Independent Review of the
Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC): Summary of terms of
reference
Details
The Home Secretary has appointed Dr Gillian Fairfield (Chair of
the Disclosure and Barring Service) to lead an independent review
into the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The review
forms part of the wider Cabinet Office Public Bodies Review
Programme and will consider the IOPC’s efficacy,
efficiency, governance and accountability.
The IOPC is an
executive non-departmental public body responsible for overseeing
the police complaints system in England and Wales. It
investigates the most serious matters and allegations against the
police and other law enforcement bodies, including deaths and
serious injuries following police contact, and sets the standards
by which the police should handle complaints. It also carries out
reviews of complaints investigated by the police and has powers
to make learning recommendations and issue statutory guidance. It
is operationally independent of the government and the police.
The review will consider, in particular:
-
the extent to which the IOPC and
its Director General delivers its statutory functions,
including the requirement to establish and maintain public
confidence in: the police complaints system and the handling
of its functions in relation to the investigation of
complaints; and conduct matters and deaths and serious
injuries involving the police
-
whether the investigation process is effective and how it may
be improved
A summary of the review’s terms of reference is provided. The
review will draw upon data and evidence objectively, including
through consultation with wider stakeholders, representative
bodies and the Welsh government, as well as the Independent
Office for Police Conduct’s management and staff.
The review’s report and recommendations will be submitted to the
Home Secretary in Autumn 2023. A summary of the review’s key
findings and recommendations will subsequently be published on
GOV.UK.
Should you require further information about the review, please
contact IOPCReview@homeoffice.gov.uk.
