Best value review of retention

Report: 08
Date: 3 October 2002
By: Clerk

Summary

This report updates members on progress towards a best value review of retention.

A. Recommendation

That Members note progress and request that the project initiation document for the review be submitted to Co-ordination and Policing Committee as soon as possible.

B. Supporting information

Background

1. On 25 July 2002, HR Committee decided that the planned best value review of managing people should focus on improving retention. This decision was based on the need to minimise the number of police and civil staff leaving the MPS prematurely and so promoting the MPS as an exemplary employer. Members also confirmed Jennette Arnold as the lead member for the review and Rachel Whittaker as the lead member on the independent challenge panel.

2. It was agreed subsequently that a project initiation document (PID) setting out the overall arrangements and plan for the review should be submitted to members for approval at this meeting (following agreement by the MPS project board for the review chaired by Martin Tiplady).

Progress

3. A draft PID was submitted to members of the project board. However, it was agreed with the chair of the project board that a number of key issues needed to be clarified before project board members met to provide final feedback and endorse the document for MPA approval. These issues relate to:

• clarifying the scope of the review (especially with respect to MPS business processes to be excluded from detailed consideration);
• assessing the implications on other ongoing or planned work related to retention (in particular work in connection with the retention strategy);
• providing a more detailed project plan (and linking delivery of key products to planned meetings of HR Committee);
• specifying the budget and staff resources for the review in general and appointing a project manager / team leader in particular;
• clarifying the areas in which improvements are likely to be delivered (in terms of management, performance and/or financial information).

4. There was MPA/MPS agreement that the first meeting of the project board should be rearranged as soon as possible whilst giving time for the above issues to be resolved. It is intended to provide members with an oral update on the date of the project board.

5. Following consideration by the project board there will be a need for MPA members to consider and approve the PID for the review. The document could be presented to HR Committee at its next meeting on 5 December 2002. However, it is considered that the PID should be presented as soon as possible to Co-ordination and Policing Committee so as to minimise the delay in formal consideration and approval. The PID would also be sent to members of HR Committee and any feedback taken to COP Committee.

C. Equality and diversity implications

The scope of the review will include an assessment of retention across a wide range of criteria. The review will be a major element in delivering MPA/MPS commitments to retention and diversity as set out in ‘Towards the Safest City’ (the joint framework for developing the medium-term strategy for the MPS).

D. Financial implications

The MPS has made financial provision for a best value review but the cost is an issue on which clarification is sought. The estimated cost will be reported to HR Committee in due course and monitored over the life of the project.

E. Background papers

• None

F. Contact details

Report author: Derrick Norton, MPA.

For more information contact:

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

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