Policing White Paper: concerns over licence to practise

28 January 2026

North Yorkshire Police Federation has raised its concerns over proposals to require officers to hold a licence to be able to continue working.

Under plans unveiled by the Home Office, officers will have to hold and renew a licence throughout their career.

Failure to do so will risk them being removed from policing.

The Government said the requirement was to ensure officers developed new skills as criminal techniques evolve.

North Yorkshire Police Federation chair Rob Bowles has questioned how a licence to practise would sit against the ‘existing requirements on officers to prove their fitness, competency, and values’.

Use of force

Officers already undertake public and personal safety training (PPST) to demonstrate they are safe and lawful in the use of force.

Rob said: “Officers are subject to a performance and development review (PDR) process that ensures compliance with the Competency and Values Framework and the Code of Ethics.

“Officers with specialist roles have to pass demanding examinations and assessments, such as the National Investigators’ Examination and associated portfolios.

“All officers are required to complete continuous professional development and regular training days.

We fully support plans to strengthen policing, officers are already routinely proving and re-proving their competence to practise.

“Without the support, pay and time being available, would additional requirements be another bureaucratic burden on already stretched officers?”

 

 

Secretary Tony Barnes raised more fundamental concerns about what a licence to practise could mean for the nature of policing in England and Wales.

“What is a warrant card if not my licence to practise?” Tony said.

“Policing is built on the Office of Constable, does introducing a licence make that a thing of the past?

“Is the Government moving to a more American-style police service, where we are employees rather than office holders?

“If this is the case, it would strengthen the argument for full trade union status for the Federation rather than being a staff association.

“And what would be the outcome of failing your licence, dismissal?

Skill set

Tony also questioned whether licences would change for each role, given the very different skill sets required across policing.

“Are these licences going to vary, dependent on the role of the officer and who is going to pay for them?”

The proposals are set out in the new Home Office Policing White Paper, From local to national: a new model for policing.

Rob reassured members that the Federation would be providing ‘a clear and constructive voice’ on the White Paper, as consultations roll out.

“Reform is needed, but it must give our members the time, resources, and support to police effectively,” he said.

“And it must go hand in hand with fair pay and conditions, and long-term sustained investment in equipment, estates, and training.”

Tony added that proposals to merge forces also needed careful consideration.

“Structural change without fair pay and investment in officers and staff will not be enough,” he ended.

Read our key takeaways from the White Paper.