Agenda item

Report of the Commissioner.

The Committee received a report of the Commissioner which provided an update on the Violence against Women and Girls activity (VAWG). The Chair welcomed the Temporary Chief Superintendent to their first meeting of the Committee and noted the positive steps taken on the introduction of the listening circles for women in policing.

The Committee discussed the Force’s engagement with the local VAWG sector representatives and how the National Police Chiefs' Council analysis of safe spaces being incorporated into the City of London Corporation’s polices.

The Committee requested further information on the implementation of internal inclusion policies. It was confirmed that Officers were comfortable with the formal disciplinary procedures but noted that issues could be caused at a lower-level by inappropriate behaviour and culture which needed to be continually challenged. Additionally, it was noted that the Force had been chosen as an ice breaker organisation for key actions from the National Race Action Plan

Following a request from the Chair of Police Authority Board Officers undertook to review whether the establishment of a Banter Policy for the Force would be appropriate for the City of London Police.

In response to a Member’s query it was confirmed that that an anonymised Staff survey for staff was completed annually and this included a reporting system for staff concerns regarding equality and inclusion. The Chair noted that staff perception of issues, even if not correct, were important to note. It was confirmed that the results of the survey would be presented to Members in due course once the Force had run the survey.

The Chair noted the risk for the Force when dealing with legal but harmful online content, with regard to the Online Harm Bill.

Following a question from the Chair Officers provided an update on the Police-Perpetrator Super Complaint.

RESOLVED- That the report be noted.