. The Commissioner asked if the Government would provide any capital support in relation to the investment into the Estate. The Chief Finance Officer suggested this would be challenging given such support was for transformational outcomes and how that would be defined.

It was agreed that the PFCC would adopt the Treasury Management Strategy for 2026/27.

Assurance Statement
The Commissioner received and welcomed the report on treasury management for the Force. She considered that this was a positive paper and endorsed the overall approach. The Commissioner agreed the presented strategy and risk appetite contained within it.

3 AOB

No further business was raised.