The Police (Conduct, Performance and Complaints and Misconduct) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Part 4Amendment of the Police (Performance) Regulations 2020

Amendment of the Police (Performance) Regulations 2020

18.  The Police (Performance) Regulations 2020(1) are amended in accordance with regulations 19 to 55.

Amendment to regulation 4 (interpretation and delegation)

19.  In regulation 4(1)—

(a)after the definition of “the Conduct Regulations” insert—

““the Vetting Regulations” means the Police (Vetting) Regulations 2025;

“appeal manager”, in relation to the officer concerned, means the person appointed by the appropriate authority to that role for the purposes of these Regulations, being of a rank or level of seniority which is above that of the line manager of the officer;”;

(b)in the definition of “proposed witness”, for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”;

(c)omit the definition of “relevant terms of the final written improvement notice”;

(d)omit the definition of “second line manager”;

(e)omit the definition of “second stage appeal meeting”;

(f)in the definition of “second stage meeting”, for “regulation 22(2) or 24(5)(e)” substitute “regulation 30(2) or 32(3)”;

(g)for the definition of “senior manager” substitute—

““senior manager”, in relation to the officer concerned, means the police officer or police staff member appointed by the appropriate authority to that role for the purposes of these Regulations, being of at least the same rank or level of seniority as the person who is the appeal manager of the officer;”;

(h)omit the definition of “third stage meeting”.

Amendments to regulation 6 (legal and other representation)

20.—(1) Regulation 6 is amended as follows.

(2) In paragraph (1), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(3) In paragraph (4), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

Amendments to regulation 7 (provision of notices or documents)

21.—(1) Regulation 7 is amended as follows.

(2) The existing text becomes paragraph (1).

(3) In that paragraph—

(a)in the opening words, for “Where” substitute “Subject to paragraph (2), where”;

(b)for sub-paragraph (b) substitute—

“(b)sent to the officer by e-mail or other means of electronic communication;”.

(4) After that paragraph insert—

“(2) Where it is not reasonably practicable to give or supply a written notice or document to the officer concerned under paragraph (1)(a) or (b) and there is no agreement under paragraph (1)(c) or (d), the written notice or document must be—

(a)left with a person at the officer’s last known address, or

(b)sent to the officer’s last known address by first class post by recorded delivery or other service which provides for delivery on the next working day (“by post”).

(3) Where a written notice or document is sent by e-mail or other means of electronic communication, it is to be taken to have been given or supplied to the officer concerned—

(a)if the e-mail or other electronic transmission is sent on a working day before 4.30 p.m., on that day, or

(b)in any other case, on the next working day after the day on which it was sent.

(4) Where a written notice or document is sent by post, it is to be taken to have been given or supplied to the officer concerned—

(a)on the second day after it was posted, left with, delivered to or collected by the relevant service provider, provided that day is a working day, or

(b)in any other case, on the next working day after the day on which it was posted, left with, delivered to or collected by the relevant service provider.”.

Amendments to regulation 8 (procedure at meetings under these Regulations)

22.—(1) Regulation 8 is amended as follows.

(2) In paragraph (1)—

(a)in the opening words, for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”;

(b)in sub-paragraph (b), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(3) In paragraph (2), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(4) In paragraph (3)(a)(v), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(5) In paragraph (5), in both places that it occurs, for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(6) In paragraph (7), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(7) In paragraph (9)—

(a)in sub-paragraph (a), omit “, 23(8), 27(6)(b)”;

(b)in sub-paragraph (b), omit “23(2),”.

Amendments to regulation 9 (nominated persons)

23.—(1) Regulation 9 is amended as follows.

(2) In paragraph (1), for “second line manager” substitute “appeal manager”.

(3) In paragraph (2), for “second line manager” substitute “appeal manager”.

(4) In paragraph (3), for “second line manager” substitute “appeal manager”.

(5) In paragraph (4), for “or equivalent rank or grade” substitute “rank or level of seniority”.

(6) In paragraph (5) for “a second line manager” substitute “an appeal manager”.

Amendments to regulation 10 (reference to certain periods)

24.—(1) Regulation 10 is amended as follows.

(2) For paragraph (2) substitute—

“(2) The regulations are—

(a)regulation 17(6A), and

(b)regulation 46(7A) and (8)(a)(i).”.

(3) In paragraph (4), for “under”, in the second place it occurs, substitute “in accordance with”.

Amendment to regulation 11 (suspension of certain periods)

25.  In regulation 11(2)—

(a)in sub-paragraph (a), for “regulation 17(6)(c)” substitute “regulation 17(6A)”;

(b)in sub-paragraph (b), at the end insert “or 46(7)(d)”;

(c)omit sub-paragraphs (c) and (d);

(d)in sub-paragraph (e), for “under regulation 46(7)(c), (d) or (8)(a)” substitute “in accordance with regulation 46(7A) or (8)(a)(i)”;

(e)in sub-paragraph (f), for “final written improvement notice” substitute “written improvement notice”.

Amendments to regulation 12 (meeting following investigation under Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act)

26.—(1) Regulation 12 is amended as follows.

(2) In paragraph (1), in the opening words, omit “, (3)”.

(3) In paragraph (2)(b), after “regulation 18(4) or 46(7)(d),” insert “or, where the period of the written improvement notice has been extended under regulation 46(3)(d), within the meaning of regulation 46(8)(c),”.

(4) Omit paragraph (3).

(5) In paragraph (6)—

(a)at the end of sub-paragraph (a) insert “and”;

(b)omit sub-paragraph (b) and the “and” after it;

(c)in sub-paragraph (c), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(6) In paragraph (7), in the opening words, omit “, 23(2)”.

(7) In paragraph (8)—

(a)in the opening words—

(i)for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”;

(ii)for “paragraph (3)” substitute “paragraph (2)”;

(iii)for “final written improvement notice” substitute “written improvement notice”;

(b)in sub-paragraph (a), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

Amendment to regulation 13 (provision of information to the Director General)

27.  In regulation 13(2)—

(a)in sub-paragraph (a)—

(i)omit paragraphs (iii) to (v);

(ii)in paragraph (viii), for “final written improvement notice” substitute “written improvement notice”;

(b)in sub-paragraph (b), for “25(6)(c) or 46(7)(c) or (8)(a)” substitute “46(7A) or (8)(a)(i)”.

Amendments to regulation 14 (meeting following referral under the Conduct Regulations)

28.—(1) Regulation 14 is amended as follows.

(2) In the heading, after “Regulations” insert “or the Vetting Regulations”.

(3) Before paragraph (1) insert—

“(A1) This regulation applies where regulation 32 does not apply and—

(a)the appropriate authority assesses under regulation 14(2)(b), 23(5)(b) or 27(2)(a)(iii) of the Conduct Regulations that a matter should be referred to be dealt with under these Regulations, or

(b)the vetting authority assesses under regulation 15(2)(a), 22(5)(a) or 24(1)(b) of the Vetting Regulations that a matter should be referred to be dealt with under these Regulations.”.

(4) In paragraph (1)—

(a)for the opening words substitute “Where this regulation applies—”;

(b)in sub-paragraph (a), omit “, (3)”;

(c)in sub-paragraph (b)(i)—

(i)for “each of paragraphs (2)(a) and (3)(a)” substitute “paragraph (2)(a)”;

(ii)for “(1)(c) or (d)” substitute “(1)(b)(iii), (iv) or (v)”;

(iii)for “14(1)” substitute “14(A1)”;

(d)in sub-paragraph (b)(ii), for “14(2)(a)” substitute “14(1)(a)”;

(e)in sub-paragraph (b)(iv)—

(i)for “(c)” substitute “(e)”;

(ii)after “Conduct Regulations” insert “or the assessor’s report submitted under regulation 23 of the Vetting Regulations”.

(5) For paragraph (2) substitute—

“(2) In this regulation—

(a)“investigator” is to be construed in accordance with the definition of that word in regulation 2(1) of the Conduct Regulations, and

(b)“assessor” and “vetting authority” are to be construed in accordance with the definitions of those words in regulation 2(1) of the Vetting Regulations.”.

Amendment to regulation 16 (arrangement of first stage meeting)

29.  In regulation 16(1)(d), for “, a second stage meeting and a third stage meeting” substitute “and a second stage meeting”.

Amendments to regulation 17 (procedure at first stage meeting)

30.—(1) Regulation 17 is amended as follows.

(2) In paragraph (6)—

(a)in sub-paragraph (c)—

(i)for “such reasonable period as the line manager specifies (being a period not exceeding 12 months)” substitute “such period as the line manager specifies in accordance with paragraph (6A)”;

(ii)for “regulation 22” substitute “regulation 30”;

(b)in sub-paragraph (e), for “regulation 22” substitute “regulation 30”.

(3) After paragraph (6) insert—

“(6A) The period specified must be three months, except where the line manager considers that there are circumstances which justify a longer period, in which case the period specified must be a reasonable period not exceeding 12 months.”.

Amendment to regulation 18 (procedure following first stage meeting)

31.  In regulation 18(6)(b), for “second line manager” substitute “appeal manager”.

Amendments to regulation 19 (appeal against the finding and outcome of a first stage meeting)

32.—(1) Regulation 19 is amended as follows.

(2) In paragraph (3)(c), for “regulation 17(6)(c)” substitute “regulation 17(6A)”.

(3) In paragraph (5), for “second line manager” substitute “appeal manager”.

(4) In paragraph (7), for “second line manager” substitute “appeal manager”.

(5) In paragraph (8), for “second line manager” substitute “appeal manager”.

(6) In paragraph (9), in both places that it occurs, for “second line manager” substitute “appeal manager”.

Amendments to regulation 20 (arrangement of first stage appeal meeting)

33.—(1) Regulation 20 is amended as follows.

(2) In paragraph (1)—

(a)in the opening words, for “second line manager” substitute “appeal manager”;

(b)in sub-paragraph (b), for “second line manager” substitute “appeal manager”.

(3) In paragraph (2), for “second line manager” substitute “appeal manager”.

(4) In paragraph (3), for “second line manager” substitute “appeal manager”.

(5) In paragraph (5)(b), for “second line manager” substitute “appeal manager”.

(6) In paragraph (6), for “second line manager” substitute “appeal manager”.

Amendments to regulation 21 (procedure at first stage appeal meeting)

34.—(1) Regulation 21 is amended as follows.

(2) In paragraph (2), for “second line manager” substitute “appeal manager”.

(3) In paragraph (3), for “second line manager” substitute “appeal manager”.

(4) In paragraph (5), in the opening words, for “second line manager” substitute “appeal manager”.

(5) In paragraph (6), in the opening words, for “second line manager” substitute “appeal manager”.

(6) In paragraph (7), in both places that it occurs, for “second line manager” substitute “appeal manager”.

(7) In paragraph (8), in both places that it occurs, for “second line manager” substitute “appeal manager”.

(8) In paragraph (9), for “second line manager’s” substitute “appeal manager’s”.

(9) In paragraph (10)—

(a)in the opening words, for “second line manager” substitute “appeal manager”;

(b)in the closing words, for “second line manager” substitute “appeal manager”.

Omission of Part 4 (second stage)

35.  Omit Part 4.

Amendment to heading to Part 5 (third stage)

36.  In the heading to Part 5, for “Third Stage” substitute “Second Stage”.

Amendments to regulation 30 (assessment following second stage meeting)

37.—(1) Regulation 30 is amended as follows.

(2) In the heading, for “second stage meeting” substitute “first stage meeting”.

(3) In paragraph (1)—

(a)in the opening words—

(i)for “final written improvement notice” substitute “written improvement notice”;

(ii)for “regulation 25(6)(c)” substitute “regulation 17(6A)”;

(b)in paragraph (a), for “second line manager” substitute “appeal manager”.

(4) In paragraph (2), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(5) In paragraph (3)—

(a)in the opening words, for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”;

(b)in each of sub-paragraphs (a) and (b), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(6) In paragraph (4)—

(a)for “final written improvement notice” substitute “written improvement notice”;

(b)for “regulation 25(6)(c)” substitute “regulation 17(6A)”.

(7) In paragraph (5)(b), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(8) In paragraph (6)—

(a)for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”;

(b)for “final written improvement notice” substitute “written improvement notice”.

Amendments to regulation 31 (arrangement of a third stage meeting)

38.—(1) Regulation 31 is amended as follows.

(2) In the heading, for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(3) In paragraph (1)—

(a)in the opening words, for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”;

(b)in sub-paragraph (a), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(4) In paragraph (3), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

Amendments to regulation 32 (circumstances in which a third stage meeting may be required without a prior first or second stage meeting)

39.—(1) Regulation 32 is amended as follows.

(2) In the heading—

(a)for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”;

(b)for “first or second stage meeting” substitute “first stage meeting”.

(3) In paragraph (3)—

(a)for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”;

(b)omit “or a second stage meeting”.

Amendments to regulation 33 (arrangement of a third stage meeting without a prior first or second stage meeting)

40.—(1) Regulation 33 is amended as follows.

(2) In the heading—

(a)for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”;

(b)for “first or second stage meeting” substitute “first stage meeting”.

(3) In paragraph (1)—

(a)in the opening words, for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”;

(b)in sub-paragraph (a), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”;

(c)in sub-paragraph (e), omit “(whether with notice or with immediate effect)”.

Amendments to regulation 34 (appointment of panel members)

41.—(1) Regulation 34 is amended as follows.

(2) In paragraph (1), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(3) In paragraph (9)—

(a)at the end of sub-paragraph (a) insert “or”;

(b)omit sub-paragraph (b) and the “or” after it;

(c)in sub-paragraph (c), omit “26, 29,”.

(4) After paragraph (10) insert—

“(11) For the purposes of paragraph (3), a member of a police force is to be treated as if they hold a rank above that of chief superintendent if they are required to perform the duties normally performed by a member of a police force holding a rank above that of chief superintendent.”.

Amendments to regulation 36 (procedure on receipt of notice of third stage meeting)

42.—(1) Regulation 36 is amended as follows.

(2) In the heading, for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(3) In paragraph (3), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

Amendments to regulation 37 (witnesses)

43.—(1) Regulation 37 is amended as follows.

(2) In paragraph (2)(b), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(3) In paragraph (3), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(4) In paragraph (4)—

(a)in the opening words, for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”;

(b)in sub-paragraph (a), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

Amendments to regulation 38 (timing and notice of third stage meeting)

44.—(1) Regulation 38 is amended as follows.

(2) In the heading, for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(3) In paragraph (1), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(4) In paragraph (4), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(5) In paragraph (5), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(6) In paragraph (6), in the closing words, for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(7) In paragraph (8), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(8) In paragraph (9), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(9) In paragraph (10), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

Amendments to regulation 39 (postponement and adjournment of a third stage meeting)

45.—(1) Regulation 39 is amended as follows.

(2) In the heading, for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(3) In paragraph (1), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

Amendments to regulation 40 (participation of Director General and investigator at third stage meeting)

46.—(1) Regulation 40 is amended as follows.

(2) In the heading, for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(3) In paragraph (2), in the opening words, for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(4) In paragraph (3), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

Amendments to regulation 41 (attendance of complainant or interested person at third stage meeting)

47.—(1) Regulation 41 is amended as follows.

(2) In the heading, for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(3) In paragraph (1), in the opening words, for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(4) In paragraph (2), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(5) In paragraph (3), in each of sub-paragraphs (a) and (b), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(6) In paragraph (5), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

Amendments to regulation 42 (attendance of others at a third stage meeting)

48.—(1) Regulation 42 is amended as follows.

(2) In the heading, for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(3) In paragraph (1), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(4) In paragraph (5), in the opening words, for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(5) In paragraph (6), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(6) In paragraph (8), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(7) In paragraph (9), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(8) In paragraph (10)—

(a)in the opening words, for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”;

(b)in the closing words, for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(9) In paragraph (13), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

Amendments to regulation 43 (exclusion from a third stage meeting)

49.—(1) Regulation 43 is amended as follows.

(2) In the heading, for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(3) In paragraph (1), for “meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

Amendments to regulation 44 (procedure at a third stage meeting)

50.—(1) Regulation 44 is amended as follows.

(2) In the heading, for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(3) In paragraph (1), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(4) In paragraph (2), in the opening words, for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(5) In paragraph (3), in the opening words, for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

Amendment to regulation 45 (finding)

51.  In regulation 45(1)—

(a)in the opening words, for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”;

(b)in sub-paragraph (a), for “regulation 25(6)(c)” substitute “regulation 17(6A)”;

(c)in sub-paragraph (b)—

(i)for “final written improvement notice” substitute “written improvement notice”;

(ii)for “regulation 25(6)(c)” substitute “regulation 17(6A)”.

Amendments to regulation 46 (outcomes)

52.—(1) Regulation 46 is amended as follows.

(2) In paragraph (3), in each of sub-paragraphs (d) and (e), for “final written improvement notice” substitute “written improvement notice”.

(3) In paragraph (4)(b), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(4) In paragraph (7)—

(a)in the opening words, omit “or a final written improvement notice”;

(b)for sub-paragraph (c) substitute—

“(c)state that, if a sufficient improvement is not made within such period as the panel specifies in accordance with paragraph (7A), the officer may be required to attend another second stage meeting, and state the date with which this period ends;”;

(c)in sub-paragraph (e)—

(i)after “may be required to attend”, for “a” substitute “another”;

(ii)omit “(in the case of a written improvement notice) or another third stage meeting (in the case of a final written improvement notice”.

(5) After paragraph (7) insert—

“(7A) The period specified must be three months, except where the panel considers that there are circumstances which justify a longer period, in which case the period specified must be a reasonable period not exceeding 12 months.”.

(6) In paragraph (8)—

(a)in the opening words, for “the final written improvement notice” substitute “a written improvement notice”;

(b)in sub-paragraph (a)(i), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

Omission of regulation 47 (assessment of performance or attendance following third stage meeting where a written improvement notice has been issued)

53.  Omit regulation 47.

Amendments to regulation 48 (assessment of performance or attendance following third stage meeting where a final written improvement notice has been issued or extended)

54.—(1) Regulation 48 is amended as follows.

(2) In the heading—

(a)for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”;

(b)for “final written improvement notice” substitute “written improvement notice”.

(3) Before paragraph (1) insert—

“(A1) This regulation applies where—

(a)the period of a written improvement notice has been extended under regulation 46(3)(d), or

(b)a written improvement notice has been issued under regulation 46(3)(e) or (6).”.

(4) In paragraph (1), for the opening words substitute “As soon as reasonably practicable after the end of the period specified in accordance with regulation 46(7A) (issue of written improvement notice) or 46(8)(a)(i) (extension of written improvement notice)—”.

(5) In paragraph (2), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(6) In paragraph (3)—

(a)in the opening words, for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”;

(b)in each of sub-paragraphs (a) and (b), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(7) In paragraph (4)—

(a)for “final written improvement notice” substitute “written improvement notice”;

(b)for “regulation 46(7)(c)” substitute “regulation 46(7A)”;

(c)after “where the panel orders”, for “and” substitute “an”;

(d)for “regulation 46(8)(a)” substitute “regulation 46(8)(a)(i)”.

(8) In paragraph (5)(b), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(9) In paragraph (7), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(10) In paragraph (8)—

(a)in sub-paragraph (a)—

(i)for “regulation 25(6)(c)” substitute “regulation 17(6A)”;

(ii)for “under regulation 46(7)(c) or (8)(a)” substitute “in accordance with regulation 46(7A) or (8)(a)(i)”;

(b)in sub-paragraph (b), for “final written improvement notice” substitute “written improvement notice”.

(11) In paragraph (9)—

(a)for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”;

(b)for “final written improvement notice issued under regulation 46(6)” substitute “written improvement notice issued under regulation 46(3)(e) or (6)”;

(c)for “regulation 46(8)(a)” substitute “regulation 46(8)(a)(i)”.

(12) In paragraph (10), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

Amendments to regulation 49 (third stage meeting under regulation 48)

55.—(1) Regulation 49 is amended as follows.

(2) In the heading, for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(3) In paragraph (1)—

(a)in the opening words, for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”;

(b)in sub-paragraph (a), for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”.

(4) In paragraph (2)—

(a)for “third stage meeting” substitute “second stage meeting”;

(b)for “final written improvement notice” substitute “written improvement notice”.