HMICS Scrutiny plan 2025-28

HMICS scrutiny planning process

*PESTELO - An acronym for a framework to analyse external factors that impact organisations (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, Legal, Organisational)

**PEEL is the framework for analysis used by HMICFRS in England and Wales (Police effectiveness, efficiency, and legitimacy).

Given the size and capacity of HMICS, it would be impossible to inspect all the topics or areas of policing proposed in our consultation phase. In determining which inspection topics to include in the 2025-28 plan, we asked these key questions:

• Is it in the public interest to inspect this issue?
• Does the issue align with our stated vision or fit with the objectives in our corporate plan?
• Can we add value by carrying out an inspection here?
• Is there a specific legislative or policy requirement?
• Is there an evidence gap regarding this aspect of policing?
• Does this issue relate to an identified high-risk area?
• Does the issue have an impact on equalities or human rights issues?
• Will this reduce future demand by preventing problems arising or dealing with them early on?
• Is this an area where improving performance is essential to mitigate reputational risk (public confidence and legitimacy)?
• Is this an area that will specifically involve/affect those who deliver services?
• Does this specifically involve partnership and collaboration, and bringing public, third and private sector partners together with service users and communities to deliver shared outcomes?
• Has this area/issue been inspected recently by HMICS or subject to other internal or external scrutiny and would a further or follow-up inspection add value?

Using the questions set out above, and applying the professional judgement and experience of our team, we have identified those areas where we feel that our scrutiny activity will have the most impact. In line with our statutory obligation, this plan will be kept under review and may be amended where new information suggests an alternative area of policing as more suitable for inspection.