Leadership and workforce summit 2026

Chief officers from police forces across England and Wales came together at a two-day leadership and workforce summit hosted by the College of Policing, to build on the momentum of the Police Leadership Commission's recommendations.

The event marked the first major national appearance by Jo Noakes as interim Chief Executive of the College. She opened the summit alongside Lord Herbert of South Downs, co-chair of the Commission and Chair of the College of Policing, who addressed the leadership challenges facing a service undergoing reform. 

The longer that I have been in position in the college, the more sure I am that leadership is the key to almost everything else that we talk about". 

Lord Herbert, co-chair of the Commission and Chair of the College

Lord Herbert announced the creation of an implementation group to drive the Commission's recommendations forward, chaired by Gloucestershire Chief Constable Maggie Blyth, the Commission's former Deputy CEO of the College. The group will focus initially on the recommendations that can be actioned now by the service. 

There should be an implementation group, in line with the Commission's final recommendation, bringing together the National Police Chiefs' Council, the College of Policing and the Home Office to drive these recommendations forward. 

The service shouldn't play a passive role here. I'm delighted that Maggie Blyth has agreed to chair the group. She was closely involved in developing these proposals, and now brings the perspective of someone running a force." 

Lord Herbert, co-chair of the Commission and Chair of the College

Discussions covered the Commission's recommendations, including a national leadership fast stream, a new senior constable rank, reformed promotion processes and a National Academy of Police Leadership, as well as what wider reform of the policing landscape means for leadership and workforce planning. 

The Commission has made a compelling case for change. The task now is for all of us in the policing system to work together to turn that ambition into a practical, coherent and deliverable programme. The College is committed to playing its full part, working in partnership and keeping a clear focus on outcomes for policing and the public." 

Jo Noakes, interim Chief Executive of the College