Service improvement reviews 2004/05

Report: 8
Date: 11 December 2003
By: Clerk

Summary

This report presents two areas for service improvement review in 2004/05 proposed by MPS Management Board for members’ consideration.

A. Recommendations

That the two proposed areas for review in 2004/05 be accepted or rejected.

B. Supporting information

Service improvement reviews 2003/04

1. On 9 January 2003 Planning, Performance and Review Committee approved a report proposing changes to the best value review process. As a result of these changes a maximum of two service improvement reviews are now carried out each year with the joint commitment of the MPA and MPS. PPRC approved a proposal from MPS Management Board that the two reviews to be completed in 2003/04 should be operational support policing and staff deployment. The review of staff deployment was replaced by a review of cell provision at the last PPRC meeting.

2. The MPA now needs to set a programme of reviews for 2004/05. In accordance with the agreed process MPS Management Board has proposed two areas for review during the next financial year. These areas are security clearance processes and security of premises.

New area for service improvement review 2004/05

3. Security clearance processes have been selected for review as the time taken for security clearances to be completed has been raised as a concern. The review could be used to identify what improvements to these processes could be made without compromising security arrangements.
4. Providing security guarding for MPS premises has been suggested for review as it represents a significant cost to the MPS. There are also concerns over the service being provided and the scope of the guarding function. It has been proposed that alternative ways of delivering this service could be explored.

5. Members are asked to consider whether or not the proposed areas for review are acceptable and to suggest alternative subjects for review if the MPS recommendations are rejected.

C. Equality and diversity implications

New statutory guidance for police authorities was published by the Home Office in September 2003. Work is currently underway to revise the review process to take account of this guidance and ensure that equalities implications are mainstreamed within service improvement reviews.

D. Financial implications

There are no direct financial implications outside the existing budgetary provision for service improvement reviews.

E. Background papers

None.

F. Contact details

Report author: Sally Palmer, MPA.

For more information contact:

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

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