Federation welcomes admission of College of Policing failings

15 February 2022

Derbyshire Police Federation has welcomed the publication of a review into the College of Policing which acknowledges failings and sets out a plan for improvement.

The college, under its new leadership team of the former policing minister Nick Herbert and retired chief constable Andy Marsh, as chair and chief executive officer respectively, launched an internal review last year to better understand how it is perceived within policing.

The key points of the findings were:

• There is universal agreement about the need for a strong college that plays a central role in the policing landscape
• However, the college has not lived up to its potential or fully delivered on the expectations that officers, staff and the public have of policing’s professional body
• Many on the frontline are not fully aware of what the college does
• It is seen as remote and as serving only policing leaders and academics.

Derbyshire Federation chair Tony Wetton said: “There’s no question that the report will make uncomfortable reading for the college leadership, but I commend them on their willingness to take a hard look at who they are and what they are delivering.

“Policing is full-on and high pressured. Our officers need to be supported with the right training and guidance – so we need the college to deliver. The review is a big step forward, and I will now expect to changes starting to happen.”

The review identified three key strategic priorities for the college.

These are boosting professionalism by equipping officers and staff with the skills they need and access to CPD; creating a culture of inclusive, data-driven leadership, and driving consistency across the 43 forces.

The college has promised to boost its What Works Centre to provide better access to data, and to provide a new app that will put “relevant good practice, guidance and tactics” into the hands of officers.

Mr Herbert, writing in a foreword to the review, said: “The college itself has, to be candid, had an uncertain start, doing good work but failing to fulfil its potential. I want to ensure the college is highly valued by every section of the service, from the newest recruit or member of police staff to the most experienced chief officer.”

Read the full report.