Revised Code of Ethics will help restore public confidence, says Fed chair

13 February 2024

Dyfed Powys Police Federation chair Gareth Jones says members will need training to fully understand the changes in the new Code of Ethics and how it will be implemented.

The College of Policing has launched a revised Code of Ethics, which outlines the professional behaviours the public can expect from police officers, staff and volunteers.

The Code, which replaces the 2014 version, 'supports everyone in policing to deliver a service that is fair, ethical and can be trusted to make decisions in the interest of keeping people safe’, the College said.

Gareth welcomed the introduction of the revised Code and said it was ‘a positive step’ in rebuilding confidence in policing.

But he said officers needed training to understand the changes to the revised Code of Ethics and how it fits in with other guidance and regulations.

He said: “It’s been 10 years since the last version of the Code of Ethics. Society and policing have changed a lot in that time, so it is timely that we have a new Code.

“It sets out how we’ll work together in policing and with the public to keep people safe, and I hope it’s another big, positive step in rebuilding the public’s trust in policing.

“But for it to have its intended impact, our members need to have the training to understand what’s changed and how the revised edition fits with Police Regulations and other guidance on ethical policing.

“Training will also help to bring a standardised approach to the roll-out of the Code and, to that end, it needs to be added to the training that our new recruits are required to undergo when they join the service.”

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) has been working closely with the College of Policing on the new Code, and has broadly welcomed it.

However, PFEW said it was disappointing that significant concerns it raised about how the revised Code of Ethics should fit within the existing regulatory framework remain.

PFEW said there was a mismatch between what is cited within the Home Office Guidance [Conduct, Efficiency and Effectiveness, and Police Officer Misconduct, Unsatisfactory Performance and Attendance Management Procedures], the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020, and the new Code of Ethics.

PFEW said that the previous Code was integral to police officers’ decision-making process. Home Office Guidance stated ‘the Code of Ethics provides general guidance on how behaviour that does not uphold policing principles or meet expected standards should be handled’ but there is no guidance on handling such behaviour within the revised Code of Ethics.

Gemma Fox, PFEW deputy national secretary, said: “We fully welcome the ethos and focus on cultivating a culture of learning, development and honest reflection.

“A crucial element of this involves the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020, with the introduction of the Performance Requires Improvement process, where officers can take part in Reflective Practice with their line manager if their actions do not amount to misconduct or gross misconduct.

"This gives police officers the opportunity to embed learning and ensure performance is improved as quickly as possible, signifying a step towards putting blame culture in the past.

“However, the statutory definition of Practice Requiring Improvement includes consideration of the Code of Ethics to inform any assessment or judgement of conduct.

“These are just two examples, but it demonstrates not only the paramount importance for the new Code of Ethics to be embedded into the Home Office Guidance and the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020 to mirror one another, but also highlights how the Code of Ethics underpins a vital section of the Conduct Regulations – therefore merely removing mention of the Code of Ethics as a quick fix is not a feasible solution.

“I would strongly urge the Home Office to change and revise the guidance on police officer conduct and Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020 in accordance with the revised Code of Ethics.”

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