Strategic Plan 2026-29

Strategic objectives

In 2026-29, we will focus on five strategic objectives. To support the delivery of our objectives, we have identified specific actions which will continue to be taken forward over the next three years. We will monitor delivery of the actions and the overarching objectives.

(1) We will inspect the operation of COPFS and report publicly

• We will deliver high quality, evidence-based assessments of the operation of COPFS
• We will highlight what works well and areas of effective practice, as well as noting areas for improvement and recommendations
• We will report our findings publicly and in a clear and compelling way
• We will focus our inspection activity on those areas of greatest risk and which will add the most value
• We will request action plans in response to our recommendations, monitor progress and carry out follow-up or focused follow-up inspections where necessary
• We will publish implementation tables for all but our most recent inspection in our annual reports
• We will deliver our work in a way that is consistent with our values

(2) We will increase awareness of and engagement and confidence in our inspection activity

• We will promote transparency and engagement in our work by publishing terms of reference for our scrutiny activity as well as information about our inspection framework and methodology
• We will finalise our user-focus strategy, ensuring this approach is embedded in our work
• We will build our networks both within and beyond COPFS, ensuring that our scrutiny activity is informed by effective engagement and to expand our sphere of influence
• We will facilitate awareness sessions with COPFS staff and other agencies
• We will increase awareness of our work and our status as an independent body by increasing our use of the IPS website, and our use of media and social media and maintain a consistent approach to branding

(3) We will review our organisational structure and resilience and invest in our people

• We will review our staffing model to take account of planned staffing changes and to future proof our organisation and ensure we have sufficient organisational capacity to deliver our inspection programme
• We will ensure timely recruitment and modernisation of our organisational structure along with enhancing our resilience, independence and capacity. We will continue to encourage secondments so that our work is informed by both specific expertise and recent operational experience of COPFS
• We will continue to invest in the professional and personal development of all staff and enhance induction processes for new staff, ensuring that all have the necessary skills, knowledge and support to carry out their roles effectively

(4) We will invest in our continuous improvement

• We will keep our inspection framework and methodology under review, ensuring they are fit for purpose
• We will review the way in which our inspection programme is developed and consider how it can be better informed by stakeholder consultation
• We will keep our strategic plan and our objectives under review, and monitor progress against the underpinning actions
• We will seek feedback on our work and act on suggestions for development and improvement
• We will continue to achieve value for money
• We will take active steps to minimise our impact on the environment and to work in a more sustainable way
• We will consider how we can use improved technology in particular AI and how it can support our work

(5) We will work with our partners to maximise the impact of our work

• We will continue to develop effective working relationships with partners and stakeholders to gather information and harness expertise
• Recognising that effective public services cannot be delivered in isolation, we will work with our scrutiny partners to maximise the impact of our work and focus more sharply on an individual's journey through the criminal justice system
• We will share information with our scrutiny partners and others to better identify areas of risk and highlight effective practice
• We will identify joint training and development opportunities for staff, to share expertise and ensure value for money