Member Report to SDC Community Services & Licensing Committee

Gloucestershire Police and Crime Panel

Panel Info: https://glostext.gloucestershire.gov.uk/mgCommitteeDetails.aspx?ID=650

Date of meeting: 11th September 2026

Summary of Meeting

The Panel received four substantive items: the Constabulary's Words Matter reporting guidelines, an update on the Combatting Drugs Partnership from Deputy PCC Nick Evans, the OPCC Community Engagement Strategy, and progress on the recruitment of a permanent Chief Constable. The Chief Executive's report covered the force financial position, Raneem's Law, the Sentencing Act 2026 and the Government's policing White Paper.

On Words Matter, the guidelines set reporting standards for police communicators on male violence against women and girls, requiring the active voice, precise naming of offences (for example “rape” rather than “serious sexual assault”), and language that does not shift responsibility onto victims. During question time I introduced the peer-led StopWatch study, Girls and Young Women's Research Project, which examined the experiences of young women and girls subjected to stop and search and strip search. I raised concern that many participants were not given records of the searches, were not told the reasons for the encounter, and in some cases experienced procedural failings apparently inconsistent with statutory requirements. I asked how local scrutiny arrangements, including stop and search scrutiny panels, legitimacy panels and the new Youth Advisory Group, would identify and respond to similar issues in Gloucestershire, referencing the former Community Complaints Trigger which referred matters for community scrutiny after a single complaint. Current arrangements differ from that policy. I asked for a considered response; this request does not appear in the draft minutes and I am querying it. The PCC responded on stop and search find rates, but the matter was not resolved at the meeting.

The Combatting Drugs Partnership was established in 2022 following Dame Carol Black's independent review. It brings together Public Health, the Constabulary, education, youth justice, treatment providers and people with lived experience, working to three national priorities: breaking drug supply chains, delivering a world class treatment and recovery system, and reducing demand. Since 2022 the county has moved to the provider Via, increased the number of adults and young people in treatment, and achieved retention rates in the top national quartile. Continuity of treatment for prison leavers remains difficult as the county has no prison within its borders; the rate of prison leavers entering community treatment within three weeks is 35%, meeting the current target, with an ambition of 44% in 2026/27. Ketamine use among young people was identified as a serious emerging concern and prompted a dedicated task and finish group. School-based prevention was acknowledged as the area of least progress, with a stronger focus planned in the 2026 to 2029 work programme.

The Community Engagement Strategy sets four priorities: increasing public understanding of the OPCC and Constabulary roles, building trust and confidence, ensuring diverse community voices are heard, and expanding engagement across all communities. The Trust and Confidence Survey identified women, people aged 16 to 35, and ethnic minority communities as underrepresented in current samples. Focus group work with the Gloucestershire Deaf Association is planned over coming months, and a Youth Advisory Group for ages 16 to 25 is being recruited through schools, colleges and community events. This discussion referenced work on strip search procedures where issues have been identified.

Recruitment of a permanent Chief Constable follows the retirement of the substantive post holder in July 2026. The timetable is: national advert live 3 September 2026; applications close 24 September 2026; shortlisting 28 September 2026; stage 3 interviews at the Sabrina Centre 12 October 2026; final interview panel 13 October 2026; Panel confirmation hearing 20 November 2026. A community consultation survey is being run for the first time, with responses themed to inform the first stage of interviews.

The Chief Executive's report noted a projected force overspend of £0.5m on a £185m budget to the end of July. Efficiency savings are forecast at £7.1m against £9.0m assumed in the budget, offset by £1.5m of savings in minimum revenue provision due to lower capital spend in 2025/26. On national developments: Raneem's Law will place domestic abuse specialists in force control rooms, with just over £100,000 secured for two specialists in the Force Control Room (domestic abuse is approximately 20% of recorded crime); key provisions of the Sentencing Act 2026 are implemented, including a presumption that custodial sentences of 12 months or less will normally be suspended and a Progression Model allowing release after roughly one third of sentence, with £195k offered to each PCC through a Surge Fund for victim support; and the White Paper, From Local to National: A New Model for Policing, remains under development. The PEEL inspection assessment is due to be published within weeks.

Key Issues for Members to Note

Future Meetings: 20th November 2026 Report Submitted By: Gareth Kitchen Date: 23rd October 2026