A word from the NSIB Chair: Deputy Chief Constable, Ben Snuggs

I am pleased to report that the National Science and Innovation Board (NSIB) continues to go from strength to strength. Whilst our quarterly meetings are one thing, it is really the fabulous network of Regional Innovation Leads (RILs) and those focused on innovation and the development of initiatives in our nine policing regions and local forces that makes it tick.

As a result of this crucial bottom-up insight from forces, we have been able to hold a thematic focus on VAWG, digital public contact and the Safer Streets mission. We have captured the innovation underway across policing in these areas, together with the respective NPCC leads, to help identify the gaps that science and innovation may be able to help fill. We have also identified high level areas for improvement for policing, so NSIB can target the areas where science and innovation can make a difference. 

This has shown me where we are strong, where we are weak, and has highlighted the opportunities we have right across policing to collaborate, share ideas, technology and investment to focus on the areas which will make a difference in our public service delivery. In addition to the 25/26 Police STAR funding round, I am delighted that we have brought in the Test and Learn (T&L) fund. The T&L fund creates additional opportunities for forces to bid in to smaller pots of money as another means of supporting our growing science and innovation ecosystem. T&L aims to help policing test, adapt, fail and learn so we can more quickly and identify what works. 

As the S&T system matures, it is easy to see the progress and the strength of working together with Professor Paul Taylor, our Police Chief Scientific Adviser, and the rapidly maturing science and innovation coordination structure, under Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan KPM. Through this publication, and many other networks, my hope is that we continue to raise the awareness of these efforts, so we can each play our part. This cross sector and cross force teamwork is vital for us all to be effective and more productive in delivering the business of policing for our communities.