Back in 2019, the Government announced plans to recruit an additional 20,000 police officers across England and Wales by the end of March 2023. A year earlier, I had also promised to recruit an extra 250 officers paid for by residents via an increase in their local tax precept.

On Wednesday, Sussex Police recognised reaching both the Government’s Uplift and my local target at their largest ever attestation which took place at the East Sussex National Hotel.

At the ceremony, 107 new police officers pledged, in front of their families, loved ones, the Chief Constable, senior officers and staff, a local magistrate and both newly-appointed High Sheriffs, to serve with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality in their roles as Police Constables and Detective Constables.

It is always a privilege to attend an attestation of new officers to Sussex Police and, given the size of this cohort, the event was particularly significant.

Those who were sworn in will be expected to serve the public without fear or favour and uphold the finest traditions of British policing. It is reassuring for Sussex residents that so many individuals have decided to take this oath of service and make policing their career of choice.

More on the attestation on my website early next week.

This is a commitment by all Chief Constables in England and Wales to address racial bias towards Black people – it will look at how policing challenges ‘the policies, procedures, operations and cultures in policing where racism, bias and discrimination exists.’

The Police Race Action Plan has the support of the Association of Police & Crime Commissioners and will be driven by the National Police Chiefs Council and the College of Policing through three main workstreams: internal culture and inclusivity; community engagement and relations; and police use of powers.

There were senior police leaders and PCCs (including representatives from Mayors’ offices) at the meeting and attendees heard some powerful reminders of past promises of cultural change – from the Scarman report of the 1980s onwards – that have still not fully materialised.

With the stinging assessment of Baroness Casey’s report into the Met Police still resounding across all police forces, the Police Race Action Plan is another essential next step in re-establishing public trust.

Katy Bourne OBE

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner

Chief executive’s bulletin

14 April 2023

NALC partners with GoCollaborate 

We’re delighted to announce we’ve partnered with GoCollaborate, a ground-breaking digital platform transforming how communities and generations work together. They have developed an innovative participatory online community engagement platform, tailored consultation support and helped local (parish and town) councils achieve inclusive public engagement. Local councils use their online community engagement platform to develop their neighbourhood plans and apply for levelling up funding opportunities to create prosperous and sustainable communities. Please find out more about our new partners.

NALC seeks writers for its Good Councillor’s guide series 

NALC is updating The Good Councillor’s guide! An essential guide for new councillors, those thinking about becoming a councillor and long-established councillors. We are looking for an individual to work freelance to lead the update of this guide. The right person for this work will have a good knowledge of how local councils operate, and in particular, a strong understanding of the role of a local councillor and a passion for helping councillors in their roles. We’re committed to finding someone to work on the guide and other resources over a more extended period, and we’ll provide training and support to build knowledge and confidence. So, if you’re interested in this opportunity and would like an informal discussion, please email NALC at charlotte.eisenhart@nalc.gov.uk or complete the form by 1 June 2023 to submit your interest.

Join our Local Council Award Scheme panel 

We’re looking for experienced councillors and clerks to join the national accreditation panel for the Local Council Award Scheme. We are incredibly grateful for the time and energy that panel members give to the scheme, which means that local councils across England can take part in this initiative. Suppose you are keen to hone your knowledge and experience of local council practice, interested in seeing how other councils operate and offering them feedback to help improve, and excited about working with other councillors and clerks. In that case, I’d encourage you to register your interest in joining the national panel.

Infrastructure Levy call for evidence 

You may be aware the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) have issued a consultation on the Infrastructure Levy to inform the design of the Levy and of regulations that will set out its operation in detail. The Infrastructure Levy is a reform to the existing system of developer contributions – Section 106 planning obligations and the Community Infrastructure Levy in England. We will respond to the consultation and want your views on the consultation questions. Please send your opinions to NALC at chris.borg@nalc.gov.uk by 19 May 2023.

On the blog: Policy Committee 

This week’s blog is from NALC’s Policy Committee chair, Cllr David Francis, who writes about how co-options can be a positive tool for local councils when used responsibly and creatively. Having a mix of councillors from various backgrounds is particularly beneficial for local councils. The blog outlines the process for co-opting a councillor that your local council can follow.

Local Council Award Scheme 

Just a quick reminder that the next deadline for applications to the national panel of the Local Council Award Scheme is 5 May 2023 (4 pm). The scheme celebrates the success of local councils and accredits councils at Foundation, Quality and Quality Gold levels. It also provides a framework for councils looking to show they meet the standards set by the sector and for continuous improvement. To learn more about the scheme, visit our website or contact your county association.

And finally… 

Congratulations to Wem Town Council, Cleobury Mortimer Town Council and Bishop’s Castle Town Council, who were recently awarded grant funding from Shropshire Council to support projects that enrich the opportunities for young people in their community and activities for children and families. The remaining pot of grant funding is £105,000, Shropshire Council have written to local councils on how they can bid for up to £25,000 for additional activity in their communities to support the health and wellbeing of the children, young people and families.