4 November 2025
Record of actions and decisions
Title: Chief Officer's Management Board - Strategic
Date: Tuesday 4 November 2025 at 1pm
Venue: Clift Room
Attendees
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| CC Tim Smith | Chief Constable |
| DCC Peter Ayling | Deputy Chief Constable |
| ACC Nigel Brookes | 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 |
| ACO Gavin McKinnon | Director of Corporate Communications |
| PSE David Jedrzejewski | Rep. Support Services Directorate |
| PSE Phil Wilson | Rep. Chief Finance Officer |
| Ch/Insp Gary Woodward (item 3) | Tactical Assets Command |
| PSE Gary Beautridge (item 4) | Head of Corporate Services |
| D/Supt Neil Watford (item 4) | RPA & AI Lead |
| PSE Sonya Gransden | Chief of Staff |
| Insp Donna Cork | Staff Officer to DCC |
| PSE Catherine Hughes (minutes) | Executive Assistant to CC |
Apologies
- ACO Claire Medhurst
- PSE Jonathan Castle
1. Approval of the record from Tuesday 7 October 2025
The record of the previous meeting was approved.
2. Matters arising/action updates
Action 15/25 – the update paper was noted and the action discharged.
3. HMICFRS firearms licensing inspection
Chief Inspector Gary Woodward presented the paper as previously shared noting Kent Police have been selected as one of six forces across England and Wales to be inspected under the thematic ‘Firearms and Explosives Units’. This will be carried out between October 2025 and January 2026 and will examine how efficiently and effectively the police administered firearms licensing system in England and Wales to keep the public safe, while facilitating lawful firearms possession.
A comprehensive document return was submitted last week, and the audit process is set to begin next week with reality testing scheduled for January. Chief Inspector Woodward emphasised the opportunity for learning and improvement, referencing previous internal and external audits. Questions regarding stakeholder involvement and governance were addressed.
New action 17/25:
PSE Gransden to update the chief constable with regards to involvement of the OPCC in the upcoming firearms licensing capacity.
4. Copilot SOP and intelligent automation and AI - closed
Due to commercial sensitivities, this item was held in a closed session, and the record will not be made public.
5. Finance capital budgets quarterly review
PSE Wilson presented the paper and three supporting documents as previously shared seeking Chief Officer agreement for capital funding.
- DFU hub estate requirements: relocation of property staff to convert a garage area for DFU hub use, with a proposed cost of £110,000 funded from forecast capital out turn. There was discussion about staff impact, and the need for further conversations to ensure proper sequencing and staff communication. Approved on the proviso of appropriate staff communication.
- Op Quantity works: £100,000 programme covering multiple works aimed at ensuring a safe and secure environment for staff. Approved.
6. Finance 2025/2026 update period six
PSE Phil Wilson presented the finance update for period six, highlighting a £4.8 million revenue underspend on services and £10 million unspent capital, attributing this mainly to grants for policing and specific operations, and the North Kent works costing less than forecast.
Chief Officers discussed the importance of transparency and clearly communicating the reasons for the underspend in public documents. It was noted that the Neighbourhood Policing grant and Operation Lockstream funding exceeded the underspend, but the total cost of activities had not yet been fully recouped. It was agreed PSE Castle and DCC Ayling would ensure consistent messaging at the Joint Audit Committee.
PSE Wilson highlighted the positive mention of Kent Police in the recent National Audit Office report on police financing.
7. Any other business
There was no further business for the open session.
CLOSED SESSION – no record taken.
Chief Officer Police Race Action Plan (PRAP) training.
Date of next meeting
Tuesday 18 November 2025, 1pm, Wells Room.