Government announces terms of reference for the independent review of police force structures
The government has launched an independent review into police force structures following the Policing Reform white paper, examining how forces can operate more efficiently through structural change. Led by Lord Bernard Hogan-Howe, the review will explore governance, accountability and the potential move towards fewer, larger police forces.
Following the publication of the Policing Reform white paper earlier this year, the government has confirmed its intention to advancing policing reform by launching an independent review of police force structures. This review will examine how policing can operate more efficiently, setting out recommendations on the optimal number of police forces, alongside the most effective approach to implementation.
The review seeks to develop a future-focused model centred on fewer, larger police forces that are better equipped to meet the needs of victims and communities. The proposed approach seeks to strengthen effective, efficient and accountable policing at both local and national levels, ensuring the system is resilient and sustainable not only for today, but for the years ahead.
Lord Bernard Hogan-Howe was announced earlier this month as the lead for the review, which will offer recommendations on the future of policing under the new model. The review will address areas such as governance, accountability, and community engagement, while considering strategies for implementing changes with minimal disruption and identifying candidates for potential pathfinder mergers within the existing Parliamentary term.
The scope of this specific review will not include specialist agencies such as the recently announced National Police Service (NPS), Police Scotland, National Crime Agency (NCA), British Transport Police (BTP), Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP), among others. The Terms of Reference for this element are quite specific and wider elements of the Police Reform are not being reported upon through review element.
The overall aim of the review is to prioritise stronger neighbourhood policing, clear local and regional accountability, improved effectiveness and efficiency, and a better, more consistent experience for victims, while supporting the wellbeing of the workforce. It will aim to promote alignment with local government and public service boundaries, system-wide interoperability, consistent use of data and technology, and ensure that merger costs do not add additional financial pressure on central government.
techUK and the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) programme remain committed to strengthening collaboration between industry members and public sector stakeholders across policing. We will continue to create opportunities for industry to support and inform the changes proposed in the white paper.
If you would like to find out more about the work of the JES Programme on the Policing Reform white paper, please contact the team below.
Dave Evans
Head of Programme - Justice and Emergency Services and Economic Crime Lead, techUK
Dave Evans
Head of Programme - Justice and Emergency Services and Economic Crime Lead, techUK
Dave is a former senior police officer with the City of London Police, bringing extensive experience as a Detective and senior leader across frontline operations and multi-agency partnerships at regional and national levels.
He has led and supported responses to major national incidents, including mass casualty events, counter-terrorism operations and large-scale public disorder, working closely with partners across the criminal justice sector.
Alongside his public service, Dave has also held leadership roles in the private sector, managing projects focused on intellectual property and licensing. His combined experience across both sectors gives him a deep understanding of how collaboration between service providers and end users can strengthen resilience and trust.
Cinzia joined techUK in August 2023 as the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme Manager.
The JES programme represents suppliers, championing their interests in the blue light and criminal justice markets, whether they are established entities or newcomers seeking to establish their presence.
Prior to joining techUK, Cinzia worked in the third and public sectors, managing projects related to international trade and social inclusion.
Junior Programme Manager - Justice and Emergency Services, techUK
Fran Richiusa
Junior Programme Manager - Justice and Emergency Services, techUK
Fran is the Junior Programme Manager for the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme.
In this role she supports project delivery, stakeholder engagement, and policy development across portfolios including law enforcement, justice, and the fire sector.
Fran joined techUK in May 2025 as a Programme Team Assistant for the Public Sector Markets Programmes before progressing to her current role.
Prior to joining techUK, she gained experience working across local government and VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) charities, where she developed a deep understanding of public service and advocacy.
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Head of Programme - Justice and Emergency Services and Economic Crime Lead, techUK
Dave Evans
Head of Programme - Justice and Emergency Services and Economic Crime Lead, techUK
Dave is a former senior police officer with the City of London Police, bringing extensive experience as a Detective and senior leader across frontline operations and multi-agency partnerships at regional and national levels.
He has led and supported responses to major national incidents, including mass casualty events, counter-terrorism operations and large-scale public disorder, working closely with partners across the criminal justice sector.
Alongside his public service, Dave has also held leadership roles in the private sector, managing projects focused on intellectual property and licensing. His combined experience across both sectors gives him a deep understanding of how collaboration between service providers and end users can strengthen resilience and trust.
Cinzia joined techUK in August 2023 as the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme Manager.
The JES programme represents suppliers, championing their interests in the blue light and criminal justice markets, whether they are established entities or newcomers seeking to establish their presence.
Prior to joining techUK, Cinzia worked in the third and public sectors, managing projects related to international trade and social inclusion.
Junior Programme Manager - Justice and Emergency Services, techUK
Fran Richiusa
Junior Programme Manager - Justice and Emergency Services, techUK
Fran is the Junior Programme Manager for the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme.
In this role she supports project delivery, stakeholder engagement, and policy development across portfolios including law enforcement, justice, and the fire sector.
Fran joined techUK in May 2025 as a Programme Team Assistant for the Public Sector Markets Programmes before progressing to her current role.
Prior to joining techUK, she gained experience working across local government and VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) charities, where she developed a deep understanding of public service and advocacy.
