Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government how frequently police officers will have to renew a licence to work under proposed policing reforms; and what training officers will need to do, if any, to secure the licence that they do not currently undertake in the course of their duties.

As set out in the White Paper ‘From local to national: a new model for policing’, a Licence to Practise will signify the unique position our officers hold through the Office of Constable while ensuring that all officers are provided with the right wellbeing support, training and development to succeed. It is important that we carefully consider all options for Licence model, including how a Licence is issued and renewed, and we will work closely with policing to make sure that we develop a model that is beneficial for officers and the public.

A Licence to Practise will provide a system that brings together mandatory training alongside consistent professional development. We will explore how a Licence can build on accreditations and licensing which are currently delivered by the College of Policing in specialist operational areas.

Our first priority is to ensure the service is set for a Licence model which includes developing a strong performance management system and delivering consistent leadership standards and wellbeing support.