Information on peer support options and improvement networks.
Join our all-force knowledge sharing events
Our knowledge sharing events (KSEs) provide opportunities that support everyone in policing to reduce crime and keep people safe. They enhance professionalism, encourage consistency and improve leadership at all levels through discussion, sharing good practice and supporting forces to understand complex areas.
KSEs also offer networking and continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities covering areas across operational and organisational policing.
Some of the topics previously explored include:
- recognising and supporting neurodiversity in specialist roles
- understanding and implementing new areas of legislation, for example, the impact of the Sentencing Bill on policing
- developing and refreshing evidence-based practice standards in intelligence professionalisation programme
- describing evidence-based performance and engagement through Blue Light collaborations
- supporting recruitment and retention that enhances cultural change, talent management and succession planning through strategic workforce planning
- increasing the awareness of primary findings from independent inquiries such as child sexual abuse
Request a knowledge sharing event
Contact us to:
- request a knowledge sharing event
- receive invitations for future events
- join our peer support group on the Knowledge Hub, where we publish event recordings
Peer support for forces
Forces can ask for peer support to help understand issues, solve problems and try new initiatives.
Peer support helps improve police operations and the whole force by developing an enhanced understanding of issues through peer discussion and challenge.
It is inclusive, promotes diversity of thinking and is founded on the key principles of:
- respect
- shared responsibility
- mutual agreement of what is helpful
Types of peer support
We work with the force to develop terms of reference and scope. The force may be asked to complete a continuous improvement self-assessment matrix to explore the issue and think about what success could look like.
Based on the scope, the type of peer support we deliver may be:
- a two to three day peer review by a team of peers who may visit or work with forces virtually
- an organisational development or problem-solving workshop
- putting individuals in touch with peers from other forces who have relevant experience
- mentoring and coaching
- a bespoke development event
About our peers
Peers have expertise in a range of topics such as investigations, demand management, vulnerability, contact centre, local policing during COVID-19, CT, neighbourhood policing, managing change and workforce development.
They can be from:
- police forces
- a pool of specialist associates appointed by us
- the public, private and voluntary sectors
Peers use our transformation framework and help forces find practical ways to improve.
If your force would like to know more about peer support, contact: odfaculty@college.police.uk
Becoming a peer
Becoming a peer can help your continuing professional development. Police officers or staff at any level, rank or grade can become one.
Find out more by contacting: odfaculty@college.police.uk
Peer matching
Peer matching is a process where forces with an interest in developing or improving a particular product or process come together to highlight good practice and share knowledge.
Peer sharing sessions have been conducted on problem-solving, but this process can be applied to any topic.
Peer matching process
- Suitable forces are identified for the peer matching process. This is typically done in groups of four.
- A topic guide is jointly developed to identify core questions for each force to answer.
- Each force completes and shares a written submission based on the topic guide, and the processes or activities of interest are identified.
- Each force invites representatives of the other three forces to a face-to-face workshop to present on the issues of interest that were identified.
- Forces receive an individual report based on the discussions held during their host day, and an overall report is compiled which highlights themes, similarities and differences within and between each force.
To request inclusion in a peer matching activity, contact: evidence-basedperformanceimprovement@college.police.uk
Improvement networks
Our improvement networks connect people doing similar jobs in different police forces. Practitioners share knowledge, practice, challenges and experiences through facilitated online meetings and a dedicated online presence in the Knowledge Hub.
Networks support improvement across policing, as well as being a great continuing professional development opportunity. They cover a range of topics, including:
- continuous improvement and organisational learning
- demand
- artificial intelligence in policing
We welcome approaches from officers and staff who want to set up a new network, and we can provide guidance on how to establish and make the best use of your own networks.
To join a network, or if you’re interested in setting up a new one, contact: odfaculty@college.police.uk