The Morris Inquiry – implementation of recommendations

Report: 4
Date: 6 July 2006
By: Chief Executive and Clerk

Summary

This report gives Members a brief overview of the progress made by MPS and MPA in implementing the recommendations of the Morris Inquiry. It shows that substantial progress has been made. A formal process for “sign off” of recommendations is being developed, and submissions will start to flow through to this committee later this year and into 2007.

A. Recommendations

1. That Members note the progress made in the implementation of the Morris Inquiry recommendations;
2. That Members identify any areas of particular interest or concern for further reports.
3. That Members decide whether to hold a stakeholder event in early 2007 to engage with stakeholders in assessing progress made towards a changed MPS.

B. Supporting information

1. Following the publication of the Morris Inquiry Report, the Authority approved a framework for the implementation of its recommendations, along with recommendations from the CRE, Taylor and Ghaffur Reports. The framework was outcome oriented, and designed to secure a comprehensive and cohesive approach to all of the reports, in view of their commonalities.

2. The Authority agreed that MPA Committees should take the lead in driving implementation, co-ordinated by the Morris Steering Group. In early 2006 the Steering Group concluded that future reports on progress should come to this committee.

3. The stocktaking of progress shown in the Appendix to this Report has been compiled in consultation with MPS colleagues in the Citizen Focus and Diversity Directorate (who co-ordinate the MPS wide implementation programme) and with MPA Policy Officers. It draws on reports presented to MPA committees and briefings previously circulated to Members.

4. For ease of comprehension, the stocktaking uses a traffic light classification. This is intended to be indicative, rather than scientific or measured;

• Green means that substantial progress has been made towards the changes recommended.
• Amber means that that the overall direction of travel is in accordance with Morris and that the change programme is under way, but that further time is needed for change to tested or to embed.
• Red means no significant progress (there is only one red item, and that concerns an issue where neither MPA nor MPS can drive it.)

5. The stocktaking shows that substantial progress has been made in implementing the changes – in organisation, policy, process and practice – recommended by Morris. The acid test of course is whether the organisation really becomes different, and in particular whether MPS officers and police staff perceive it to be different.

6. It will take time to see that but, at this stage, the overall direction of travel appears to be good. Much important work is in progress – the Met Modernisation Programme, the Together Programme, and the reformed and remodelled Professional Standards Directorate are all particularly vital ingredients of a successful mix, and all of these will need another year or more to come to fruition.

7. Members are invited to consider holding a Stakeholder event in early 2007, 2 years on from the Report, to be able to engage with key internal and external stakeholders to get their view on the changes actually achieved.

8. A process for gaining formal sign off for Morris Recommendations (and CRE, Taylor and Ghaffur) is being developed between MPS and MPA, designed to secure properly validated sign off internally in MPS and by MPA Members. Proposals for sign off of completed recommendations will start to flow through for approval later in 2006.

C. Race and equality impact

The Morris recommendations, if implemented effectively and with sustained commitment, will address fairness, equality and disproportionality, both in relation to the Met’s own people and in relation to the wider communities of London.

D. Financial implications

There are no direct financial implications of this report. Any financial issues arising from implementation have been reported to MPA committees and/or addressed in financial plans and budgets.

E. Background papers

None

F. Contact details

Report author: David Riaddle, MPA

For more information contact:

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

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