HMIC inspection training matters – progress on recommendations

Report: 10
Date: 3 April 2003
By: Commissioner

Summary

This report provides the regular six-monthly update to the Human Resources Committee on recommendations contained in Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC) inspection report ‘Training Matters’.

A. Recommendations

That the contents of this report be noted.

B. Supporting information

Background

1. The report to this committee on 7 October 2002 noted that ‘Training Matters’ contains 59 recommendations. The vast majority of the recommendations identify leads (ACPO, Home Office, APA and Centrex) outside of individual constabularies and only 11 of the recommendations are noted for direct action by all forces. The final recommendation is that a complete review of probationer training is undertaken since HMIC considers the present arrangements no longer fit for purpose.

2. That report provided a summary of the actions being taken by the MPS to comply with the recommendations. An update of this is provided at Appendix 1 with changes shown in italics. The 7 October report also provided a summary of the actions being taken nationally to act on the final recommendation, that a complete review of probationer training is undertaken. An update on the status of this project is at Appendix 2.

C. Equality and diversity implications

. One of the aims of the proposals for probationer training is to increase the appeal of a police career to a wider cross section of the community than at present. A reduction in the residential element would assist those with caring responsibilities while recognition of prior learning would benefit older, experienced candidates. All would benefit from the proposed diversity of licensed pathways for the preliminary stage of training since there would be the potential for candidates to chose the method, location and pace of study best suited to their individual needs and complete this phase of study within their own community.

D. Financial implications

There are no immediate financial implications associated with the Training Matters report. However, the Home Office has recognised that some recommendations may result in additional costs to forces and has indicated a preparedness to meet these. These contents have not been quantified, but additional commitments above existing budgetary provision will not be entered into until further information is available to the committee.

E. Background papers

HMIC Report Training Matters

F. Contact details

Report author: Commander Shabir Hussain, Director of Training and Development , MPS

For more information contact:

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

Appendix 2

Probationer training modernisation project

1. The Police Training and Development Board (PTDB) has charged the Probationer Training Programme Steering Committee (PTPSC) with modernising the Probationer Training Programme (PTP). This has been driven in the first instance by the need to respond to the HMIC report “Training Matters”. There is also strong Ministerial interest in changing the way in which probationer training is delivered. The PTPSC has agreed that the police service should implement additional changes now alongside the HMIC recommendations in order to bring further and sustained benefits to the PTP. The PTPSC, with the approval of the Minister John Denham, has established a project team to undertake this work. The project team is led by Chief Supt Mick Matthews of Kent and includes an MPS member.

2. The aim of modernising the PTP is to ensure that probationers are competent to deliver their operational responsibilities in the 21st century, helping to reduce crime and the fear of crime and enhancing public confidence. The modernised PTP will set out the “footprint” for a professional police service, including appropriate accreditation and an integrated qualifications framework.

Scope

3. The chief aims of the project are to improve the quality of the PTP and its impact on police performance. It will focus on modernising the content (curriculum) and delivery methods of the PTP, taking account of emerging themes, especially from the learning requirement review. It will also take account of and build on other work in hand through the PTPSC to improve the current probationer training programme. It will review relevant good practice elsewhere, including Scotland and Northern Ireland, and map those experiences into possible future options for the PTP. In the initial stages the project will need to be concerned with costing future options.

Project objectives

4. The project will have three distinct phases, a scoping phase (Stage 1) that will end before 31 March 2003; a development phase (Stage 2), which should end 31 March 2004 and will result in a fully prepared implementation plan; and a formal implementation (Stage 3). At the end of the first phase, the PTPSC will seek Ministerial approval in determining how to conduct phase two.

5. The products at the end of stage one should include:

• Identified methods of creating sustained improvements in quality;
• Identified and costed outline options by April 2003, using the National Costing Model where possible; a consideration of resource implications, linked to the emerging recruit throughput model, including a realistic and achievable target for cost savings which can be fed back into probationer training or additional costs that are required;
• Consideration of the implications of the National Occupational Standards and National Competency Framework in all outputs;
• Consideration of implications for diversity in all outputs;
• Identification of those recommendations which should be progressed as a matter of priority; with a developed timescale for achievement;
• An assessment of progress by each body charged with responsibility for implementing recommendations with an appropriate timescale for action;
• Linked with the National Project on Best Value in Police Training to ensure that probationer training is delivered efficiently and effectively at force level;
• Reconciliation with the emerging recommendations from the review of the learning requirement;
• Identification of options to reduced centralisation; and
• Identification of options to increase opportunities for a range of providers to participate in training delivery.

6. A key Stakeholder Map has been completed and the majority of individuals identified have been updated with progress. A work plan has also been produced and each element of activity allocated to either a named individual or an organisation.

7. The team has visited most forces to inform them about the review of probationer training and to identify any areas of good practice, which can be passed on. Presentations to police authorities are in hand. The Team Leader has made contact with the incoming president of ACPO and gave a presentation at an ACPO Away Day. A User Group is being established to draw in forces, like Kent, West Mercia and the MPS, who are piloting new approaches to probationer training. The project team is also exploring the scope for collaboration between forces.

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