Police complaints training

A specialist area in which I work is the police complaints system, supporting colleagues from police forces and Local Policing Bodies to deliver their statutory duties in an efficient way.

Local Policing Body (LPB) Review Handling Skills

IOPC Statutory Guidance says reviews should be carried out by someone with "sufficient training", but there is no definition of what that training should be! This course therefore contains the things I wished someone had taught me when I first started carrying out the role.

As such, it is primarily aimed at new LPB review practitioners or those in the early months of their role. It is designed to give them a base level understanding of the police complaints system and the LPB review function, enabling them to return to their workplace with the confidence to undertake reviews in accordance with the Statutory Guidance and in line with local processes.

It is also useful for existing practitioners wanting a refresher around the principles to boost their confidence and reassure them that they are on the right track, and for managers who are supervising those completing reviews on a day-to-day basis and want a better understanding of the process so they can support their staff more effectively.

The content includes:

How to carry out a review validity check, including correctly identifying if the LPB is the correct review body;
Understanding and applying the four principles of Reasonable and Proportionate complaint handling;
What action to take at the conclusion of a review – uphold or not uphold, recommendation or oversight.

The course is delivered in person to maximise the benefit of discussions around case studies and the opportunity to build relationships with other practitioners who may be a good source of advice and support in the future.

What course attendees said

"The course content fulfilled my expectations and has really given me a better understanding."

"The course was a great refresher, and gave reassurance that I am continuing to provide outcomes in line with expectations."

"Being one of the new starters in the group, I felt comfortable sharing my experience and Richard made me feel at ease if I had any questions I needed answering."

"Very focused to OPCC offices which makes a huge difference."

About your trainer

I have worked within Local Policing Bodies since the introduction of PCCs in 2012, specialising in the delivery of the PCC's statutory responsibilities in the police complaints system. I have been a senior leader and practitioner, and can therefore bring experience and both strategic and tactical perspectives. I continue to carry out reviews for an OPCC alongside my training and consultancy work.