9 September 2025
Record of actions and decisions
Title: Chief Officer's Management Board - Strategic
Date: Tuesday 9 September 2025 at 1pm
Venue: Clift Room and MS Teams
Attendees
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| DCC Peter Ayling (Chair) | Deputy Chief Constable |
| ACC Nigel Brookes | Local Policing Directorate |
| PSE Becky Humphreys | Rep. Director of HR & L&D |
| ACO Gavin McKinnon | Director of Corporate Communications |
| ACO Claire Medhurst | Director of Support Services |
| T/ACC Tracey Quiller | Central Operations Directorate |
| T/ACC Simon Thompson | Crime Directorate |
| ACC Simon Wilson | Serious Crime Directorate |
| PSE Jonathan Castle | Chief Finance Officer |
| PSE Sonya Gransden | Chief of Staff |
| Insp Donna Cork | Staff Officer to DCC |
| PSE Catherine Hughes (Minutes) | Executive Assistant to CC |
Apologies
- CC Tim Smith, Chief Constable
- ACO Richard Leicester, Director of HR and L&D
1. Approval of the record from Tuesday 26 August 2025
The record of the previous meeting was approved.
2. Matters arising/action updates
There were no new actions.
3. National police well-being survey
PSE Becky Humphreys presented the paper as previously shared and highlighted key points outlining the unweighted results for Kent alongside the national headlines. 20% of the workforce responded to the survey and the Kent results generally mirror the trends observed nationally. Areas of strength included team cohesion and pride in the job, and areas of challenge included workload, leadership trust, and organisational culture.
DCC Ayling noted this survey is one of several similar surveys scheduled for this year and, in conjunction with Canterbury Christchurch, all the results will be compared for a cohesive picture. It was also noted Essex committed to the full survey package and the value of this will be fed back to Kent for future consideration.
Chief Officers observed and discussed the survey findings. There were no decisions or actions.
4. Proportionate file build
T/ACC Simon Thompson provided a verbal update on the phased Proportionate file build pilot project. This is an initiative being trialled in conjunction with the Crown Prosecution Service at the direction of the Director General with the goal of streamlining submissions to achieve time saving benefits for both workforces.
The pilot involves green files only and removes the requirement for police to produce unused material, disclosure schedules and rebuttable presumption material such as crime reports, custody records, CCTV, body worn video and interview records. Under the pilot, the CPS will now rely upon our assurances that this evidence has been reviewed and will be provided if necessary. The objectives are to reduce workload and improve timeliness while maintaining quality in first triage and the evidential test.
The initial phase will go live on 29 September at Kent Magistrates Court, followed by Surrey & Sussex Magistrates Court, Kent Crown Court, Surrey & Sussex Crown Court and finally RASO phased over the next six months. A similar pilot recently launched at Merseyside & Cheshire and Kent is in close contact with those forces to share learning and knowledge.
Mr Thompson outlined the potential minor risks and addressed queries regarding integration with Athena.
There were no decisions or actions.
5. Any other business
- Mobile phone recording
DCC Ayling presented the paper as previously shared providing a briefing on the newly introduced functionality available on force-issued mobile phones, which enables officers and staff to record telephone calls made using these devices. The paper presents two options for Chief Officer consideration to determine the appropriate strategic direction for the force regarding the use and governance of this functionality.
Chief Officers discussed the risks and benefits raised in the paper and agreed to the recommendation in option 2 - define appropriate use cases and develop policy and guidance for controlled use of mobile phone recording. - Universal flat caps
T/ACC Tracey Quiller proposed the introduction of a universal, black flat cap for all officers to replace the current female and male caps which have differing crown sizes and are produced in a bespoke blue. The introduction of a universal cap in a standard colour will provide a significant cost saving to the force. Associations across the force have been consulted and are supportive of the change.
Chief Officers approved the introduction of a replacement universal flat cap in black.
CLOSED SESSION – no record taken.
Date of next meeting
Tuesday 23 September 2025, 1pm, Clift Room.