27 February 2024
Record of actions and decisions
Title: Chief Officer's Management Board - Strategic
Date: Tuesday 27 February 2024
Venue: Wells meeting room and virtual via Microsoft Teams
Attendees
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| CC Tim Smith (Chair) | Chief Constable |
| DCO Ian Drysdale | Deputy Chief Officer |
| A/DCC Tracey Harman | Local Policing Directorate |
| A/ACC Lucy Morris (MT) | Rep: Serious Crime Directorate |
| ACC Simon Wilson | Crime Operations Directorate |
| T/CS Simon Alland | Rep: Central Operations Directorate |
| ACO Richard Leicester | Director of HR and Learning & Development |
| ACO Gavin McKinnon | Director of Corporate Communications |
| ACO Claire Medhurst | Director of Support Services Directorate |
| PSE Jonathan Castle | Chief Finance Officer |
| PSE Sonya Gransden | Chief of Staff |
| DCI Garry Cook | Staff Officer to the DCC |
| PSE Nicole Francis | Staff Officer to the DCO |
| Insp. Victoria Bushell (Observer) | CJ Operations |
| Supt. Peter Steenhuis (MT) (Item 6) | Head of Partnerships Command |
| PSE Alison Pavis (Minutes) (MT) | Executive Assistant |
Apologies
- DCC Peter Ayling
- ACC Andrew Pritchard
- T/ACC Nigel Brookes
1. Approval of the record from Tuesday 13 February 2024
The Chair congratulated DCS Morris on her recent success at interview for the Essex ACC vacant post. The record was approved.
2. Matters arising/action updates:
Action 4/24 - discharged
Action 5/24 - discharged
Action 6/24 - discharged
Action 7/24 - discharged
3. Standing item: Estates (quarterly) update
ACO Medhurst presented the update on the progression of key workstreams to chief officers to note in the briefing paper.
Decision:
Chief officers approved DCO Drysdale’s proposal for an agenda item to discuss the Medium-Term Estates Strategy at the next chief officer away day on Friday 19 April 2024.
4. Finance update (period 10) 2023/2024
Mr. Castle provided an overview of the outturn report for chief officers to note.
No actions or decisions.
5. Right care, right person programme update
ACC Harman and Superintendent Steenhuis presented the update to chief officers to note phase 2 ‘Go Live’ from 2 April 2024. The Chair reiterated that he trusted and empowered officers and staff to make THRIVE based decisions on the appropriate Strategic Partnership response to mental health call requests.
Decisions:
The chief constable asked ACC Harman to arrange a RCRP briefing for the Police and Crime Commissioner prior to the 21 March 2024.
The chief constable agreed, at the appropriate time, to issue a joint external press release, re: future policing response to mental health calls.
ACC Harman to ensure bullet points 2 and 6 of The Pledge - CC’s Commitments are featured in the press release.
6. Dangerous Dogs Act update
T/CS Alland & T/Superintendent Hall presented an update on the policing response following the government legislative changes regarding the seizure of XL bully/dangerous dogs. Approval is sought to adopt and delegate authority under “the Interim Dangerous Dogs Exemption Scheme” to allow the chief superintendent/superintendent (Tactical Operations Command) to utilise the IEO process if strict requirements are met following each risk assessment.
Decisions:
The chief constable approved the delegation of authority under “the Interim Dangerous Dogs Exemption Scheme,” in order to maximise kennel capacity. The policy decision to be reviewed on a quarterly basis.
Chief officers requested a review of the health and safety advice for response officers and amendments made if required to ensure compliance with employer’s legal liability.
Chief officers requested reassurance from Tactical Operations that the force is appropriately managing the costs and limited kennel capacity available for dogs seized.
New action: 9/24
T/CS Alland to liaise with Head of Legal Services to draft the interim policy decision to delegate authority on behalf of the chief constable to include a quarterly review of the decision.
New action: 10/24
T/CS Alland to present a quarterly update to chief officers covering the following, details of the number of dogs seized, kennel capacity, costs incurred and an update on officer capacity to conduct and regularly monitor home checks to ensure the owner is complying with conditions.
7. Professionalising public protection discussion
ACC Wilson and DCS Banks presented the briefing report outlining the College of Policing workstream, with a recommendation that the force explores option 3 - the college accredits public protection units in a similar way to areas such as undercover policing, firearms, and public order.
Decision
Chief officers noted the report, no decision will be made until further detailed information from the College of Policing is provided with regards to the proposed accreditation of public protection officers.
8. Any other business
8a. Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme mileage rate
Mr. Castle asked chief officers to approve the salary sacrifice scheme rate mileage rate for staff and officers.
Decision
Chief officers approved that car salary sacrifice scheme mileage rates for staff and officers would be paid in line with the HMRC advisory rates.
Date of next meeting
Tuesday 12 March 2024.