What we do
We start with the problem, check it against the evidence, then help you act. Our work falls into three focus areas, delivered through the same set of services.
Trust that starts inside
The problem. Public trust is built or lost inside the organisation first. How officers and staff are treated influences how they use their discretion with the public. Yet EDI and culture programmes are often justified as a business case, which makes them easy to cut.
What the evidence says. Our research tests the twin-track legitimacy model using FOI and complaints data, and reframes EDI as "legitimacy infrastructure": the fair processes, voice and development that let officers do their jobs well and earn public trust.
How we help. Culture and legitimacy reviews, leadership workshops, staff engagement support, and programme design, such as familiarisation and inclusion schemes for specialist roles.
AI that you can defend
The problem. Forces are adopting AI and analytics quickly. Leaders must show that tools are lawful, fair and transparent, and understand what they do to officers' professional judgement and trust in the organisation. The NPCC AI Covenant sets the standard; applying it in practice is harder.
What the evidence says. Paul Ford’s analysis of a major workforce-monitoring pilot, based on FOI disclosures, looks at how impact assessments, procurement scrutiny and internal legitimacy interact. Our work on generative AI examines how tools such as copilots affect professional judgement. We are also running national FOI research on how forces assess the data protection and equality impact of AI.
How we help. AI governance and impact assessment reviews, executive briefings, workforce-trust assessments, seminars, and CMI AI leadership qualifications.
Complaints that teach
The problem. Complaints are a rich source of learning, yet they are often treated as a compliance exercise. A small number of issues or officers can account for a large share of complaints, and weak dialogue with complainants damages confidence.
What the evidence says. Paul Ford’s analysis of complaints against counter-terrorism officers, and a comparison of counter-terrorism and firearms command complaints, tests how legitimacy expectations and concentration patterns show up in real data.
How we help. Complaints analysis and reports, learning reviews, professional standards workshops, and coaching for leaders handling complaints.
How we work with you
Seminars and presentations: clear, evidence-led sessions for leadership teams and staff bodies
Workshops: hands-on sessions that turn evidence into plans
Online support: webinars, briefings, coaching calls and a resource library
Consultancy: advice and project support from experienced former senior officers
Reviews, research and reports: independent analysis with clear recommendations
CMI qualifications: accredited police CVF mapped learning in leadership, management and AI
Not sure where your challenge fits?
Tell us what you are facing and we will suggest the right route.