13 January 2026
Record of actions and decisions
Title: Chief Officer's Management Board - Strategic
Date: Tuesday 13 January 2026 at 1pm
Venue: Clift Room and Microsoft Teams
Attendees
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| CC Tim Smith | Chief Constable |
| DCC Peter Ayling | Deputy Chief Constable |
| Ch/Supt Neil Loudon (vc) | Rep. Local Policing Directorate |
| T/ACC Tracey Quiller | Central Operations Directorate |
| T/ACC Simon Thompson | Crime Directorate |
| ACC Simon Wilson | Serious Crime Directorate |
| ACO Richard Leicester | Director of HR and L&D |
| PSE Natalie Hardy | Rep. Director of Corporate Communications |
| ACO Claire Medhurst | Support Services Directorate |
| PSE Jonathan Castle | Chief Financial Officer |
| PSE Louisa Neiles (item 3) | Head of Force Inspectorate |
| DCS Jon Armory (item 3) | Head of PSD |
| PSE Vita Steward (item 4) | Information Security |
| Ch/Supt Shaun White (item 7) | Strategic Prevention |
| PSE Matthew Chinavicharana-Mole (item 8) | Head IT Portfolio & Business Engagement |
| PSE Sonya Gransden | Chief of Staff |
| PSE Catherine Hughes (minutes) | Executive Assistant to CC |
Apologies
- ACC Nigel Brookes
- ACO Gavin McKinnon
1. Approval of the record from Tuesday 12 December 2025
The record of the previous meeting was approved.
2. Matters arising/action updates
There were no actions due.
3. HMICFRS Integrity Inspection update
PSE Neiles presented the paper as previously shared on preparations for the upcoming HMICFRS Integrity Inspection which will focus on vetting, standards of behaviour and counter corruption. PSE Neiles provided a progress update on previous thematic recommendations, outstanding actions, and organisational learning.
The force is assessed as being in a positive position in relation to the HMICFRS Integrity Inspection with a small number of identified opportunities to further enhance and strengthen current arrangements.
The meeting discussed the need to clarify ownership of the Business Interests process, with a consensus to consider moving responsibility to Professional Standards Department (PSD) for consistency with regional practice.
4. Security assessment for policing annual report
PSE Steward presented the paper as previously shared providing context around the 2025 Security Assessment for Policing (SyAP) report for the force and proposing next steps for approval. PSE Steward described the recent change in national guidance, requiring a full recalibration of all controls. Chief Officers raised concerns about the financial and resource impact of the recalibration and ACO Medhurst acknowledged the challenge but agreed the recalibration is necessary for long-term security and compliance.
Chief Officers agreed to accept the adjusted improvement plan.
Utilise Risk URN 2430 - Cyber and Data Security and Cyber Attack prevention mitigating actions on Risk Register to task SyAP improvements.
5. DA strategic hub
T/ACC Simon Thompson presented the paper as previously shared highlighting key points of the three proposed options of a local, centralised or hybrid model.
CC Smith expressed dissatisfaction with the current paper and recommendations, suggesting a pause to reconsider and review the overall virtual response strategy before proceeding and the group agreed to revisit the decision after further analysis.
6. Internal audit programme 2026/27
PSE Castle presented RMS’ proposed list of areas to select for internal audit in 2026/27. A total of 15 audits is recommended with three being financial to ensure key controls are adhered to, two to three collaborative, one OPCC and eight others of Chief Officer choosing.
New action 01/26
All Chief Officers to send PSE Castle any views they have on which internal audits should be included or excluded, relevant to individual business areas, by 23 January.
PSE Castle to draft a proposed list of audits for the coming year based on past audits, perceived benefit and collated views of Chief Officers, and present it to the CC and DCC for final decision.
7. Police Race Action Plan (PRAP) update
Ch/Supt White presented the PRAP strategic overview and delivery plan papers as previously shared. He highlighted the role of the D&I Board in governance, the importance of community engagement, and provided an update on the work-streams focused on representation, procedural justice, trust and reconciliation, and disproportionality in the justice system.
Within the rationale, DCC Ayling recommended emphasising explicit links to crime fighting effectiveness.
The meeting discussed the challenges with national definitions of race in workforce data, and the need for clear communication about inclusivity. The group agreed to revise the plan to explain these national definitions and their implications for self-identification.
8. IT projects quarterly updates
PSE Chinavicharana-Mole presented the paper as previously shared highlighting portfolio risk exceptions, key project progress and tactical project updates. He reported that both Kent and Essex are considering a joint civil contingency alerting solution, which would reduce costs and complexity if both forces select the same system.
Due to resource contention, the group agreed to prioritise the contact management programme over data transformation, with an anticipated delay of up to two months. ACO Medhurst advised there is ongoing oversight to manage future bottlenecks.
9. Any other business
Annual terms of reference
Chief Officers approved the amended terms of reference as previously shared.
CLOSED SESSION - no record taken
Date of next meeting
Tuesday 10 February 2026, 1pm, Clift Room.