Police leadership needs 'ethical reset', Lord Blunkett tells BBC

The police service in England and Wales is falling short of necessary standards, requiring a fundamental "ethical reset" of its leadership, according to a major report co-authored by former Labour Home Secretary Lord Blunkett. The findings, due to be published imminently, point to widespread issues with leadership, morale, and the overall culture within the service.

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At the moment, the service isn't good enough. At the moment, the morale and motivation of many of those working in the service needs a reset.

"At the moment, the service isn't good enough," Lord Blunkett stated in an interview. "At the moment, the morale and motivation of many of those working in the service needs a reset." The report, produced in collaboration with former Conservative policing minister Lord Herbert for the College of Policing, is expected to conclude that "significant causes for concern" necessitate a "fundamental overhaul" of police leadership. This comprehensive review was commissioned to ensure the service could effectively address evolving threats and meet government targets amid declining public confidence.

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I think at the moment, there are eight former or serving chief constables who are either under disciplinary action or awaiting the result.

Compounding the concerns, the report highlights that none of the 43 police forces in England and Wales received an "outstanding" rating for leadership in the latest inspection round. A substantial portion, nearly a third, were deemed to require improvement, with two rated as inadequate. Lord Blunkett noted that the review uncovered evidence of numerous senior figures facing or having faced investigations, with eight former or serving chief constables currently under disciplinary action or awaiting outcomes.

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All of that leads us to believe that a new ethical reset is required.

The report also identifies challenges such as resource scarcity and excessive bureaucracy, which contribute to officers feeling "demotivated" by leadership cultures perceived as overly risk-averse. Addressing the sensitive issue of "two-tier policing," Lord Blunkett acknowledged a perception exists, suggesting a shift from past issues of overt racism to current debates around "woke" culture. However, the report explicitly states there is no place for "culture wars or woke" within the service, emphasizing the need for a clear ethical direction.

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We make it clear in the report that there's no room for culture wars or woke. It isn't th