Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to improve the level of retention in the police.

The retention of experienced police officers is a top priority. With the recruitment of additional 20,000 police officers across England and Wales, and over 15,000 officers already recruited, experienced officers have a vital role in supporting new recruits to thrive.

While voluntary resignation rates, at 2.5% percent, are low compared to other sectors, we are not complacent and continue to drive activity to retain valuable skills and experience. Priorities have included enshrining in law the Police Covenant, which will focus on improving the protection, health and wellbeing of officers, staff and their families.

We have also invested £1.1m for the College of Policing to create a National Leadership Centre to develop standards and a leadership development framework at all ranks to boost the quality of management and leadership and to provide clear pathways for career progression.