Service Improvement Review of Security Clearance Processes

Report: 12
Date: 09 September 2004
By: Commissioner

Summary

This report outlines the Project Initiation Document (PID) for the Service Improvement Review of Security Clearance Processes

A. Recommendations

That members approve the Project Initiation Document (PID) for the Service Improvement Review of Security Clearance Processes.

B. Supporting information

Background to the review

1. This service improvement review topic emerged during MPS budget meetings towards the end of 2003. It was nominated as a subject for review as it was felt that the time taken to complete security clearances was reducing local effectiveness whilst units waited for new employees to join and creating costs due to prospective employees taking up offers of alternative employment with other organisations. The topic was selected by Management Board in November 2003 and approved by the MPA’s Planning Performance and Review Committee in December 2003 for review during 2004/05.

The scope of the review

2. The PID attached at Appendix 1 identifies that, in order to make effective recommendations for service improvement, the review will cover:

• the factors that create possible delays;
• the need to meet statutory requirements and existing minimum standards;
• the roles and responsibilities of different units within the MPS that contribute to the security clearance process;
• use of current and future IT systems and other technology;
• the contributions being made by other organisations to the process and ways of improving collaborative working arrangements;
• whether current processes are proportionate to the risks faced by the organisation and whether they are fair, highlighting any diversity implications;
• the mechanisms in place to review both clearance levels after individuals have joined the organisation and those related to specific roles.

The Review will take account of any relevant findings emerging from the Bichard enquiry and other reviews previously carried out into this area of MPS procedures.

Project management

3. Richard Barnes is the Lead MPA member for this review which will be controlled by a project board chaired by Commander Phil Hagon, MPS Directorate of Professional Standards. The Independent Challenge Panel for the review will be chaired by Sarah Naylor, Assistant Chief Executive of the London Borough of Southwark.

Project timescales and reporting

4. The project plan is designed to produce recommendations by the beginning of November 2004.

C. Race and equality impact

The review will meet its equality and diversity obligations by consulting widely with representative groups during its initial phase, and by consulting groups affected by any aspects of its improvement plans during later phases. It will work with the MPS Diversity Directorate, who are represented on the Project Board. The Independent Challenge Panel will also play a role in identifying equality and diversity issues for the review to address. The panel includes a member of the MPS’ Independent Advisory Group.

D. Financial implications

A budget of £67,500 has been allocated to cover the staffing and support costs of the review team. These costs fall entirely within the 2004/05 budget of the Internal Consultancy Group (DDC2(3)).

E. Background papers

None

F. Contact details

Report authors: Caroline Bridgman, MPS Internal Consultancy Group

For more information contact:

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

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