Oversight board terms of reference
Updated 9 April 2024
Applies to England and Wales
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Purpose
The purpose of the Police Covenant Oversight Board is to ensure the long-term success of the police covenant and the delivery of specific outcomes. The board will define and agree outcomes and measures to be achieved as part of that reporting year and be jointly accountable for driving and monitoring progress. Ultimately, this will assist the Home Secretary in the preparation of an annual report to parliament on the police covenant.
Membership
- Home Office (chair)
- Welsh Government
- College of Policing (to include NPWS lead)
- Association of Police and Crime Commissioners
- National Police Chiefs’ Council
- Police Federation of England and Wales
- Police Superintendents’ Association
- Unison
- Chief Police Officers’ Staff Association
- Independent board member(s)
- His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services
The board will be chaired by the Minister of State for Crime and Policing to ensure a clear line of sight through to the annual report to Parliament. Other persons may be invited to attend meetings of the Police Covenant Oversight Board by the chair when required.
Geographical scope
The geographical scope of the board refers to matters covering the 43 territorial police forces in England and Wales. The board will also co-ordinate the reporting requirement for matters relating to the National Crime Agency, British Transport Police, the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, and the Ministry of Defence Police.
Frequency
The board will meet every quarter at the Home Office, 2 Marsham Street, London or virtually where appropriate quarterly meetings will provide a mechanism to respond quickly to any emerging issues.
Meeting agenda and secretariat
The agenda will consist of relevant items from the agreed programme of work. It will routinely include:
- minutes of previous meetings
- updates on actions previously agreed
- progress against agreed outcomes/measures
- the annual report to Parliament
Minutes and actions will be circulated by the secretariat within 10 working days after the meeting.
The secretariat function will be carried out by the Home Office.
The terms of reference and membership will be reviewed after the initial 6 months and at least every 2 years thereafter.