The Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel met on Thursday 30 April 2026 to discuss significant updates on police governance reform, responses to domestic abuse and violence, and recruitment and retention efforts for the police and fire services. Key decisions included noting the progress on police governance reform, requesting further information on domestic abuse statistics and campaign materials, and seeking additional data on staff sickness rates for both police and fire services.

Police Governance Reform

The Panel received a verbal update on proposed changes to police governance. The discussion highlighted that the government's White Paper outlined the abolition of Police and Crime Commissioner roles and Police and Crime Panels, with a seven-year programme for potential boundary changes and the creation of a National Police Service. Oversight of local policing would transition to a mixed model of mayors with oversight or policing and crime boards. The current functions of the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (OPFCC) and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) would transfer to a new policing and crime board, which would appoint a police and crime lead. The PFCC, Danielle Stone, expressed a preference for a mayoralty model and stressed the importance of coterminous boundaries with other public services to enhance community safety. Concerns were raised about the future of preventative and intervention work currently undertaken by the OPFCC and the need for independent complaint handling. Councillor Mark Arnull, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council, noted that the upcoming local elections could present devolution opportunities for the two Northamptonshire authorities, with a preference for a South East Midlands strategic authority. The Panel resolved to note the update on police governance reform.

Responses to Domestic Abuse and Domestic Violence in Northamptonshire

Vicky Martin, Director of Prevention for the OPFCC, presented an overview of the work being done to tackle domestic abuse and violence against women and girls (VAWG) in Northamptonshire. She highlighted that domestic abuse accounts for approximately 20% of policing demand in the county and that significant court backlogs mean many victims do not receive timely justice. The OPFCC's strategy focuses on early intervention, holding perpetrators to account, supporting victims and survivors, and building trust and confidence. Key initiatives include a six-year partnership insights profile on domestic abuse, a public awareness campaign on coercive and controlling behaviour, and enhanced support for women's safety through initiatives like the Safer Nights Out van and the installation of help points in public spaces. The early intervention team has received over 2,400 referrals in the last financial year. Project PIPA, a behaviour change programme for perpetrators, has shown an 80% reduction in reoffending rates. Raneem's Law, which places Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs) in the police control room, is being rolled out nationally. The Panel requested further information on the number of domestic abuse incidents and crimes, arrest rates for high-risk cases, and asked for the It's Not Love, It's Abuse campaign videos to be circulated. The Panel resolved to note the overview of responses to domestic abuse and domestic violence.

Supporting and Holding to Account Recruitment and Retention by Northamptonshire Police and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service

Paul Fell, Director of Performance for the OPFCC, presented an overview of recruitment and retention efforts for Northamptonshire Police and NFRS. He highlighted that increasing the visibility of frontline officers and staff is a key priority, and robust recruitment and retention processes are essential. The joint Enabling Services team has revised its recruitment campaign, leading to increased interest and applications, supported by a dedicated Recruitment Manager. Positive Action Support (PAS) is available to assist applicants from underrepresented groups. While there have been improvements in attracting applicants from certain minority ethnic groups and LGBTQ+ communities, further work is needed, particularly to attract applicants from Black communities and to increase female representation in the fire service. Attrition rates for wholetime firefighters are at their lowest on record, though retained firefighter attrition is a national concern. Investments have been made in occupational health and wellbeing services to reduce sickness and support early return to work. The Panel requested further information on staff sickness rates for both organisations and noted the overview of how the PFCC supports and holds the Chief Constable and Chief Fire Officer to account for recruitment and retention.

Police, Fire and Crime Panel Work Programme

James Edmunds, Democratic Services Assistant Manager, presented the latest version of the Panel's work programme. As this was the last meeting of the civic year, the Panel discussed potential topics for the upcoming year. A key point of discussion was the independent review arising from the Court of Appeal judgement against Northamptonshire Police, with the Panel requesting the approved terms of reference be circulated and confirmation of the timescale for its completion and presentation. The Panel endorsed the latest version of its outline work programme and noted the update on actions taken in response to previous resolutions.

Complaints and Conduct Matters Update

James Edmunds also presented an update on complaints and conduct matters relating to the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner. The report detailed that three non-criminal complaints concerning the conduct of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner were considered by the Panel's Complaints Sub Committee between September 2025 and February 2026. The Panel resolved to note the update.