HMIC Inspection Methodologies
Best Value Review - An Introduction to the Process
By virtue of Section 1(1)(d) of the Local Government Act 1999, all police authorities in England and Wales are required to make arrangements to secure continuous improvement in the way in which the function of policing is exercised within their force area, having regard to a combination of economy, efficiency and effectiveness.
Police authorities must prepare a Best Value performance plan (BVPP) for each financial year in accordance with orders and guidance issued under the Act. In particular, the authority must conduct reviews of its functions and publish a programme of the BVRs. Whilst it is clear the police authority has the legal accountability for Best Value, the chief constable is constitutionally personally responsible for operational service delivery. Consequently, they will have to work together to ensure that BVRs make a significant improvement to service delivery.
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) is charged with the responsibility for inspecting all BVRs within the police service. The resulting reports are ‘public’ documents, and in every case a copy will be forwarded to the Secretary of State, the chair of the police authority and the chief constable or commissioner of the force concerned.
Reviewing authorities must demonstrate that they have challenged why and how a service is being provided; compared their performance with others; embraced fair competition to secure efficient and effective services; and consulted with local people, customers and stakeholders.
The purpose of independent inspection, and thus of this report, is to:
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Enable the public to see whether Best Value is being delivered;
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Enable the inspected body to see how well it is doing;
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Enable the Home Secretary to see how well Best Value is working;
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Identify failing services where remedial action may be necessary; and
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Identify and disseminate good practice.
