NPCC Operating Model Pathfinder Programme - Acceptance of Funding

MOPAC hosts the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC). This paper seeks approval for the acceptance on behalf of the NPCC of upto £3,200,000 for 2021/22 of Home Office funding to support the Operating Model programme.

The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime is recommended to approve MOPAC entering into a grant agreement with the Home Office, on behalf of the NPCC, and receive up to £3,200,000 of funding in 2021/22 to guarantee delivery of the full business case and detailed design.

1. Introduction and background

1.1. The MOPAC hosts the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC), providing business support services, under a nationally agreed collaboration agreement.

1.2. The NPCC Operating Model is a transformation programme implemented by the NPCC. Following a grant received in 2020/21 to develop a full business case a ‘Pathfinder’ proposal paper was submitted to Chief Constables Council in February 2021. This proposal paper was agreed and funding has been confirmed from the Home Office for 2021/22

2. Issues for consideration

2.1. The objective of the operating model is to improve the co-ordination, communication and collaboration of NPCC work for the benefit of the whole policing system and includes the establishment of a Strategic Hub to coordinate a national approach to a number of capabilities such as workforce, data and technology and communication and engagement. Additionally further work on governance and a scheme of delegation will enhance the decision-making processes for Chief Constables when dealing with NPCC work streams.

3. Financial Comments

3.1. The NPCC have assured that the estimated costs will be fully funded from HO grant. Any costs not met by the HO grant funding will be funded from the NPCC budget and reserves. There is no financial exposure for MOPAC.

3.2. The funding only applies to 2021/22, and the NPCC are exploring other funding options to guarantee continued development and a move to a business as usual state.

4. Legal Comments

4.1. Under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 police and crime commissioners “must (a) secure the maintenance of the police force for that area, and (b) secure that the police force is efficient and effective”.

4.2. This grants will be paid to the MOPAC, as the host organisation for the NPCC, in exercise of the power conferred upon the Secretary of State for the Home Department under Section 48 of the Police Act 1996.

4.3. Under paragraph 4.8 of the MOPAC Scheme of Consent and Delegation the DMPC must approve “Bids for grant funding made and all offers made of grant funding; and/or where appropriate a strategy for grant giving”.

5. GDPR and Data Privacy

5.1. These proposals do not use personally identifiable data of members of the public therefore there are no GDPR issues to be considered.

6. Equality Comments

6.1. MOPAC is required to comply with the public sector equality duty set out in section 149(1) of the Equality Act 2010. This requires MOPAC to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations by reference to people with protected characteristics. The protected characteristics are: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

6.2. NPCC report that there are no equality implications arising from acceptance of this grant funding.

7. Background/supporting papers

Appendix 1 NPCC REPORT ON THE NPCC OPERATING MODEL PATHFINDER PROGRAMME