The police
Review of police remuneration and conditions
The most comprehensive independent review of police pay and conditions in more than 30 years is currently underway. Serving police officers and staff are encouraged to take part and to give their opinions.
The coalition agreement sets out a programme for the reform of public services, including changes to the police and policing.
This independent study will bring modern management practices into policing and increase operational flexibility for the country’s 43 territorial forces.
Serving officers and police staff were able to have their say during October 2010 about how they think the police service can be improved. The comment facility is now closed, but will re-open for part two of the review and details will be announced closer to the time.
Read some of the comments that were posted (new window).
Responses to the 'call for evidence'
The review sought evidence from all interested parties within and outside the police service. To ensure transparency and accuracy of comments and data, the key submissions have now been published online.
Read the responses to the call for evidence.
About the review
The review is being headed by former Rail Regulator Tom Winsor, now a partner at White and Case, the global law firm. He is supported by professional advice from former West Midlands Chief Constable Sir Edward Crew and leading labour market economist Professor Richard Disney.
The review will report to the Home Secretary in two parts: first in February 2011 on short-term improvements to the service, and again in June 2011 on matters of longer-term reform.
The review will:
- ensure that pay and conditions maximise officer and staff deployment to frontline roles where their powers and skills are required
- provide pay and conditions that are fair and reasonable for taxpayers, police officers and staff
- enable modern management practices in line with practices elsewhere in the public sector and the wider economy
Meeting changing demands
The Home Secretary said:
'It is vital we have a modern and flexible police service to meet the ever-changing demands placed upon it.
'By bringing modern management practices to the police, this review will help ensure chief constables can deliver the frontline services people want while providing the value for money that is so vital in the tough economic times we face.
'I am very pleased that Tom Winsor has agreed to lead this review. His experience of complex issues and multiple stakeholders, together with his reputation for independence, will be essential to the success of this review. Sir Edward Crew will also ensure that the operational expertise is brought to bear on this wide remit. We need radical solutions to improve policing – nothing will be off-limits in this review.'
Guided by fairness
Tom Winsor, the reviewer said:
'I am very pleased to accept the Home Secretary’s invitation to lead this review. I look forward to working alongside police officers and their representatives, and others, as they strive to ready the police service for the challenges ahead.
'I have always had immense respect for police officers and staff, and the vital work they do. Every day those on the frontline can face difficult and dangerous situations.
'Throughout this review, I shall be guided by the overriding principle of fairness – fairness to individual police officers and staff, and fairness to the taxpayer'.
- Read the review's terms of reference
