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As he prepared to step down after five years at HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, Catherine Levin caught up with Sir Andy Cooke for the For Every Response podcast. During the episode, he reflects on a period of significant change across policing and fire and rescue, and the work that still lies ahead.
Having spent much of his career in a single force, primarily with Merseyside Police, the move into a national inspection role marked a major shift in perspective. While previous national roles had given him some exposure to wider policing, the inspectorate brought a different level of insight. “What you don’t see so much when you’re predominantly in the one force is the different number of approaches that forces take: the different leadership styles, the different IT and tech, the different systems they have, the different standards as well,” he explains.
Despite that variation in approach, one thing remains the same at each organisation he’s experienced. “The overriding professionalism of the vast majority of police officers and fire and rescue officers was absolutely fantastic,” he tells Catherine. “People really do want to keep people safe.”
Getting the basics right
That national vantage point has also brought persistent challenges into sharper focus, particularly around core performance. “Having strong performance is essential for any public safety organisation,” he says. Yet in policing, fundamental elements continue to fall short. “For the last three years I’ve been seeing some real issues in relation to getting the basics right.”
Alongside this, wider concerns around supervision, behaviour and standards have come under increasing scrutiny. While chiefs are working to improve, he acknowledges that resource pressures remain a constraint.
Improving communication, both with the public and the media, is another key part of getting the basics right by rebuilding confidence. “It’s important that the police have direct contact with people who can get the message out,” Sir Andy says, supporting efforts to strengthen relationships with both national and local press. Clear, accurate communication is essential not just in positive situations, but during more difficult moments too. The recent release of the Policing and Media Charter is a major step forward to improve the relationships.
Collaboration: progress and barriers
On collaboration between services, the picture is mixed he says. While examples such as joint working in Northamptonshire demonstrate what can be achieved, progress is inconsistent.
Greater structural change may help. Moves towards mayoral governance and potential reforms to policing structures could create opportunities for more efficient joint working. “You don’t need 43 police forces all with their own HR capability. Bringing that together allows more resource to go to the front line,” Sir Andy tells Catherine.
At an operational level, however, there has been clearer progress. The Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles (JESIP) approach, he says, is now well embedded. “It’s important that agencies are working better together,” he adds, with further inspection work planned to assess its effectiveness.
Culture and accountability
Cultural reform remains a major focus across both policing and fire and rescue services. “We’re seeing some really good approaches,” Sir Andy says, pointing to forces and services that have made significant progress.
“If you can get your culture right and get people believing in what you’re doing, that makes a really big difference.”
While negative findings still emerge, he believes the overall trajectory is positive. “I think most forces and services are in a far better place now than they were five years ago.”
The inspectorate’s role in driving that change may also evolve. Proposed reforms could grant powers to direct action in cases of public safety concern, rather than relying solely on recommendations. While he does not expect such powers to be used frequently, their existence could sharpen focus. “Just the fact that I have the power is the important thing.”
Victims and the wider system
For all the progress made, the experience of victims remains a concern. Communication gaps and delays continue to undermine confidence, while pressures across the wider criminal justice system compound the issue. “Victims are getting a bad deal, not just from policing, but the amount of time it takes for cases to get to court,” Sir Andy says.
Technology may offer part of the solution. Tools that provide updates throughout a case could help keep victims informed, although he stresses that human interaction remains essential. “Policing is a people business at the end of the day,” he concludes.
Looking ahead
As policing prepares for significant structural reform, including potential consolidation of forces and the development of national functions, Sir Andy is broadly optimistic.
“My firm belief is that if the policing reform white paper is carried out in its entirety, we will have safer communities and we will have better policing for our communities.”
Reflecting on his time in the role, Sir Andy stops short of declaring the job complete, but is confident progress has been made. He points to improvements in neighbourhood policing, rising detection rates, and stronger approaches to vetting and culture. But he is equally quick to credit the team around him.
“It’s not me who’s done that: I have a fantastic team,” he tells Catherine. “They know their role is crucial, and they do it exceptionally well.”
As he steps away, the challenges facing policing and fire and rescue remain significant. But so too, he suggests, is the commitment of those working within them to meet those challenges head on.
Listen to the full episode below.
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