Cheshire PEEL 2018
Efficiency
How efficiently does the force operate and how sustainable are its services to the public?
How well does the force use its resources to meet the demand it faces?
This question was not subject to detailed inspection in 2018/19, and our judgment from the 2017 efficiency inspection has been carried over.
How well does the force plan for the future?
Areas for improvement
- The constabulary should develop and complete its understanding of likely future demand.
- The constabulary should develop and use an effective talent management programme. This would realise the potential of the workforce, and help develop for the future.
- The constabulary should review its training functions and plans to ensure they maximise the investment opportunities and provide the training needed for the workforce.
Cheshire Constabulary is generally good at planning for the future. This is a change of grade from our 2017 assessment, in which the constabulary was considered outstanding.
There has been a focus more recently on IT improvements to establish working practices. These include mobile working and control room systems. Attention is now turning to the operational side, to improve efficiency.
Recent leadership changes and more sophisticated technology is helping the constabulary deal with growing demand and informing its future plans. It is now in a good position to develop the longer term plans it needs for the future.
The constabulary communicates well with the public. And it will soon launch new online communication tools to make it easier for people to access its services.
Cheshire Constabulary has good financial plans. It has made savings and protected frontline policing. Recruiting externally brings in new skills and experience. The constabulary would now benefit from developing its talent management and training programmes.
The constabulary aims to make further improvements, and continue to work with other agencies, to provide the best service possible.
Detailed findings for question 2