An update from Superintendent Leanne Lowe of West Mercia Police detailing the progress and actions the police have taken in response to the Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy (PEEL) inspection findings.

The Detective Superintendent West Mercia Police provided an overview and update on the force’s response to the inspection findings, and, along with partners, answered questions from the committee:

1. The Detective Superintendent explained that HMICFRS was due to return in May 2026 to reassess progress against the accelerated cause of concern, following submission of evidence indicating that some recommendations had been met. It was further noted that a national child protection inspection was scheduled for 13 July 2026, with the force currently engaged in the data-gathering phase.

2. Regarding system assurance, the committee asked how partners could evidence a transition from crisis recovery to consistent safeguarding practice. Partners explained that that there was currently no backlog in Herefordshire, and that assurance was provided through multi-agency audits, quality assurance processes, and regular dip sampling of cases. This included reviews of decisions not to refer cases onward, monthly sampling of approximately 25-26 cases, and strengthened partnership communication enabling swift verification of concerns.

3. A member queried what circumstances led frontline officers to undertake child risk assessments, whether this represented a recent development, and how such work fitted within broader policing priorities. The Detective Superintendent clarified that staff were expected to consider the presence and safety of children at every incident, applying professional curiosity where necessary. Safeguarding was confirmed as a high organisational priority supported by significant resourcing.

4. The committee asked what tangible benefits improved practice would deliver for children and young people in the county. It was explained that, while most children would hopefully not require police contact, those who did would experience a timely and appropriate response, with effective partnership intervention and improved identification of vulnerability by trained officers.

5. The committee enquired about risks associated with the revised system, alongside mitigation measures. The Detective Superintendent identified potential risks such as the re-emergence of backlogs and system pressures, but highlighted safeguards including: real-time performance monitoring, weekly senior oversight, strengthened governance structures, and ongoing collaboration with partners to mitigate these risks.

6. Members questioned whether feedback from families and children was actively gathered regarding their experience. It was acknowledged by the partners that this had not yet been implemented, but it was recognised as important and would be considered once current system improvements were fully embedded.

7. In relation to quality assurance, the committee asked whether the impact of changes and the voice of the child were captured through existing processes. It was confirmed that triangulated quality assurance arrangements include feedback from families on multi-agency working. To date, no concerns had been identified regarding police involvement.

8. The committee proposed that a follow-up report be provided to review progress. This Statutory Scrutiny Officer suggested an update and, where available, findings from the national child protection inspection be added to the committee’s work programme longlist for consideration.

9. The committee discussed operational arrangements within the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), the position across partner authorities, and risks of regression. Partners confirmed that the police retained a presence in MASH through daily “floor walkers,” ensuring visibility and responsiveness. All four local authority areas were described as performing well, with one rated outstanding, and ongoing collaboration enabled shared learning. Risks of regression were mitigated through regular performance monitoring and governance oversight.

10. Regarding safeguarding around technology and automation, the Detective Superintendent clarified that systems in use were based on robotic process automation rather than artificial intelligence. Human oversight remained integral, with officers reviewing all information and exercising professional judgement to ensure relevance and accuracy.

At the conclusion of the debate the committee discussed and agreed the following recommendation:

·       West Mercia Police should pilot mechanisms to hear from children and families in Herefordshire with whom they have worked, to understand and improve their practice.