Update on the programme for the fundamental review of the Directorate of Professional Standards

Report: 9
Date: 18 May 2006
By: Commissioner

Summary

This report sets out the latest progress in respect of the implementation of the Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) Review Implementation Programme (from 1 April 2006 to 30 November 2006).

A. Recommendations

That Members note the progress made across the individual commands since the ‘go live’ of implementation on 1 April 2006.

B. Supporting information

1. The DPS Review Implementation Programme Register can be found at Appendix 1 (due to its size available on our website and on request only). This document outlines the status of the individual projects and key activities that make up the overall programme of work including resource implications, project progress and emerging issues / comments. It provides the latest key management information to the DPS Review Project Board and MPA Professional Standards and Complaints Committee (PSCC) members to track progress.

2. The remaining part of the report sets out the following:

1. Programme Implementation - Key Activity within the three DPS Commands from 1 April 2006.
2. Communication and Consultation Strategy.

Programme implementation - key activity from 1 April 2006

Intelligence Command

3. The key work activity within this command over the last few weeks has revolved around the set up of the Reception Desk and the scoping and development of intelligence systems within DPS.

4. A great deal of progress has been made in making the Reception Desk functional and fit for purpose in preparation for going live from early – mid June. The benefits to be derived from the creation of the Reception Desk are as follows:

• Greater citizen focus by responding to the needs of the community and individuals, especially complainants to inspire public confidence by providing a strong customer service ethos.
• Developing greater intelligence opportunities by capturing intelligence and information on critical incidents at an earlier stage, through forging closer working links between Investigation and Intelligence Commands.
• Maximising the impact of the TRIBUNE system to capture key data and information to provide timely and robust management information.
• The opportunity for early intervention to bring complaints to an early informal resolution through the provision of a customer service function, to complement the work of the Single Points of Contact (SPOCs) on Boroughs.
• To be at the cutting edge of Professional Standards on a national level and promote best practice to other forces, through the ACPO lead.
• To develop an improved working partnership between the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), the MPS and the public through greater accessibility and transparency.
• To provide easy access for internal and external customers through effective marketing and the provision of one central contact point.

5. In respect of the review of Intelligence systems and processes, the MPS Intelligence Standards Unit are to conduct a review for DPS which will hopefully inform and assist DPS in scoping and implementing our new requirements. The review and related findings are expected around mid-late May.

Investigation Command

6. DPS Project Board recently endorsed the change of command name title from ‘Enforcement’ to ‘Investigation’. It was felt that as the DPS mission was to improve openness, accountability and accessibility of investigations, Investigation Command as a title would complement Prevention and Organisational Learning rather than ‘Enforcement’.

7. The Programme Register at Appendix 1 sets out a full range of activities currently being undertaken by Investigation Command. Members will note that a great deal of progress has been made in relation to Early Informal Resolution and Empowering Local Managers and this project continues to be rated as a high priority.

Prevention and Organisational Learning Command

8. The set up of the new Prevention and Organisational Learning Command continues to develop and function in line with the recommended DPS Review proposals. The key priorities for this command have now been identified as Harmonising Claims Management, Learning the Lessons, Managing Prevention Information and Communications and Marketing. The current work status for Prevention and Organisational Learning Command is outlined within the Programme Register at Appendix 1.

Communication and Consultation Strategy

9. All Project Leads have drawn up consultation plans tailored to meet the needs of their individual project. Although a full consultation exercise was initially conducted around the concept of the DPS Review overall change programme, key stakeholders and staff associations continue to be briefed and informed of prospective changes either on an individual basis or through the agreed governance reporting structure, where there is good representation.

10. For example, the Reception Desk project has necessitated a broader consultative approach with the IPCC, Federation, Trade Unions and MPS Staff Associations whereas the Transition of Anti Corruption Command (Operations) to Investigation Command has only required engagement with the Federation.

11. An Implementation Communication Plan and Timetable has been drawn up to facilitate a calendar of events that provides appropriate publicity and briefing opportunities in a timely and corporate manner.

C. Race and equality impact

1. All standard operating procedures developed from the review will be compliant with the MPS policy development framework and will fall under the DPS overarching policy. That policy is currently monitored quarterly in respect of equality and diversity implications.

2. As highlighted throughout the report, consultation with Staff Associations and other stakeholders has been extensive and continues to take place, to ensure that an inclusive and constructive change progress is implemented.

D. Financial implications

The overall cost to implement the ‘new way’ model will be met within the 2006/7 DPS budget allocation. No new additional funding requirements have been identified since the last report to PSCC on 9 March 2006.

E. Background papers

• Reports for PSC dated 12 January 2006 and 9 March 2006 - Update on the programme for the fundamental review of the Directorate of Professional Standards.

F. Contact details

Report author(s): Nadia Musallam, DPS Review Implementation Programme Manager, MPS.

For more information contact:

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

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