Response to HMICFRS report into the effectiveness of vetting and counter-corruption arrangements in Gwent Police
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HMICFRS today confirmed that its inspection found that the effectiveness of arrangements for vetting and counter-corruption in Gwent Police are adequate.
HMICFRS today (Friday 16 June) confirmed that its inspection found that the effectiveness of arrangements for vetting and counter-corruption in Gwent Police are adequate.
The inspection took place in December 2022.
The inspection report found that:
- All transferees joining Gwent Police are subject to a full re-vet prior to appointment.
- Vetting for non-police personnel is effectively managed.
- Vetting checks are completed following misconduct meetings/hearings.
- We regularly use risk mitigation measures to support its vetting decisions and relevant cases are referred to CCU to implement risk management strategies.
- Vetting outcomes for those with protected characteristics are retained and scrutinised for disproportionality.
- We make "excellent use" of IT monitoring systems, and our activities are supported by "comprehensive" policies, including a robust social media policy, which includes guidelines on the appropriate use of instant messaging applications.
- The counter corruption unit’s proactive corruption detection operations were praised, and its comprehensive risk assessment processes should be "congratulated".
Where areas for improvement were noted action has already been taken to address any concerns.
Head of professional standards superintendent Sam Payne said: “This inspection report is extremely helpful in assuring the public that we have a full range of measures in place to vet new and existing officers in a thorough and timely way. It also evidences the work we do to maintain professional standards of behaviour.
“We have set our clear expectations around how we expect our officers and staff to behave and the high standards the public rightly expect of us. The inspection findings highlight that we have robust processes in place to identify any potential areas of concern. When colleagues fail to uphold those standards we will not hesitate to take action.”