MPS Language Programme

Report: 17
Date: 18 June 2009
By: Director of Human Resources on behalf of the Commissioner

Summary

It is anticipated that the population of London will have grown by 750,000 people to a figure of 8.1m by 2016. This continuous growth in population along with the growth of distinct communities in London and the requirement for an ever-increasing number of languages has produced pressure on operational policing effectiveness. Current Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) systems for linguistic support need to be overhauled in order that the service can keep pace with change and maintain a good quality of service. This report asks for financial support for the MPS Language Programme in order that it can put in place an integrated solution which will not only improve levels of service but in doing so will pre-empt the need for £17.5m of costs over a period of 4 years.

A. Recommendations

The Committee notes the decision of the MPS Investment Board and agrees to the provision of £5.6m capital investment to support the above programme.

B. Supporting information

1. London now has over 300 languages spoken within the capital with at least 50 distinct communities of over 10,000 people. Provision of languages for the MPS is effected mainly by using 413 individual contractors covering around 100 different languages on the MPS own call out list and by accessing in times of demand, the National Register of Public Service Interpreters.

2. Research conducted since 2005 has shown that even with these resources, there is a gap in service provision with considerable delays experienced and in some cases, significant risk as a direct result. In short, the system of language provision in the MPS is no longer fit for purpose.

3. Cost is a factor with increased demand causing a 45% rise in costs over the past 4 years. Total spend in 2008/09 was £12.5m and if no changes are made to the current system by the time the 2012 Olympics arrive, the MPS is likely to be spending c.£17.5m per annum.

4. The MPS Language Programme intends to introduce changes to its linguistic support service. These are aimed at improving efficiency and will make use of technology to support the system.

5. Demand will be properly monitored on a 24/7 basis and resources allocated to each task according to its complexity. The MPS will make better use of its own resources giving staff with linguistic skill appropriate tasks to perform. Software will be used to schedule resources thereby enabling the MPS to understand what resources are actually available.

6. Specifically the MPS Language Programme wishes to introduce the following measures:

• The introduction of a management service centre using IT to manage demand and assets.
•  The installation of a video conferencing platform to ensure greater access to linguists.
•  The development of initial contact software to assist in language identification.
•  The creation of language skills training programme to enhance skills of our own staff and to accredit those skills.
•  The direct employment of interpreters by the Criminal Justice Board with access to the video conferencing platform to ensure the most effective use of interpreter’s time.

7. In order to achieve this vision and avoid £17.5m in costs, a capital investment of £5.6m is required. Not all of the above measures will require capital investment as some costs can be met within budgeted revenue spending.

8. The benefits of this programme are as follows:

• The reduction in interpreters travelling time through the introduction of video conferencing and interpreter hubs.
•  The reduction in interpreters waiting time through the introduction of scheduling via the management service centre and video conferencing platform.
•  The development of closer community ties through the use of the language skills training programme.
•  Enhanced service delivery and greater operational efficiency.
•  Reduction of both reputational and operational risk.
•  Improvement of quality of service, particularly to witnesses and victims of crime.

C. Race and equality impact

1. This programme is entirely in line with the Metropolitan Police Authority’s policy on equality and diversity, as it will enable the MPS to communicate directly with the citizens of London in their own language. The programme will also develop MPS staff with linguistic training.

2. External suppliers providing services to the programme will be required to comply with MPS contractual terms that will contain necessary safeguards to take account any equality and diversity implications.

D. Financial implications

1. The provision of language services has increased significantly in recent years and expectations are that these demands will increase, as set out below.

2. Historically overspends on this service have been contained within existing devolved budgets. Approval is now being sought to implement a computerised system and related processes to enable delivery of these services broadly within current funding provision. Capital and revenue costs required for this programme are detailed as follows:

3. The small growth required in 2012/13 will be contained within the overall resources available to the service. The investment is therefore expected to enable the Service to avoid the following growth within the budget

4. The £5.6m capital budget is included within the approved 2009/10 capital programme and is being funded from a revenue contribution from the Investment Fund provision. The current MPS budget for interpreters services in 2009/10 is £11.6m which consist of the following:

E. Legal implications

Given the size of the expenditure, the MPS will be required to comply with UK & EU procurement regulations and invite tenders through OJEU.

F. Background papers

MPS Language Programme

G. Contact details

Report author: Michael Brooker / John Carey, MPS

For more information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

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