26 August 2025
Record of actions and decisions
Title: Chief Officer's Management Board - Strategic
Date: Tuesday 26 August 2025 at 1pm
Venue: Clift Room and MS Teams
Attendees
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| CC Tim Smith (Chair) | Chief Constable |
| ACC Nigel Brookes | Local Policing Directorate |
| ACO Richard Leicester | Director of HR & L&D |
| ACO Gavin McKinnon | Director of Corporate Communications |
| ACO Claire Medhurst | Director of Support Services |
| DCS Samantha Price | Rep. Crime Directorate |
| T/ACC Tracey Quiller | Central Operations Directorate |
| ACC Simon Wilson | Serious Crime Directorate |
| PSE Phil Wilson | Rep. Chief Finance Officer |
| PSE Louisa Neiles – item 3 | Head of Force Inspectorate |
| DCS Mathew Scott – item 3 | Deputy Head of PSD |
| PSE Sonya Gransden | Chief of Staff |
| PSE Catherine Hughes (Minutes) | Executive Assistant to CC |
Apologies
- DCC Peter Ayling, Deputy Chief Constable
- T/ACC Simon Thompson, Crime Directorate
- PSE Jonathan Castle, Chief Finance Officer
1. Approval of the record from Tuesday 12 August 2025
The record of the meeting of 29 July 2025 was approved.
2. Matters arising/action updates
- Action 13/25 – the update was noted and the item discharged.
3. HMICFRS Code of Ethics self-assessment
PSE Louisa Neiles presented the HMICFRS Code of Ethics self-assessment paper as previously shared. PSE Neiles noted the NPCC and HMICFRS developed a self-assessment framework to benchmark activity and compliance with the code to enable forces to demonstrate progress. The framework has been reviewed and completed by key stakeholders and sets out the force position for review by Chief Officers. All ten areas are proposed as green having considered the definitions set out.
Chief Officers considered the proposed RAG ratings and provided feedback for refining the paper. Once these changes are incorporated, the self-assessment is approved for submission.
4. Finance 2025/26 update period 4
PSE Phil Wilson presented the high-level update paper as previously circulated noting a modest underspend is likely forecast for 2025/26. PSE Wilson highlighted the introduction of a proposed management action section to the report which looks at the key variances, risks and opportunities that we have the ability to impact and provide a suggested course of action to maximise the financial position. Having agreement at COMB through this report will give a clear mandate that enables the changes required to be delivered and the benefits received/risks mitigated.
The report was noted and there were no actions or decisions.
5. 2026/27 budget timetable
PSE Phil Wilson presented the proposed 2026/27 budget timetable which was noted by Chief Officers. There were no actions or decisions.
6. Risk management review update
ACO Claire Medhurst presented the quarterly risk management review update as previously circulated highlighting key changes and noted the register was reviewed at the recent Risk Star Chamber.
There were four new risks recorded:
- URN 2829 - Fire safety compliance and estate, score 45 (amber), owner ACO Medhurst
- URN 2845 - CRU demand management, score 50 (red), owner T/ACC Simon Thompson
- URN 2846 – POLIT demand, score 40 (amber), owner T/ACC Simon Thompson
- URN 2847 - Finance and resourcing for border policing, score 40 (amber), owner T/ACC Tracey Quiller
- One risk was closed:
URN 1728 - Digital disk security
Chief Officers approved the changes to the Risk Register.
7. Any other business
There was no further business for the open session.
CLOSED SESSION – no record taken.
Date of next meeting
Tuesday 9 September 2025, 1pm, Clift Room.