myAIPMLeaders must take an evidence-based, workforce-centred approach to future proofing policing
Jon Parry | Policing Insight
"Jon Parry, Head of Research at Skills for Justice, was part of the conversation at the recent Police Foundation conference exploring the skills and capabilities required to build a workforce capable of meeting the challenges of the next 20 years; here he shares findings from his research, taking an evidence-based, workforce-centred approach to future proofing policing.
In working closely with police forces over the last 12 years to conduct research which informs policy, skills development and training, it has become clear that future-focused policing will only be achieved by ensuring change is driven and informed by what the workforce is telling us – not about today, but about tomorrow.
While the impact of recurring skills issues will be far reaching in the next 10-20 years, it will be the unexpected convergence of multiple issues that will shape the demands facing policing. Developing effective plans, strategies and capabilities (grounded in an understanding of these potential future challenges and opportunities) will prove complex and critical.
Although it’s clear that there will never be a ‘one size fits all’ solution to future-proof policing, research brings us closer to recognising the trends likely to drive and define the character of the workforce through to 2040. This points us towards framing the focus around two key questions: what needs to happen in the workforce to support its realisation, and why is effective leadership key?
To prepare for a range of possible future outcomes, police leaders must begin to ‘horizon scan’, to ask the right questions about skills gaps, skills shortages, and skills mismatches. Only then will they be in a position to implement the right skills, in the right place, at the right time."
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Leaders must take an evidence-based, workforce-centred approach to future proofing policing, Jon Parry, Policing Insight, 2021