Police leadership review ‘must deliver stability but cannot be rushed’, says branch chair

7 July 2026

Northamptonshire Police Federation chair Sam Dobbs has welcomed the publication of the Police Leadership Commission's report but has warned against rushed reforms in response to increasing scrutiny of the service.

Sam said that the report - which calls for significant changes to the way police leaders are recruited, developed and supported - comes at a time when policing faces growing pressure and uncertainty about its future direction.

He said the review was both warranted and overdue, particularly given the challenges many forces have experienced with leadership stability.

"The senior leadership in this Force has been in a state of flux for far too long," said Sam, reflecting on recent changes within Northamptonshire Police.

Branch chair Sam Dobbs

Highlighting the significance of the Force now having a fully substantive chief officer team, he added: "I was recently reflecting with our Chief Constable when our new Assistant Chief Constable joined. It was the first time in a very long time that we have had a top team made up entirely of substantive officers, rather than people temporarily acting up or filling roles on an interim basis."

He said stable leadership was essential to building confidence throughout the organisation and providing officers with clear direction.

"Leadership needs to be consistent, values-driven and delivered with a good dose of humility," he continued. "From a Federation chair's point of view, we rely on good relationships with our senior leaders, even if there are times when we disagree."

Senior leaders

Sam said constructive engagement between chief officers and staff associations was crucial in ensuring the voices of frontline officers are heard and represented.

Welcoming the publication of the Commission's findings, he said the report should be carefully examined as policing continues to face an uncertain future.

"I think this report was warranted, needed and will require a great deal of scrutiny, especially in the uncertain times ahead and whatever policing model is ultimately imposed on us," he said.

Although Sam also cautioned against introducing change for the sake of change, stressing the importance of taking a measured approach to reform.

Spotlight

He added: "It feels as though every aspect of policing is currently under the spotlight. Scrutiny is important, but we need to make sure we're not dazzled by the headlights and don't respond with knee-jerk change. Any reforms must be well thought out and focused on what will genuinely improve policing."

The Police Leadership Commission's report is the result of months of evidence gathering from across policing, including submissions from the Federation and thousands of officers serving in forces across England and Wales (PFEW).

PFEW has described the report as a potential watershed moment for the service, with calls for greater investment in leadership development, improved support for supervisors and measures to retain experienced officers.

Sam said the challenge now will be ensuring any reforms are carefully considered and implemented in a way that strengthens leadership and supports officers at every level of policing.

You can read the full report here.