Archived decisions

STRATEGIC FORWARD TOGETHER PROJECT

1. The Authority receives regular updates from the Chief Constable on the development of the Strategic Forward Together (SFT) project which is based upon the recommendations made in the original Strategic Forces Business case submitted to the Home Secretary in December as a result of the police force merger proposals at that time.

2. Despite reduced pressure from the Home Office for forced mergers and "Strategic Forces" the SFT project has remained focused on the development of Level 2 protective services in line with the recommendations made in the Strategic Forces Business Case.

3. Individual work packages have been developed for each department where funding has been allocated, and the associated options for delivery have been assessed against the funding available. The SFT Project Board has agreed to the implementation of a phased recruitment strategy from October, 2006 to April, 2008, which will achieve the improvements in protective services in line with the original commitment given to the Home Office.

4. The next stage of the project will focus on the coordination of the protective services recruitment phasing, whilst also taking into account the findings of the ongoing Estates Strategy Review, this being a significant issue for the development of some key business areas in protected services.

5. Members have noted progress being made under the 7 protective services headings of:-

· Major Crime.

· Serious, Organised and Cross Border Crime.

· Counter Terrorism and Extremism.

· Civil Contingencies and Emergency Planning.

· Critical Incidents.

· Public Order.

· Strategic Roads Policing.

M.J. ATTENBOROUGH-COX

Chairman