MPA corporate strategy
Report: 8
Date: 28 October 2004
By: Clerk
Summary
This report presents the latest version of the MPA corporate strategy as amended following consultation with key
stakeholders.
A. Recommendation
That the Authority:
- approves this version of the corporate strategy for implementation.
- considers the appropriateness of discussing this strategy at one of the regular Member level meetings
between the MPA and the ALG.
- agrees that the Co-ordination & Policing Committee will be responsible for monitoring the
implementation of the action plan.
B. Supporting information
Background
1. As part of the Authority’s corporate governance arrangements, a draft corporate strategy was produced by the
MPA senior management team. Co-ordination and Policing Committee considered the emerging priorities from the
strategy in informal session on 19 April 2004.
2. All staff and members have been consulted on the strategy since the first draft was produced and a large
number of amendments have been made. The latest version of the strategy, revised to reflect comments our external
stakeholders is attached at Appendix 1.
3. The corporate strategy contains five priorities for improvement, all of which are of equal importance. Each
priority has a number of actions associated with it and will be supported by team plans and cascaded into individual
staff objectives through the appraisal process. The strategy covers a three year period but will be reviewed on an
annual basis to ensure that priorities are still relevant. Performance will be monitored by the senior management
team and through reports to committee. The priorities in the corporate strategy indicate where the MPA’s resources
will be allocated over the next three years. The MPA is working towards a number of mayoral priorities. Where these
are not specifically referred to in the strategy, they are included in authority and team business plans. The MPA
also carries out a number of day to day activities which will continue to be undertaken in addition to the
priorities in the strategy, but these areas will not receive additional resources.
Feedback from stakeholder consultation
4. The strategy was sent to key stakeholders including the MPS, Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships,
Community/Police Consultation Groups, Greater London Authority, the Association of Police Authorities, Association
of London Government and the Home Office. A full list of consultees is attached at Appendix 2.
5. Twenty-two responses were received. All were broadly supportive of the aims the MPA sets out to achieve.
However, a number of respondents made comprehensive comments. As a result a number of changes have been made
including:
- expanding the summary to explain the accountability mechanisms between the MPA and the MPS
- rewording a number of action points to ensure clarity
- adding a number of action points, in particular on working with the MPS to improve performance
management, achieving cultural change within the MPA and improving the governance of major change programmes
within the MPS.
Appendix 3 contains a fuller summary of the responses. This has been cross-referenced to the strategy, so that
changes can be readily identified.
6. The ALG in its response asked whether it would be appropriate to table the strategy at one of the regular
member level meetings between the ALG and the MPA.
C. Race and equality impact
A full equalities impact assessment of the corporate strategy has been completed. Improving community engagement
and increasing the confidence in policing amongst London’s diverse communities are core themes of this strategy,
therefore the successful implementation of the strategy should ensure that the MPA is better placed to address
equality and diversity issues. Equally, an internal commitment to achieving level 5 of the race equality standard
will help ensure the MPA itself is ‘fit for purpose’.
D. Financial implications
No additional financial costs have been identified.
E. Background papers
- Detailed consultation responses file, held by Siobhan Coldwell.
- Police Authority Meeting 30/09/04
- Corporate strategy paper
F. Contact details
Report author: Siobhan Coldwell
For more information contact:
MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18
Appendix 1: Metropolitan Police Authority Corporate Strategy 2004-07
The Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) is an independent statutory body set up to oversee the Metropolitan
Police Service (MPS). The Authority’s mission is to secure an effective, efficient and fair police service for
London’s communities. Our vision is to make London the safest major city in the world. Our values are to treat
everyone fairly, to be open and honest and to work in partnership. Our key aim is to influence the MPS to improve
policing for Londoners. This corporate strategy sets out the priorities that the MPA intends to achieve over the
next three years.
The MPA is responsible for setting the policy framework for policing in London. The Authority publishes an annual
performance plan and a three-year strategy plan which sets goals for the MPS to achieve. The strategy plan “Towards
a Safer City” identifies 5 strategic goals for the police service:
- developing safer communities,
- securing the capital against terrorism,
- revitalising the criminal justice system, developing a professional and effective workforce, and
- reforming the delivery of policing services.
The MPA ensures that that the MPS is accountable to Londoners and does this by controlling the budget, consulting
extensively on what Londoners want from their police service and by regular and open scrutiny of all policing
activity.
This corporate strategy presents the goals the MPA has set for itself. It covers a rolling three-year period. The
Authority’s current three-year strategy plan ‘Towards the Safest City’ will be reviewed in 2005, along with the
Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategies of each London borough. We also have a number of key Mayoral priorities.
Those that are not specifically mentioned in this corporate strategy, are integrated into authority business plans.
The MPA’s priorities will be reviewed in line with this timescale to ensure that all the priorities are linked.
Beginning in 2005, the corporate strategy targets will be reviewed each year to ensure that the MPA is able to
respond to emerging issues within the context of a medium term plan.
The MPA will measure the success of the corporate strategy through the use of a set of performance indicators.
An equalities impact assessment has been carried out on the corporate strategy and the outcome is reflected in
this strategy.
The five priorities are all of equal importance and are as follows:
- Transform community engagement to help Londoners secure more responsive policing at a local level;
- Work with the MPS to achieve cultural change throughout the service so that everyone in London, including
all its diverse communities, can gain and retain confidence in policing;
- Drive the MPS to make most efficient and cost conscious use of its officers, staff and other available
resources;
- The Authority will hold the Commissioner rigorously to account for continuing improvement in the
effective operational and organisational performance of the Metropolitan Police Service;
- Deliver a more efficient and effective MPA, which continues to be fit for purpose.
The MPA has limited resources and the actions under each priority area indicate where resources are to be focused
over the next three years. The MPA also undertakes a number of day-to-day activities, which will be reflected in its
plans along with the priorities above.
MPA action plan
Priority 1: Transform community engagement
to help Londoners secure more responsive policing at a local level
| Key actions |
Lead |
Timescale |
Performance measure |
| a) Publish a comprehensive community engagement strategy including action plans and targets by
December 2004. Monitor implementation regularly after that.
|
Head of Community Engagement |
December 2004 and ongoing |
Published strategy |
| b) Review emerging findings from MPA involvement in CDRPs by October 2004 and develop a good
practice guide by March 2005 |
Head of Partnerships and Policing |
October 2004 March 2005 |
Published guide |
| c) Review and reissue the communications strategy by October 2005. The aim of this work is to
increase public awareness of the MPA’s work and to make that work more open to public scrutiny. |
Head of Communications |
October 2005 |
Strategy approved |
| d) Develop options for funding consultation and engagement mechanisms by September 2005 |
Head of Community Engagement |
September 2005 |
Authority decision |
| e) Redefine link member role and support arrangements, and provide ongoing training, assistance and
support for members |
Head of CLAMS |
December 2004 |
Positive feedback from members and CDRPs |
Priority 2: Work with the MPS to achieve cultural change throughout the service so that everyone in London,
including all its diverse communities, can gain and retain confidence in policing
| Key actions |
Lead |
Timescale |
Performance measure |
| a) Monitor MPS progress towards cultural change [1] in the delivery of policing services, through
strengthened oversight of race and diversity targets |
Head of Race and Diversity |
Ongoing |
Monitoring reports to committee |
| b) Oversee implementation of the “stop and search” scrutiny recommendations |
Head of Race and Diversity/Head of Review |
Ongoing |
Implementation reports to committee |
| c) Oversee implementation of the relevant recommendations of the Morris Inquiry by December 2005 |
Deputy Clerk |
December 2005 and ongoing |
MPS implementation reports to committee |
| d) Enhance MPS recruitment from all communities, and keep the case for ‘positive action’
legislation under review |
Head of Human Resources |
Ongoing |
Decision on new legislation |
| e) Review and strengthen arrangements for ensuring that the equality and diversity implications of
all MPA policies are considered and addressed. These arrangements may include establishing a forum of
key stakeholders to deliver external challenge. |
Head of Race and Diversity |
April 2005 |
Stakeholder forum, ’fit for purpose’ policy framework |
Priority 3: Drive the MPS to make most efficient and cost conscious use of its officers, staff and other
available resources
| Key actions |
Lead |
Timescale |
Performance measure |
| a) Secure additional funding for policing in London from central Government, Mayor and other
funding bodies and argue for a long term financial settlement to aid forward planning. |
Treasurer |
Ongoing |
Enhanced MPA share of available funding |
| b) Strengthen MPA oversight of arrangements to replace existing outsourced contracts by December
2006 |
Treasurer |
December 2006 |
Satisfaction of Finance Committee (measured through Chair) |
| c) Continue active governance of C3i programme [2] until completion |
Clerk |
November 2004 |
C3i delivered to time, budget and quality |
| d) Improve corporate governance of major change programmes |
Clerk |
Ongoing |
Effective change management leading to improved service delivery |
| e) Influence and implement the Police Reform Agenda where in the interests of London |
Clerk |
Ongoing |
Monitoring reports to committee |
| f) Complete scrutiny of MPS plans for resource utilisation. This should include changes to
operational deployment following the introduction of the Step Change programme, the civilianisation
programme, and workforce modernisation. |
Head of Review |
December 2005 |
Approved scrutiny report |
| g) Oversee the MPS “redirection review” [3] to ensure an effective use of resources and achievement of
the overall objective of increasing the proportion of resources which are available for priority
areas. |
Treasurer |
Ongoing |
Increased proportion of resources available for priority areas |
| h) Work with the MPS to ensure that they have a robust process for identifying ongoing efficiency
savings with plans monitored by Internal Audit |
Treasurer |
December 2004 |
Finance Committee approval |
| i) Promote further enhancement of devolved financial management within all MPS directorates |
Treasurer |
Ongoing |
Devolution achieved |
| j) Initiate reviews of resources, including overtime allocation to all Operational Command Units
and monitor implementation of the recommendations of those reviews |
Treasurer/Head of Review |
April 2005 and ongoing |
Completed review |
| k) Review and revise financial management strategic programme including enhanced budgetary control
for both MPA and MPS and monitor implementation of revised programme |
Treasurer |
September 2004 and ongoing |
Revised programme |
Priority 4: The Authority will hold the Commissioner rigorously to account for continuing improvement in the
effective operational and organisational performance of the Metropolitan Police Service
| Key actions |
Lead |
Timescale |
Performance measure |
| a) Establish integrated service and financial planning processes within
the MPS. |
Head of Planning and Performance/Treasurer |
March 2005 |
Integrated service and financial planning |
| b) Work with the MPS to improve performance management processes so that
the impact of improved efficiency and effectiveness can be demonstrated in terms of improved outcomes
for Londoners |
Head of Planning and Performance |
Ongoing |
Outcome focused performance management |
| c) Clarify application of review and scrutiny process and develop a list of potential areas to
review over the next three years. |
Head of Review |
June 2005 |
Approved list of areas |
| d) Work with the MPS to ensure that they have effective corporate governance [4]
arrangements. |
Treasurer/Clerk |
January 2005 |
Committee approval |
| e) Develop effective arrangements to link the pay and performance of
senior police staff and officers with strategic objectives. |
Head of Human Resources |
December 2005 |
Arrangements in place |
| f) Ensure that reviews by Internal Audit Directorate are used by MPA committees to inform their
policy and performance reviews |
Treasurer |
June 2005 |
Committee programme based on IA risk assessment |
Priority 5: Deliver a more efficient and effective MPA, which continues to be fit for purpose
| Key actions |
Lead |
Timescale |
Performance measure |
| a) Strengthen MPA committee accountability by developing annual workplans based on sound scrutiny
principles including consideration of themed agendas |
Head of CLAMS/Lead officers |
November 2004 |
Committee approval |
| b) Modernise and strengthen MPA corporate governance and ethical governance arrangements based on
this corporate strategy and the recommendations of the internal audit control report, the CIPFA/SOLACE
guidance and the Audit Commission’s initial performance assessment of the MPA. |
Deputy Clerk/Treasurer |
Ongoing |
Relevant documents implemented |
| c) Ensure MPA budget is linked to corporate strategy priorities for
2004/05 and future years. |
Clerk/Treasurer |
December 2004 |
Revised budget and budget setting process |
| d) Articulate and develop the strategic pan-London role of the MPA in the
context of London wide and national bodies. |
Chair/Clerk |
April 2005 |
Increased engagement and impact on London-wide issues. |
| e) Publish an MPA risk management strategy and corporate risk profile by December 2004 |
Treasurer/Clerk |
December 2004 |
Published strategy |
| f) Achieve Level 5 of the Local Government Equality Standard [5] |
Head of Race and Diversity/Clerk |
December 2005 |
Audit commission validation |
| g) Achieve cultural change within the MPA by ensuring the equalities
agenda is integral to the planning and delivery of strategy and policy. |
Clerk/Head of Race and Diversity |
Ongoing |
Equality impact assessments and fit for purpose policy outcomes. |
| h) Complete member/staff training needs analysis and draft a Human Resources strategy to secure MPA
compliance with ‘People Matters’ by December 2004 |
Head of CLAMS/Human Resources |
December 2004 |
Training identified and plan developed Published strategy |
| i) Develop an informed and engaged staff through improved internal communication, consistent Human
Resources policies and effective management of performance |
Clerk/Head of Human Resources |
Ongoing |
Staff satisfaction monitored through new staff survey |
| j) Review role of the Communications Team in relation to public consultation |
Clerk/Head of Communications/Head of Community Engagement |
December 2004 |
Completed review |
Appendix 2: Key stakeholders
- All London Borough CDRPs
- All London Borough PCCGs
- Audit Commission
- Association of London Government
- Association of Police Authorities
- Association of Police Authorities
- Black Londoners' Forum
- Boards of Deputies of British Jews
- British Transport Police
- British Transport Police
- Central London Partnership
- City of London Police
- City of London Police Authority
- Commission for Racial Equality
- Consortium of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Voluntary & Community Organisations
- Greater London Action on Disability (GLAD)
- GALOP
- Greater London Authority
- Greater London Authority
- Greater London Magistrates' Courts Authority
- HM Inspectorate of Constabulary
- Home Office
- c/o Kingston REC, Wel-Care House
- Inter-Faith Network
- London Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- London Civic Forum
- London Development Agency
- London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority
- London Probation Service
- London Underground Limited
- Metropolitan Police Service
- Refugee Council
- Road Peace
- Southern and Eastern Region TUC Race Relations Committee
- Transport for London
- Union of Muslim Organisations
- Women's National Commission
- Youth Justice Board
Appendix 3: Consultation responses
This document provides summaries of the responses received to the corporate strategy from external stakeholders.
Metropolitan Police Service
Comments were put forward on the first two priorities, transforming community engagement and working with the MPS
to achieve cultural change.
Transforming communities
Unlike any of the other priorities this one doesn’t talk of working with the MPS. It
is suggested that when a publishing a comprehensive strategy (action 1), this might recognise that it is a joint
strategy with the MPS. The MPS is also concerned that the use of the word ‘transform’ fails to recognise that there
is a lot of innovative and excellent community engagement work being carried out by the MPS, and therefore use of
this may mislead Londoners.
Working with the MPS to achieve cultural change…
A number of points were raised here:
- Concerns about the phraseology of the priority (see priority 2)
- Key action one – the MPS would like to see this extended to see emphasis on internal cultural issues (see
2a)
- Key action 5 refers to workforce modernisation; it is not clear whether the completion dates are realistic (see
2d).
Greater London Authority
The GLA thanked the MPA for providing them with an opportunity to comment on our strategy. They submitted a
comprehensive response, the key points are summarised below. They would like to see greater alignment with the GLA’s
budget and business plan and feel it would be helpful if the introduction to the document set out the relationship
between the MPA and the GLA.
They would like to see more in the introduction about what powers we have and how we use them. They also feel it
would be helpful to have a section outlining the committee structure and how these are used to hold the MPS to
account. They also feel that there should be a lead committee for this corporate strategy, so it is clear how MPA
members are responsible for the strategy. (see main report)
In relation to the priorities and action points raised by the strategy. They endorse the priorities selected but
have some specific comment, outlined below.
Transforming community engagement…
- It is not clear why this only focuses on local policing.
- The action point on CDRPs seems limited. It is not clear how the MPA intends to influence and transform community
engagement by CDRPs.
Work with the MPS to achieved cultural change throughout the service…
- Do we intend to focus explicitly on black and minority ethnic communities? (wording has changed, see
priority 2)
- This priority doesn’t distinguish sufficiently between the internal cultural change required to make the MPS a
progressive and supportive employer which reflects the diversity of London or the cultural change needed to the way
the MPS delivers its services to meet the needs of that diverse population (see 2a)
- There is nothing about achieving cultural change within the MPA itself (although this is probably better placed
under priority 5). (see 5g)
- The action on enhancing recruitment from all communities receives strong endorsement from the GLA, but they are
concerned that if action is not taken immediately, we will not be in a position to influence the profile of the
organisation within the current planned period of growth to 35,000 officers
- It was not clear what was meant under the last priority action. [6] (see
2e)
Driving the MPS to make most efficient and cost conscious…
- Securing additional funding doesn’t necessarily fit here. The GLA would like to see a separate action elsewhere
on securing funding for growth, acknowledging the importance of joint working with the GLA.
- This priority should include reference to the MPS redirection review and the overall objective of securing more
resources for front-line policing. Also missing is the implementation of the new resource allocation formula with
widespread support. (see 3a, 3g, 3h)
- What is the relationship with the E&E work and the proposed reviews of resource allocation and overtime?
The performance measure for this action should include monitoring the implementation of the E&E
recommendations (will be picked up in 3a, 3g,
3j)
- The C3i governance action could be expanded to include effective governance of all major change programme (see
3d)
- A scrutiny of how the MPS deploys resources across the organisation would be welcome (if this is what is
meant by the action point). (3j)
Hold the Commissioner rigorously to account…
- This priority should cross-reference to the policing plan priorities, the strategic goals in ‘Towards a safer
city’ and the budget deliverables which are set as part of the budget agreement process between the MPA/MPS and the
GLA, in order to give some clarity on what the Commissioner will be held to account for. (this is considered as day
to day rather than additional activity and is included in authority business plans)
- The first action should be bolder, aiming for full synchronisation by March 2005. (see
4a)
- The GLA would have expected an objective on improving performance management within the MPS, including
establishing meaningful high level indicators for policing in London which demonstrate what difference the MPS is
making to Londoners’ lives. (see 4b)
Deliver a more efficient MPA…
- Action 3 needs to be that the link between the strategy and the budget is for the current (04/05) and the
forthcoming (05/06) budget (see 5c)
- Action 5 should be the local government equality standards (see 5f)
- GLA budget and equality processes should be considered under this heading (where not specifically referenced,
this is considered as day to day activity and is included in authority business plans).
Association of London Government
ALG are broadly welcoming of the strategy and have invited us to discuss it at a regular member level meeting
between the MPA and the ALG.
They welcome the move to a clearer strategic framework and the commitment to an annual review in order to respond
to emerging issues.
They also welcome the commitment to transforming community engagement and would emphasise the importance of
involving elected members as community leaders and utilising existing representative structures, such as area forums
where they exist.
British Transport Police
BTP welcomed the opportunity to comment, fully support MPA priorities and look forward to working with us to
achieve them.
Greater London Magistrates Courts Authority
GLMCA welcomed the opportunity to comment. The GLMCA recognises that it has to be a high level document but could
be developed to include encouraging links with other criminal justice agencies, e.g. through LCJB. (see
5d)
Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary
HMCIC welcomed the opportunity to comment. The five priorities of the strategy support the civil renewal and
police agenda, and Sir Keith welcomes the focus on governance and organisational health. He feels however, that the
strategy could be developed on the contribution to the police reform programme and the issues raised through the
Green Paper “Building Safer Communities”. (see 4e).
London Chamber of Commerce
LCC support the priorities outlined in the strategy, they will also support the MPA’s efforts to deliver greater
resources for London’s police forces. They would welcome an explicit commitment to the issue of crime against
business, and highlight some of the work they are doing in this area.
Metropolitan Police Federation
The Federation welcomed the opportunity to comment.
Transport for London
TfL generally support the proposals, but suggest that the importance of a safe and secure transport system in
London should not be underestimated.
London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
LBB&D broadly support the strategy and look forward to its implementation.
London borough of Enfield
Enfield’s CRDP agree in principle to the five identified priorities. They made a number of comments:
- MPA involvement in CDRPs is important as its opportunity to influence at a pan-London level, however this need to
be seen in the context of the influence and requirements of the Home Office and Government Office for London (GOL).
- The CDRP would welcome some clarity on the role of the link Member
- No account seems to have been taken of the London and local CJBs. (see 5d)
London Borough of Hackney
LBH and its ‘Safer Communities Partnership’ endorses the strategy and its priorities. It is particularly keen to
see a continuation of the work being done to encourage community engagement.
Haringey Community and Police Consultative Group
HCPCG were grateful for the opportunity to comment on our strategy. They endorsed most of the action points but
made comments on areas they felt could be improved
- Action point four under priority 1 – this should also include securing ‘challenge’ funds to assist groups with
the development and implementation of consultation projects and local initiatives (will be covered under
1d)
- Action point 5 under priority 1 – extend to include promotion of the link member role amongst partners and
establish effective communications systems for link members to engage with key partners
- Action point 1 under priority 2 – extend to include consider strengthening MPS monitoring of staff progress and
performance so that instant recognition of potential senor black and ethnic minority officers is made possible
- Action point 2 under priority 2 - extend to include the analysis statistics on the use of stop and search to
identify trends and eliminate bad practice. (covered under 2a)
- Action point 6 under priority 3 - extend to include the principle that the efficient use of resources on specific
operations should not result in the loss of funds but will be channelled elsewhere of equal importance in the
borough
- Action point 8 under priority 5 – extend to include review the role of the community engagement team in relation
to improving support, communication and relationships with external partners including the voluntary sector.
(covered under 1a)
London Borough of Havering PCCG
LBH PCCG broadly supports the strategy. However, they believe the Resource Allocation Formula for outer London
boroughs such as Havering should be updated to reflect some of the challenges they face, e.g. vibrant town centres
and large night-time economies.
London Borough of Hillingdon on behalf of the Hillingdon Community Safety and Drugs Strategic Partnership.
This was a comprehensive response.
- In setting out our role as an independent statutory body we don’t set out how this role provides accountability
to the people of London or adds value to the work of the MPS. (covering page changed)
- There is no mention of our statutory membership of CDRPs or our role in developing and implementing local
community safety strategies. Furthermore how will this strategy link with new community safety strategies, coming on
stream next April.
- There is no mention of the need to engage PCTs in the delivery of these community safety strategies.
- We commit ourselves to securing more responsive policing at a local level which LBHCSDSP support but they feel
there is insufficient recognition of need for local partnership working to achieve this aim
- There is no mention of the strategic role we could fulfil in working with London-wide and national organisations.
(see 5d)
- Should we be giving equal weight to all priorities? LBHCSDSP would suggest not.
- The performance measures are about internal processes. They would be more useful if they related to public
feedback and measures of efficiency.
London Borough of Hillingdon PCCG
The PCCG welcomed the opportunity to comment on our strategy, and welcomes the strategy as an opportunity to
spell out for the benefit of all the overall aims and objectives of the MPA. They made a number of points, most of
them reflected in the borough’s CDRP response above. Some further points raised include:
- Whilst the strategy outlines the MPA’s role in overseeing and monitoring the service, there are few references to
actually working with the service
- It is not clear how ‘transformed community engagement’ will be achieved or the whether there will be any
implications for Consultative Groups
- It is not clear how the proposed priorities will assist in achieving the five strategic goals. It is important to
achieve a balance between financial efficiency and practical performance and this is recognised to an extent in the
plan. However it is not clear how the specified priorities will assist the MPS in combating crime.
London Borough of Kingston CPCG
Again, an extensive response. In general:
- It would benefit from some plain English and less jargon (the response includes examples) (parts of the strategy
and action plan have been reworded as a response to this – details can be supplied)
- It does not present itself as a cohesive plan
- It is not clear that the strategy has been fully costed.
In more detail:
- Some concerns about whether all minority groups are considered in priority 2 (wording of 2 has changed to address
this)
- The points on the role of the link member need to be developed further (this will be covered in team plans)
- Some comments/suggestion about the most appropriate way to develop options for funding consultation (action plan
pg 2) (these have been passed to the community engagement team)
- The CPCG supports the commitment to secure additional funding
- Linking pay and performance needs to including linking pay to appropriate strategic objectives (see
4e)
- Some concern about the ability to meet ‘themed agendas’ in the context of the routine and the urgent (with
respect to the annual work plan for each committee).
London Borough of Newham Community and Police Forum
Welcomed the opportunity to comment but their next meeting takes place on 16/9/04 and therefore missed the
deadline date.
London Borough of Richmond
The strategy could be strengthened by having more of a focus on outcomes.
London Borough of Tower Hamlets PCCG
The group has no specific comments except to note that some aspects of the action plan may potentially impact on
the PCCG. It is hoped that any impact will not be adverse, in particular that funding levels are maintained to
ensure the full range of actives can be delivered.
London Borough of Wandsworth
LBW’s response was framed around the 5 priorities and their action plans:
- Priority 1 – it is of concern that after two rounds of negotiations with PCGs, that this will happen again,
furthermore the uncertainty over continued funding is detracting effort away from key challenges. The arrangement
with the MPA link Member/officer works well and it is hoped that in the next round of crime audits (2007) this can
be exploited.
- Priority 2 – it is a concern that the action plan doesn’t include key issues such as the age/experience profile
of the service in terms of having appropriately experienced officers available for front line policing.
- Priority 3 – the strategy does not take a view beyond the MPS being the sole provider of all policing functions
and LBW are disappointed that there is no reference to the partnerships between LAs and the police, particularly in
the context of the LGA arguing the case for LAs to have access to funding either to purchase PCSOs or extend warden
schemes. It is hoped that the MPA will adopt a more outward looking and inclusive approach.
- Priority 4 – it is disappointing to see that the pressing issue of the police estate is not recognised as a
priority, particularly at a time of expansion, which can only add to the operation difficulties facing BCU
commanders.
- Priority 5 – LBW welcome the transparency provided by the move to annual work plans. The measures to strength
corporate management systems are also welcomed.
Generally, the Council would wish the Authority to focus it efforts on operation efficiency, effectiveness and
value for money.
South Westminster PCCG
- A glossary of acronyms would be useful
- The performance measure for the action on securing extra funding for London will not give an indication of
success, additionally it is misleading as it suggests that the MPA will have an enhanced share, thus leaving less
for the MPS
- Using satisfaction of the chair as a performance measure is subjective, and not supported by any objective
evidence.
- It is not clear what is meant by ‘develop effective arrangements’ in the context of the action point about
developing a performance related pay frameworks for senior police staff and officers.