033/2014: National Police Collaboration Agreement in relation to the setting up of a Co-ordinating Body known as the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC). – 27 February 2015
Executive Summary and recommendation:
An independent review of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) was carried out by General Sir Nick Parker KCB, CBE in 2013 (the Parker Review). As a result of the recommendations of this review, the Association of Chief Police Officers of England, Wales and Northern Ireland which was incorporated on 1st April 1997 will be dissolved.
- In order to deliver some of the functions that were previously carried out by ACPO, a new co-ordinating body known as the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) will be established. The NPCC will enable operationally independent and locally accountable Chief Officers to co-ordinate the work of the national police service in order to protect the public. Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners have agreed to collaborate with each other in relation to the running, the carrying out of the functions, the funding and the establishment of the NPCC.
The National Police Collaboration Agreement sets out how police forces and Police and Crime Commissioners will collaborate and coordinate nationally and help establish the National Police Chief’s Council based on the agreement of Chief Constables, Police and Crime Commissioners and the Home Secretary.
It is recommended that the Commissioner for North Yorkshire to agree to the new collaborative agreement.
Police and Crime Commissioner decision: Approved
Signature: 
Date: 27 February 2015
Title: Police and Crime Commissioner
Part 1 – Unrestricted facts and advice to the PCC
- Introduction and background
An independent review of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) was carried out by General Sir Nick Parker KCB, CBE in 2013 (the Parker Review, Appendix A). As a result of the recommendations of this review, the Association of Chief Police Officers of England, Wales and Northern Ireland which was incorporated on 1st April 1997 will be dissolved.
- In order to deliver some of the functions that were previously carried out by ACPO, a new co-ordinating body known as the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) will be established. The NPCC will enable operationally independent and locally accountable Chief Officers to co-ordinate the work of the national police service in order to protect the public. Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners have agreed to collaborate with each other in relation to the running, the carrying out of the functions, the funding and the establishment of the NPCC.
The National Police Collaboration Agreement (Appendix B) sets out how police forces and Police and Crime Commissioners will collaborate and coordinate nationally and help establish the National Police Chief’s Council based on the agreement of Chief Constables, Police and Crime Commissioners and the Home Secretary.
- By replacing ACPO, in order to operationally and financially deliver the necessary capabilities in a manner that is sustainable and exemplifies a cost effective use of public money, the NPCC will have the following functions:
- The co-ordination of national operations including defining, monitoring and testing force contributions to the Strategic Policing Requirement working with the National Crime Agency where appropriate;
- The command of counter terrorism operations and delivery of counter terrorist policing through the national network as set out in the Counter Terrorism Collaboration Agreement;
- The co-ordination of the national police response to national emergencies and the co-ordination of the mobilisation of resources across force borders and internationally;
- The national operational implementation of standards and policy as set by the College of Policing and Government;
- To work with the College of Policing, to develop joint national approaches on criminal justice, value for money, service transformation, information management, performance management and technology;
- Where appropriate, to work with the College of Policing in order to develop joint national approaches to staff and human resource issues, including misconduct and discipline, in line with the Chief Officers’ responsibilities as employers.
- NPCC shall not undertake further functions without the prior written consent of the Secretary of State.
- Matters for consideration
In common with all Police & Crime Commissioners and Chief Constables, the Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire and the Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police have been invited to agree and sign the National Police Collaboration Agreement in relation to the setting up of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).
The Police and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Executive Officer will maintain involvement as they deem necessary to oversee and ensure local interests are met in relation to any change to the arrangements arising from the review scheduled for six months time.
- Other options considered, if any
- Consideration has been given to the Independent review of ACPO. The Chief Constable, the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Executive Officer for North Yorkshire have taken an active role in consultation nationally with the APCC, ACPO and APACE in relation to the proposed changes to ACPO. It has been agreed that continuation of ACPO is no longer feasible. However, there is still a requirement for a central body, at the national level which can provide a forum where Chief Constables as the senior leadership of the police service can offer informed comment and make collective decisions in relation to national consultation on operational matters, coordination of resources and sharing of best practice. These are not responsibilities that can be transferred to another agency.
- The proposal is that the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) will deliver the necessary functions and co-ordinate the work of the police service in order to protect the public. The governance arrangements for this agreement reflect the objectives of Section 22A of the Police Act 1996 which enable and encourage cooperation and collaboration between all parties of the agreements to oversee policing developments at a national level and work together to provide the appropriate capabilities required to police effectively at a local level.
Contribution to Police and Crime Plan outcomes
By acting on the recommendation of this report the Commissioner and Chief Constable will be enabling the first corporate priority of “Transforming the Organisation” by exploiting focused collaboration opportunities.
- All police forces have a responsibility to make an effective contribution to tackling national threats. Through the NPCC Chief Officers will co-ordinate the work of the police service in order to protect the public. Via this agreement, North Yorkshire Police will collaborate with other forces in relation to national operations, coordinating response to national emergencies, developing effective strategies and implementing standards and policies to promote public protection and respond to civil contingencies which will contribute to the local policing priority to “cut crime and anti-social behaviour” in North Yorkshire and the City of York.
- Consultations carried out
Consultation has been undertaken at a national level including engagement with ACPO, the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners and The Association of Policing & Crime Chief Executives (APACE).
- Financial Implications/Value for money
The coordination of activities at a national level will have due regard to cost and effectiveness. This national body should assist in maintaining an effective local police service. Value for money was taken into account as part of the initial review on which the recommendations being taken forward to establish this arrangement have been based.
Chief Constables Chief Finance Officer Comments:
The Financial contribution required in 2015/16 is broadly in line with the existing budget provision.
- Legal Implications
Having read this report and having considered such information as has been provided at the time of being asked to express this view, the Acting Force Solicitor and Head of Legal Services is satisfied that this report does not ask the PCC for North Yorkshire to make a decision which would (or would be likely to) give rise to a contravention of the law.
- Equality Implications
There are not expected to be any equality implications as a result of entering into this agreement. The NPCC will operate in accordance with good practice and transparent processes with regards to equality and diversity and will be overseen by a clear governance model.
- Human Resources Implications
This decision notice and provided National Police Collaboration Agreement relates to the creation of the National Police Chiefs Council and the dissolution of the Association of Chief Police Officers of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The recommendation that the PCC for NYP should agree to this new collaborative agreement is supported given the extent and scope of the accompanying agreement which includes clarity around resources provided for this function, the role of host force for these employees and the series of reviews and governance the agreement provides.
Public Access to information
The Police and Crime Commissioner wishes to be as open and transparent as possible about the decisions he/she takes or are taken in his/her name. All decisions taken by the Commissioner will be subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA).
As a general principle, the Commissioner expects to be able to publish all decisions taken and all matters taken into account and all advice received when reaching the decision. Part 1 of this Notice will detail all information which the Commissioner will disclose into the public domain. The decision and information in Part 1 will be made available on the NYPCC web site within 2 working days of approval.
Only where material is properly classified as restricted under the GPMS or if that material falls within the description at 2(2) of The Elected Local Policing Bodies (Specified Information) Order 2011 will the Commissioner not disclose decisions and/or information provided to enable that decision to be made. In these instances, Part 2 of the Form will be used to detail those matters considered to be restricted. Information in Part 2 will not be published.
Part 2
Is there a Part 2 to this Notice – NO (please delete as appropriate)
Originating Officer Declaration
Author name: Debbie Allinson
Collar number: 6353
| Name (Collar Number) | Date of completion (√) | |
| Head of Departmenthas reviewed the request and is satisfied that it is correct and consistent with the NYPCC’s plans and priorities. | Joanna Carter 3594 | 23.02.15 |
| Legal AdviceLegal advice has been sought on this proposal and is considered not to expose the PCC to risk of legal challenge or such risk is outlined in Part 1 or Part 2 of this Notice. | Jane Wintermeyer3840 | 26.02.15 |
| Financial AdviceThe CC CFO has been consulted on this proposal, for which budgetary provision already exists or is to be made in accordance with Part 1 or Part 2 of this Notice. | Jane Palmer 004364 | 26.02.15 |
| Equalities AdviceEither there is considered to be minimal impact or the impact is outlined in Part1 or Part2 of this Notice. Author to complete as Equalities matters are mainstreamed within departments. | Debbie Allinson | 20.02.15 |
| HR AdviceHR advice has been sought in relation to any people related matters | Rosie Holmes4647 | 27.02.15 |
| I confirm that all the above advice has been sought and received and I am satisfied that this is an appropriate request to be submitted for a decisionSignature Date |
Appendix A
The Independent Review of ACPO Report by General Sir Nick
- Published on