Inspection finds Notts Police is '˜well led'

The HMIC review, carried out in 2015, assessed how well forces were led at every rank and grade of the organisation.

This latest report, released today, looks at the effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy of the force, which has been graded as good in all three areas.

The review found that there is a clear sense of direction, and that the force’s shared PROUD values were an integral part of everyday policing, leadership development programmes and recruitment.

It adds that the force recognises the need for significant savings via a reduction in the workforce, and is focusing on new and more efficient ways of delivering a good service to the public.

Analysis of research, staff survey results, workshops and senior leadership events also gave opportunities for leadership behaviours to be known and promoted.

Further work is being done to identify skills and abilities across the whole workforce, while a mentoring and coaching programme that supports over 100 people, will be further promoted across the force.

Chief Constable Chris Eyre said: “Effective leadership is a vital part of any organisation’s success.

“There needs to be clear direction, investment in people and we look to lead by example.

“Our PROUD values - Professional, Respect for all, One Team, Utmost integrity, trust and honesty and Doing it differently - are embedded into the whole of the force and are reflected every day in the work that officers and staff carry out.

“We are working through the results of our staff survey so officers and staff can see that their leaders listen and act.

“We also seek to deliver an improved service through better technology and continue to identify people’s skills and both develop them and utilise them for innovation.

“The assessment has recognised our commitment to the public and the hard work that has been undertaken.

“There is still more to be done, and we are determined to improve in areas where recommendations have been made.

“Leadership is extremely important and while policing is a rank structure, every single one of us working for Nottinghamshire Police will continue to serve our communities in the best way we possibly can.”

HMIC Zoe Billingham was pleased with the results for the force for keeping people safe and reducing crime.

She said: “The improvements that the force has made this year are noteworthy. I particularly welcome the improvements the force has made to the quality of its crime investigations.

“It works well to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour, and to prevent offending. I am pleased that the force is good at identifying and disrupting organised criminality.

“Nottinghamshire Police generally provides a good service in identifying and assessing the risks to vulnerable people and safeguarding vulnerable victims.

“HMIC found some areas where improvement is needed to provide the best possible service to keep safe vulnerable people, particularly children.

“We also found that, although the force has improved its approach to tackling domestic abuse, further work in this area is needed.

“However, I am reassured that the force has acted on our inspection findings, taking prompt action to address these important issues.

“The chief officer team is fully committed to establishing an ethical workforce. For example officers ensure the use of stop and search is proportionate and properly recorded.

“There is a strong culture of listening to and responding to public concerns, although the force needs to improve its engagement with communities in some parts of the county.

“I am encouraged by the strong local policing presence and commitment to working with partners to keep people safe.”

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping also welcomed the report.

He said: “These have been difficult times particularly because, in the age of austerity, the force had to make big and fundamental changes.

“I am delighted that the inspectorate has recognised the strong leadership that exists in Nottinghamshire Police and I want to say thank you to all those involved.

“I know, however, that they won’t need reminding about further challenges in the future.”