The Police and Crime Panel was scheduled to receive an update on the findings of the HMICFRS National Child Protection Inspection and Durham Constabulary's progress in addressing identified areas for improvement. The panel was also set to discuss how the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is holding the Chief Constable to account for delivering these improvements.

HMICFRS National Child Protection Inspection: PCC Oversight, Accountability and Force Improvement Update

The meeting was scheduled to include a report from the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) regarding the HMICFRS National Child Protection Inspection of Durham Constabulary, which was published in May 2026. The inspection identified strengths in safeguarding vulnerable children and partnership working, but also highlighted four areas for improvement: risk management, exploitation recording, perpetrator management, and workforce capability.

Durham Constabulary had accepted these findings and implemented an improvement programme. The report was intended to outline how the PCC monitors this progress through regular performance, governance, and accountability arrangements, seeking assurance that improvements are leading to better outcomes for children and young people across County Durham and Darlington.

The report pack indicated that the HMICFRS inspection graded Durham Constabulary as 'Good' in responding to children at risk of harm and working with safeguarding partners. However, it was graded as 'Adequate' in leadership of child protection arrangements and risk assessment and referrals, and 'Requires Improvement' in investigating child abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

The report also detailed the accountability framework between the Chief Constable, the Police and Crime Commissioner, and the Police and Crime Panel. The Chief Constable is responsible for operational policing and service delivery, while the PCC holds the Chief Constable to account through scrutiny and challenge, and provides public assurance. The Police and Crime Panel's role is to hold the PCC to account through governance oversight and scrutiny.

The report highlighted that child protection is central to the Police, Crime & Justice Plan 2025-29, with a focus on protecting vulnerable young people, improving outcomes, prevention, early intervention, strong partnership working, and effective policing.

The Police and Crime Panel was recommended to note the findings of the HMICFRS inspection and the progress made by Durham Constabulary. They were also to receive a presentation from the PCC and question them on the governance, scrutiny, and assurance arrangements in place to hold the Chief Constable accountable for delivering sustained improvements in child protection and safeguarding outcomes.

The report pack also included a call for collective action regarding unregistered and unregulated children's homes, supporting calls for stronger local and national oversight and regulation to reduce their impact on vulnerable children, communities, and public services across County Durham and Darlington.