7 April 2026
Record of actions and decisions
Title: Chief Officer's Management Board - Strategic
Date: Tuesday 7 April 2026 at 1pm
Venue: Clift Room, Sutton Road HQ
Attendees
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| DCC Peter Ayling (chair) | Deputy Chief Constable |
| ACC Nigel Brookes | Local Policing Directorate |
| A/ACC Simon Alland | Rep. Central Operations Directorate |
| A/ACC Emma Banks | Rep. Crime Directorate |
| ACC Simon Wilson | Serious Crime Directorate |
| ACO Richard Leicester | Director of HR and L&D |
| ACO Gavin McKinnon | Director of Communications |
| ACO Claire Medhurst | Director of Support Services Directorate |
| D/Supt Rachael Cumberland | Intelligence Officer SCD |
| D/Ch/Supt Richard Woolley | Head of Crime |
| PSE Gary Beautridge | Head of Corporate Services |
| PSE Fiona Brown | Chief Information Officer |
| PSE Nicola Endacott | Head of Intelligence and Data Analysis |
| PSE Rebecca Humphreys | Head of Operational HR |
| PSE Becky Strachan | Public Disclosure Manager |
| PSE Philip Wilson | Rep. Chief Finance Officer |
| PSE Sonya Gransden | Chief of Staff |
| PSE Sharon Ware (minutes) | Executive Assistant |
Apologies
- CC Tim Smith
- ACC Simon Thompson
- T/ACC Tracey Quiller
- PSE Jonathan Castle
1. Approval of the record from Tuesday 24 February 2026
The record of the previous meeting was approved.
2. Matters arising/action updates
- action 03/26 – amend action to request PSE Endacott resubmit the proposed final survey to COMB once feedback has been collated. Feedback due 10 March, resubmission due 7 - carry forward.
- 7/4/26- paper to be presented at this meeting.
3. IT projects quarterly update
PSE Fiona Brown presented the regular portfolio update as previously shared, highlighting portfolio risk exceptions, key project progress and tactical project updates. Details about the progress on automation, digital forensics, data transformation, and resource challenges were included, as well as ongoing challenges with limited specialist resources, recruitment lags, and internal movement to growth roles. Plans are in place to recruit additional technical architects and consider alternative roles to improve pipeline management and reduce delivery bottlenecks.
A discussion ensued about delivery risks, capacity, and the need for realistic planning and recruitment. The team is also working to improve visibility of the project landscape and ensure governance structures support effective delivery.
Work is now taking place on the 2027/28 programmes to establish what national programmes may be required. There should be additional resources for new projects next year.
4. Digital IT strategy
PSE Fiona Brown presented the paper on the IT Strategy for 2026–2030 to seek Chief Officer agreement. The strategy aligned with national, regional, and local priorities, focusing on enabling policing through secure, innovative, and user-centred technology. It includes sub-strategies for architecture, cybersecurity, solution delivery, and service management.
The meeting discussed the need for the strategy to more explicitly link technology to core policing outcomes, such as supporting victims and crime prevention, and to ensure the language is accessible and relevant to both IT staff and operational users. Suggestions were made to refine the strategy’s presentation and ensure consistency between Kent and Essex. The need for ongoing evaluation and adjustment was highlighted.
New action 06/26:
- the IT Strategy will be reconsidered at TCOB to discuss, deconflict and agree the common principles to allow this to be agreed by both forces.
- all attendees are to thoroughly scrutinise the strategy and feedback any suggestions to Fiona Brown. The new revised strategy will be re-presented at COMB and COG.
5. Freedom of information (FOI) update report
PSE Becky Strachan presented a comprehensive report on the force’s FOI performance for 2025, highlighting increased demand, the force’s approach to compliance, risk management, and the effectiveness of publication strategies. Despite increased demand, the backlog remained stable, indicating effective absorption of requests without performance deterioration.
The Public Disclosure Team applies a tiered risk assessment to FOI responses, reflecting a cautious approach to sensitive information and compliance with legal and operational requirements. The force has implemented 17 active publication strategies to proactively release information, reducing FOI demand and supporting transparency. These strategies are applied both in response to significant events and for ongoing public interest topics, with regular reviews to ensure effectiveness.
ACC Ayling praised the department’s work on FOI requests. The overall position has improved due to the tiered responses. Consideration will be given to whether reporting can be by exception and this will be submitted to the Force Security Committee for consideration.
6. Financial performance management update - P11
PSE Philip Wilson presented the paper as previously shared providing a high-level update as at P11.
It was noted that there would be a likely break-even position for revenue and capital, with a potential small underspend, and discussed the pending decision on the capitalisation directive, which could significantly affect the out-turn for 2025/26.Thanks were given to all the staff involved in finalising the accounts.
7. Staff survey
PSE Nicola Endacott presented the paper following feedback from Chief Officers to allow a comprehensive set of questions to be re-worded, adjusted or updated. The survey includes psychological safety, demographics, and protected characteristics, with revisions based on feedback to remove duplication and improve clarity. Concerns were raised about leading questions and the length of the survey.
Participants discussed the risk of survey fatigue due to multiple surveys (OK Leap Wise, Federation, Peel) occurring in close succession. The consensus was to delay the local survey to avoid overlap and ensure meaningful engagement. HMIC expects forces to conduct their own surveys, but there is no strict requirement on timing or format. It was decided that the purpose of the survey needed to be defined further.
Action 03/26:
- it was agreed to refine the survey’s objectives, focus on specific areas of inquiry, and involve key stakeholders in further development. The group will revisit the timing and content, aiming for a shorter, more targeted survey later in the year.
8. Senior development programme
PSE Rebecca Humphreys and D/Supt Rachel Cumberland introduced a proposal for a senior development programme consisting of three modules, targeting under-represented groups at superintendent and equivalent staff levels. The course will be aimed at addressing barriers to progression for staff with protected characteristics, based on feedback from focus groups and staff associations. It is intended as a cost-effective alternative to the national Aspire course.
The group debated how to define under-representation and eligibility, referencing Home Office data and the need for clear, transparent criteria. There was consensus on the need for a robust evaluation strategy to assess the programme’s impact on participants and organisational diversity, with suggestions to align measures with strategic priorities and track outcomes over time. The group acknowledged the cumulative resource impact of multiple development programmes and agreed to pilot the new programme this year, refine its objectives and assess its value before wider rollout.
9. Violence against women and girls (VAWG)
A/ACC Emma Banks and D/CH/SUPT Richard Woolley provided an update from the national VAWG symposium, outlining national expectations, the force’s alignment with the Op Soteria model, and ongoing challenges in risk management, workforce capability, and data quality.
The group discussed the need for a refreshed VAWG strategy, central coordination, and readiness for statutory compliance, recognising the increasing national expectations and the resource implications for the force.
It was decided that a paper will be submitted to Mr. Thompson on revised governance arrangements for VAWG and public protection, which will inform the refreshed strategy and subsequent communications plan.
7. Any other business
None.
CLOSED SESSION - no record taken
Date of next meeting
Tuesday 21 April 2026, 1pm, Clift Room.