Why workforce planning matters now more than ever

As crime grows more complex and resources become increasingly stretched, it is vital that policing has the right people, with the right skills, in the right place at the right time. Effective workforce planning is essential to ensure that police forces can respond to emerging threats, harness digital opportunities, and deliver the highest standards of public service.

However, approaches to workforce planning across the sector have often been inconsistent, with varied methodologies and a lack of shared language or structure. This can make it difficult to share learning, identify best practice, or align local and national priorities.

Our trailblazer approach

To address these challenges, Skills for Justice is supporting the trailblazer forces in:

  • Designing and delivering local workforce plans tailored to each force’s unique needs.
  • Developing a consistent, nationally standardised structure for workforce planning, informed by local insight and robust data.
  • Identifying and standardising key metrics and language for demand, workforce, and analytics.
  • Aligning workforce planning with Force Management Statements, financial planning, and core strategic strategies.
  • Ensuring current and future workforces are matched to demand and technological advancements.

What trailblazer forces receive

Each trailblazer force benefits from:

  • Expert support and guidance to co-create their strategic workforce plan.
  • A structured, adaptable workforce planning template developed through the project.
  • Workshops and drop-in sessions with specialists in data, demand, policing, and workforce planning.
  • A dedicated online community of practice, providing a central hub for ‘Workforce planning in policing.’

 

National impact: Resources for all forces

Beyond the trailblazer forces, this project is laying the foundation for national improvement. The trailblazer group is supporting the creation of:

  • A comprehensive handbook for workforce planning in policing, accessible to all UK police forces.
  • A standardised workforce planning template for consistent use nationwide.
  • Action plans, toolkits, communication templates, and other practical resources.
  • A detailed glossary covering key terms in workforce planning, demand, analytics, and data.
  • A secure online community of practice, enabling all forces to collaborate, share learning, and access the latest resources.

Screenshot of online community of practice

Building a stronger future for policing

By working together, Skills for Justice, the NPCC, and our trailblazer forces are setting a new standard for workforce planning in policing. This project will help ensure that every force, regardless of size or location, can plan effectively for the future, respond to changing demands, and deliver the best possible service to the public.

 

Get in touch

If you’re interested in finding out more about this project, or want to learn more about our workforce planning services, get in touch with us today.

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