GovWire

The Home Secretary has appointed Dr Gillian Fairfield (Chair of the Disclosure and Barring Service) to lead an independent review into the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The review forms part of the wider Cabinet Office Public Bodies Review Programme and will consider the IOPCs efficacy, efficiency, governance and accountability.

The IOPC is an executive non-departmental public body responsible for overseeing the police complaints system in England and Wales. It investigates the most serious matters and allegations against the police and other law enforcement bodies, including deaths and serious injuries following police contact, and sets the standards by which the police should handle complaints. It also carries out reviews of complaints investigated by the police and has powers to make learning recommendations and issue statutory guidance. It is operationally independent of the government and the police.

The review will consider, in particular:

• the extent to which theIOPCand its Director General delivers its statutory functions, including the requirement to establish and maintain public confidence in: the police complaints system and the handling of its functions in relation to the investigation of complaints; and conduct matters and deaths and serious injuries involving the police

• whether the investigation process is effective and how it may be improved

A summary of the reviews terms of reference is provided. The review will draw upon data and evidence objectively, including through consultation with wider stakeholders, representative bodies and the Welsh government, as well as the Independent Office for Police Conducts management and staff.

The reviews report and recommendations will be submitted to the Home Secretary in Autumn 2023. A summary of the reviews key findings and recommendations will subsequently be published on GOV.UK.

Should you require further information about the review, please contact IOPCReview@homeoffice.gov.uk.