College of Policing: 20 February 2024
Published 30 April 2024
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Introduction
1. The Chair of the Review, Jonathan Fisher KC, summarised the terms of reference and explained the scope of the Review. He outlined the themes emerging from the Review’s engagement. The discussion that followed focused on the training available to Police officers with a specific focus on disclosure training.
Discussion
Learning and Training
2. The role of the College of Policing was explained. An overview was given on the work undertaken within the College as part of the national disclosure improvement plan.
3. There was discussion about mandatory and non-mandatory police training. The National Police Curriculum (NPC) and education standards set by the College were discussed, and it was explained that disclosure is a thread running throughout these (as well as guidance).
4. There was a discussion on the various routes through which officers join the Police service. Outlining that disclosure content is included in all initial entry routes. On initial entry routes Higher Education Institutes (HEI), who are licensed to use the College of Policing materials, then use these to deliver the learning. HEIs provide feedback on the materials and the College has a quality standards assessment process, which includes onsite audits.
5. On the broader framework of learning standards in the NPC, it was explained that these are designed for local learning and development in forces to guide consistent ongoing training in forces. Providing learning standards allows local areas the flexibility required to manage the workforce needs (for example, the developmental needs of specific officers, abstraction of frontline resources, etc) to undertake training locally. The framework of standards also covers disclosure.
6. On development opportunities for police officers following the completion of their initial training routes, it was explained that further training is managed locally and role dependent. The College provides a bespoke programme of further national learning materials on disclosure for use by local training teams. It was also explained that disclosure is present in the syllabus of relevant police supervisory exams.
7. It was recognised that despite past efforts across many years to improve knowledge through training, training alone has not solved the complex issues underpinning disclosure, even when specifically targeted training has been provided.
8. Following feedback on digital training, it was observed that officers learn better from an approach which includes point of need training, and face-to-face learning. Academic evidence also suggests that blended learning styles are more effective than digital training on complex subjects. The College created a national role profile for the Disclosure Champion, outlining the requirements and levels of expertise needed to help improve officer understanding, and disclosure practices, locally.