Police leadership needs fundamental overhaul, review finds

A critical independent review has warned that police leadership in England and Wales is not consistently meeting high standards and necessitates a fundamental overhaul. The report, published by the Police Leadership Commission, found significant weaknesses in the systems designed to identify and develop leaders. It highlighted that chief constable positions in England and Wales often attract only a single suitable candidate, indicating a lack of a strong leadership pool.

“

The system for identifying and developing leaders was too weak, with chief constable roles in England and Wales often attracting a single suitable candidate.

The review also pointed to widespread low morale and motivation within the police service. To address these issues, it recommended reformed recruitment and promotion processes. Policing minister Sarah Jones affirmed that the report's findings will shape the government's "programme of police reform to strengthen leadership, raise standards and restore confidence in policing." Co-author Lord Blunkett emphasized the need for an "ethical reset" among senior officers, noting that eight former or serving chief constables are currently facing disciplinary action or awaiting results.

“

The recommendations would shape the government's programme of police reform to strengthen leadership, raise standards and restore confidence in policing.

Challenges identified in the report include resource scarcity, excessive paperwork, and officers feeling demotivated by leadership cultures that are perceived as negative and overly risk-averse. The Commission, co-chaired by former Labour home secretary Lord Blunkett and former Conservative policing minister Lord Herbert, was established in October 2025 amid declining public confidence and increased scrutiny of the police service's culture. Evidence was gathered through surveys, expert discussions, and public submissions.

“

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

Key areas of concern included a lack of leadership support for frontline officers, many of whom have less than five years' experience. The report also found inconsistencies in promotion systems, with some officers reporting concerns about nepotism and favoritism, alongside limited investment in leadership development. The Commission recommended restoring central funding for police leadership development, similar to other public services, and proposed a new senior constable rank to recognize experienced frontline officers. Additionally, it called for nationally accredited training for new constables, a revised sergeant qualification, and "urgent action to build a credible pipeline of future chief constables" through a proposed National Academy of Police Leadership.

“

Outstanding examples of those who have transformed delivery to the public but also extraordinarily worrying evidence requiring profound change.