Wiltshire PEEL 2015

The force has a good understanding of the demands on its services with efficient processes for deploying its resources, dependant on the level of threat, risk and harm faced by victims.

The force has a clear structure and processes in place to allocate resources both in the long term and on a day-to-day basis. There are sufficient levels of trained staff to manage calls for service, and resolve calls without the deployment of front line officers.

Some concern was raised by staff that police inspectors in the force were not fully engaged and did not always understand the rationale for changes to the allocation of staff or day-to-day redeployment across the force.

The force has completed a thorough analysis of demand (through its STOP project). In September 2015 it is commencing a pilot of a new operating model to meet local policing demand.

Performance is well managed, based on the quality of service provided with a clear understanding of this from senior managers and many staff. However, there was evidence of an inconsistent approach taken across the force by some managers and supervisors.

The force is collaborating, with other south west region police forces and with other agencies such as the Wiltshire County Council to further reduce costs and maintain services.

The current workforce model is affordable and appears suitable for the demand currently experienced.
The force has a strong structure with good processes so it can make decisions about the allocation of resources to meet demand within its existing budget.

The future workforce model is not well-developed as yet and will be informed by the STOP project, including the pilot operating model, and the developing strategic alliance with Avon and Somerset Constabulary.

The force has identified the level of savings it expects to make from the introduction of the new operating model and the potential savings as the strategic alliance progresses. However, the force is not yet at a stage where it can identify what the future level and skills required of police officers and police staff will be.

A flexible approach has been taken with an allocated reserve of money set aside to enable continued recruitment of police officers and enable the force to manage costs associated with changes to workforce numbers.

The current position of the force does, to a certain extent, buy the force additional time to develop a detailed workforce plan. However, the significant lead in time to effectively develop the skills and capability, rather than the numbers or capacity, of its workforce means that the force should be looking to rapidly develop its plans.

Wiltshire Police has a strong record of achieving the savings required under the spending review and demonstrates effective financial management.

The force has set a balanced budget for 2015/2016 with identified savings some of which have already been realised.

Finances have been secured from two successful bids from the Police Innovation Fund and the force actively seeks out other funding sources.

There is effective financial control in place with devolved budget holders who are supported by the force finance department. There are regular meetings between budget holders and the finance department to review financial performance, identify gaps or savings and adjust budgets appropriately.

The force’s assistant chief officer finance is also the finance officer for the police and crime commissioner and has good oversight and governance of both strategic and day-to-day financial management. This arrangement also ensures information is shared and the force works closely with the office of the police and crime commissioner providing timely, relevant information and using shared assumptions to develop financial planning.

The force has a strong understanding of its current financial position and the likely future financial position. It has identified savings for 2015/2016 and beyond this by the implementation of a new operating model and development of the strategic alliance with Avon and Somerset Constabulary.