The Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel met on Thursday 17 September 2026 to discuss significant reforms to policing governance, the performance of Derbyshire Constabulary, and the force's financial strategy. Key decisions included noting the planned transfer of Police and Crime Commissioner functions to the Mayor of the East Midlands and receiving updates on the force's financial position and neighbourhood policing progress.

Police Reform and Transfer of PCC Functions

The Panel was updated on the Government's police reform programme, which includes the abolition of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) by May 2028. Functions will transfer to Strategic Authority Mayors where boundaries align, or to new Policing and Crime Boards. Derbyshire's PCC functions are set to transfer to the Mayor of the East Midlands through the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA). The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Derbyshire is actively involved in the Public Safety Integration Programme (PSIP) to ensure a smooth transition, covering governance, staffing, finance, estates, and community safety. The Panel noted the progress of the PSIP and will receive further updates as national reforms develop.

National Police Performance System Update

Members were informed about the introduction of a new national Policing Performance System, which categorises forces into four levels. Derbyshire Constabulary was assessed as a Level Two Force, indicating emerging or lower-level concerns requiring improvement and monitoring, but not significant intervention. This assessment was based on findings from the 2026 National Child Protection Inspection, specifically concerning the force's arrangements for recognising and responding to risks to children. Derbyshire Constabulary has developed a comprehensive improvement programme and is working with HMICFRS to demonstrate sustained improvement. A further inspection is scheduled for October, and the Panel welcomed the reported improvements.

Neighbourhood Policing

An update was provided on the progress of the strategic priority of 'Neighbourhood Policing'. The report detailed ongoing initiatives and activities, along with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Derbyshire Constabulary has continued to increase the number of officers in neighbourhood policing roles through the National Neighbourhood Policing Uplift Programme, with a target of 60 full-time equivalent (FTE) officers and staff across 2025/26 and 2026/27. By March 2026, the force had achieved growth of 49.03 FTE. The report also highlighted measures to strengthen neighbourhood policing capacity, including the introduction of an Enhanced Video Response service and robust governance arrangements to monitor officer abstractions. The Panel noted the update on progress against this strategic priority.

Medium-Term Financial Strategy and Plan

Panel members received an update on the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2026-2031 and Reserves Strategy 2026-2031 for Derbyshire Constabulary and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. An updated MTFP position as at August 2026 was presented, reflecting known changes affecting future budgets. Despite revised assumptions, the forecast identified a funding gap of approximately £3.8 million in 2027-2028, projected to increase in subsequent years due to changes in borrowing costs and the removal of temporary funding for the 2026-2027 police pay award. Panel members were also provided with an update on the current forecast outturn position for 2026-27, including revenue and capital expenditure, and the current Treasury Management performance. The Panel received these updates.

Response to Member Question

A written response to a question previously raised by a Panel Member to the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) was circulated. The question concerned recommendations from a Policy Exchange report titled 'Without-Fear-or-Favour' on 'Anti-Racism' in policing. The PCC stated that the recommendations covered a range of responsibilities across different organisations and would require legislative or national policy changes. The Commissioner's expectation is that Derbyshire Constabulary will police fairly, lawfully, and impartially. The response outlined the existing mechanisms for accountability and scrutiny, including internal professional standards, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), HMICFRS inspections, and the Commissioner's role in holding the Chief Constable to account. The Panel noted the written response.

Announcements from the PCC

The Panel was informed that interviews for the position of Chief Constable would be held on 2 December 2026, and the Panel would be kept informed of the recruitment process. An announcement was also made regarding a Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) Event titled Tackling Business Crime Together, scheduled for 3 November 2026, and Panel members were encouraged to attend.

Forthcoming Events

Training for Panel Members was arranged for Tuesday 13 October 2026, to be delivered via MS Teams by Dave Burn of Frontline Consulting.

The next meeting of the Panel was scheduled for Thursday 5 November 2026.