A0623 Procedure - Partnership working with Statutory and Non-statutory Partners

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Number: A 0623
Last Updated: 23 March 2026
Version 1, March 2026

1.0 Summary of changes

New procedure

2.0 What this Procedure is about

This new procedure sets out clear guidelines and expectations for Essex Police when working with statutory and non-statutory partners.

The guidance provides a list of who the current statutory partners are.

It also provides clarity and guidance around working with non-statutory organisations and entities which may want to work with Essex Police (e.g. charities and community organisations).

Compliance with this procedure and any governing policy is mandatory.

3.0 Detail the Procedure

3.1 Crime Prevention & Partnership Working: our shared responsibility

Crime prevention is not solely a policing function—it is a collective responsibility. By working in partnership with statutory agencies, non-statutory organisations, and community stakeholders, we create safer environments and reduce harm before it occurs. We work with our communities in order to ensure this is possible. Without their collaboration and consent we wouldn’t be able to effectively do our job.

The 5 Principles of Effective Partnership

1. Structured Collaboration: Formal agreements with clear governance, shared objectives, and accountability.

2. Information Sharing: GDPR-compliant exchange of intelligence to enable joint problem-solving.

3. Joint Tasking and Coordination: Aligning priorities and resources for maximum impact.

4. Inclusive Engagement: Involving voluntary groups and hard-to-hear communities to ensure diverse and inclusive perspectives.

5. Balance of Formal and Informal Networks: Informal engagement which supports intelligence gathering but does not replace structured partnerships.

Embedding Problem-Solving and Public Health Approaches

Apply evidence-based models to address root causes of crime.
Adopt a public health lens for violence reduction, focusing on prevention rather than enforcement alone, which requires partnership alongside others.
Report impact transparently to governance boards (e.g. IAG’s) for continuous improvement.

3.2 Essex Police Statutory Partners

Essex Police collaborate with various trusted partners to enhance community safety and policing efforts working under the crime and disorder act. Key statutory partnerships include:

Kent and Essex Police Collaboration: This partnership began in 2007 and aims to improve policing services through shared resources and operational independence.
Fire and Rescue Plan: The Police and Crime Plan 2024-2028 outlines priorities for collaboration with fire services and community safety partnerships (CSP).
Local councils, parishes including and CSPs: Neighbourhood Policing and other teams work with these organisations to tackle crime and improve community safety. The Community Special Constable scheme asks councils and parishes to sponsor a local volunteer police officer to police their communities. Community Special Constables
Safer Essex partnership: led by Essex County Council provides the strategic lead for community safety in Essex, Thurrock and Southend. They oversee the response to community safety issues and initiatives. Safer Essex brings together partner organisations and stakeholders.
Safer Essex Roads Partnership has brought together organisations across Greater Essex, to provide a road safety service. The SERP partners are Essex Fire and Rescue Service, Essex County Council, Southend-On-Sea City Council, Thurrock Council, National Highways, The Police Fire & Crime Commissioner for Essex, The Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust, The East of England Ambulance Trust and The Safer Roads Foundation.

The Community Safety Accreditation Schemes enables a Chief Constable to accredit certain employers to carrying out community safety functions. In Essex the following organisations will be considered for accreditation:

Local authorities – statutory partners.
Private companies that are stakeholders in the Essex area – non-statutory partners.
Other public bodies or managing agents, acting on behalf of such local authorities or other public bodies, which, in the reasonable opinion of the Chief Constable, are able to meet the criteria for accreditation.

These collaborations aim to create safer communities by leveraging the strengths of multiple agencies.

Working in partnership

A formal, structured, and collaborative relationship between Essex Police and statutory partners to achieve shared objectives.

What it looks like

Mutual sharing of information
Joint tasking and cordination
Joint initiatives and projects
Proactive relationship management

What it is not

Casual or ad hoc information sharing
One-off interactions without shared objectives
Informal networking

3.3 Non-Statutory Partners

Any organisation or charity that is not covered by the definition of statutory above will fall into the non-statutory group.

NOTE: It must be made clear that working with such an entity does not confer endorsement by Essex Police for that entity and should not be considered as such – it is only a statement of working in collaboration and supporting them to deliver mutual objectives (e.g. outcomes for local communities).

In policing, a non-statutory organisation refers to an entity that operates without being established by an act of parliament. These organisations typically have a private function and are not subject to the same legal powers or regulations as statutory bodies, although they may be regulated in their own right by statutory bodies e.g. CQC or OFSTED

Non-statutory bodies can include various types of organisations, such as charities, community groups and private sector entities, which may provide services or support which might not be governed by specific legislation.

Non-statutory organisations must adhere to ethical standards and principles to maintain public trust and confidence in their operations. Any of which are legal entities and will have memorandums and Articles of Association which ensure appropriate Governance and accountability. E.g. CIC, CIO, Charity, Community Benefits Society, Company Limited by Guarantee etc. It’s important that Essex Police know the type of
entity and the rules which they may be applying.

For more detailed information, refer to the official guidance on public bodies and policing.
Public bodies - GOV.UK

Essex Police already work with a number of non-statutory partners. Some examples are below;

3.4 Neighbourhood Watch

National Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) is the largest volunteer-led crime prevention charity in the country, working in communities to support them in being safer, more resilient places to live. They provide resources, projects and networks that support volunteers and communities to work together to prevent crime, raise awareness around safety initiatives and community resilience, and connect neighbourhoods.
Neighbourhood Watch is a registered charity and funded by the Home Office, with clear visions, strategies and governing policies.

There is a national partnership agreement or “framework” between NHW and Police.

The Framework acts as a building block for better relationships and working practices between Neighbourhood Watch volunteers and Police Officers at a local level. It provides nationally agreed guidance on good practice, liaison and working together.

The Framework contains commitments from both Police and Neighbourhood Watch to work together to share information, to encourage communities to join their loca neighbourhood watches, or to create their own. Importantly, it also commits them to get involved with both crime prevention and community support activities – sharing advice and information with residents to help them keep themselves and their property
safe.

In Essex Police the Framework has been adapted, agreed and signed between the Essex Police Chief Officer for Citizens in Policing, the Police Fire and Crime Commisioner and the Essex Neighbourhood Watch Chair.

3.5 Employee Supported Policing

Employer Supported Policing (ESP) is a partnership scheme designed to benefit employers, their staff, and the police service. It encourages organizations to allow their employees to take time off work to serve as Special Constables or Police Support Volunteers. This initiative not only supports community policing efforts but also fosters employee development and engagement.

There are number of other non-statutory organisations and charities that Essex Police regularly work with including Crimestoppers, Synergy Essex and domestic abuse charities such as Next Chapter.

3.6 Developing New Partnerships

There are several factors to consider when entering a new partnership with an organisation. These include alignment with policing values (i.e. Code of Ethics), as well as conducting “due diligence checks”.

Governing documents – this should show how the organisation is run, including clear structure, name and detailed purpose. How do they review their policies to ensure they comply with changes in legislation?

Safeguarding policy – Review they have a Safeguarding policy showing robust procedures in place with clear training requirements, reporting mechanisms, roles and responsibilities.

Data Protection – Ensure organisation is compliant with GDPR. They have a GDPR policy and provide an explanation of their policies. Can demonstrate a lawful purpose for obtaining and retaining data. Do they have an existing information sharing agreement with Police? How will they store our data?

Company House or Charity Commission checks - Review organisation is registered and all documents up to date. Review trustees, board and committee members to ensure no conflict of interest.

Partner References – In some cases it may be appropriate to obtain references from other respected partners regarding this new organisation Public Acceptance Check - This covers any publicly available material (for instance, leaflets, posters or social media posts) and may also involve an assessment of any
correspondence received by the police or any other reputable public, private or third sector body which might relate to the prospective partner organisation.

Accounts – These will be publicly available and will show due diligence and highlight:

whether an organisation is viable
who funds them
the accounts audited
has anyone got overall control etc

NOTE: such financial considerations are to be made with the advice of the Essex Police Finance department.

In the UK, forces police with the consent of every community they serve; the Code of Ethics and the values of British Policing must be mirrored in the evidenced behaviour of any prospective partner and Essex Police may seek confirmation of these values from a range of sources before entering any partnership or informal association with any individual or organisation.

Equally, the force may seek information from – for example – a regulatory body such as the Charity Commission in instances where a prospective partner is a charity or prospective charity or from available accounts in the case of a private organisation.

The force may also seek to explore the following:

Vetting of individuals would only be considered where:
another Essex Police policy or process requires it
or
their role routinely requires access to sensitive material e.g. regularly participating in Gold groups. NOTE: In all circumstances, advice will be sought from the Vetting Manager.
Financial checks – Check most recently independent examined or auditedccounts. Understand current cash position of organisation or charity. Such financial considerations are to be made with the advice of the Essex Police Finance department.
Any political affiliations or associations

*The above list is not exhaustive

It is important to understand the organisation or individual’s motivations, ideals, objectives and followings. Do these align with public service, do they actively contribute to the Force Plan or to wider policing objectives within the Police & Crime Plan, do they support or could they hinder or harm public trust and confidence.

Some questions which may be considered are.

1) What does your organisation wish to gain by achieving and participating under the scheme for example: What contribution to local policing can your Organisation provide and what will be the extent of this contribution? How will this be evaluated?

2) How will working with Essex Police assist you in specific areas of your work in support of the community? How will we evaluate the views of all members of the community in order to police with consent?

3) Has your organisation ever worked in partnership with another Police Force or public body? If so, please specify which Force, evidence of activity and the dates of this activity, with an evaluation of its benefits to the community and to the relevant Force Plan.

4) What is your current involvement with the community and local police?

5) Does your organisation employ non-UK Residents?

If yes,

If members of the European Union - are they in possession of a Workers Registration Document
If non-European Union, do they hold a current work permit

Examples of bodies which may be appropriate to work with.

Street Pastors - These schemes may be church-run and provide outreach service to users of the night-time economy, often in partnership with the police. Research on street pastors and other citizen patrol models has tended to focus on implementation issues, so their effectiveness in reducing crime overall is unknown, although there is some limited evidence that they improve perceptions of safety.
Individual Forces may draw up agreements with their local Street Pastors around how they work together.
Drinkaware Crew - Specially trained staff who work in pubs, bars and clubs to reduce drunken anti-social behaviour among those between 18 and 24 years old.

They are employed by venues to identify vulnerable individuals within the venue(s) and promote a positive atmosphere.

3.7 Key Principles for working with Partners

Working in partnership means a formal, structured, and collaborative relationship between Essex Police and partners to achieve shared objectives that improve public safety and community wellbeing. It is purpose-driven, transparent, and sustained over time. This may also include:

Mutual Sharing of Information: Exchange governed by clear agreements to comply with GDPR – for example, via Information Sharing Agreements, Procedure W 1014 - Information Sharing Agreement.
Joint Tasking and Coordination: Partners agree on priorities and allocate resources collaboratively.
Joint Initiatives and Projects: Co-designed and co-delivered interventions.
Proactive Relationship Management: Regular, sustained contact through scheduled meetings.
Inclusive Engagement: Involve community groups and hard-to-hear stakeholders.

To be clear, external groups providing information voluntarily is not a formal partnership but should be encouraged. A single meeting or conversation does not equal a partnership. It is useful to have an informal network, with shared objectives, for intelligence gathering but this is not classed as a structured partnership.

There is a clear distinction between the two.

Formal Partnership: Structured, documented, and purpose-driven collaboration with statutory partners.
Informal Engagement: Opportunistic or voluntary sharing of information from community groups or individuals—still essential for effective policing but outside formal governance.

3.8 Citizens Patrol Groups and Private Investigators

The above factors also apply to Citizen Visibility groups and Private Investigators.

Citizen Patrol groups is a generic term that refers to a range of different models of voluntary activity in which members of the public voluntarily move around local areas with the aim of improving general community cohesion and public perceptions of safety.

With organisations that seek to complete a policing role such as private investigators, citizens and community patrol groups, there needs to be more focus and thought given to structured partnership working. It will likely only be on rare occasions that we would proactively work with these. This will ensure we are able to balance the work we would do with local groups that enable community safety and policing, such as the voluntary sector and faith groups

3.9 Uniform and Branded Vehicles

Impersonating a police officer is a serious offence. Under the Police Act 1996, it is illegal to impersonate a police officer, which includes wearing a police uniform or carrying police equipment without authorisation. Penalties can include imprisonment for up to 6 months or a fine, depending on the circumstances. The law aims to protect public trust in law enforcement and prevent misuse of police insignia or uniforms.

Police Act 1996

The 1996 Police Act re impersonation relates to.

Any person who with intent to deceive impersonates a member of a police force or makes any statement or does any act calculated falsely to suggest that he is such a member or constable.
Any person who, not being a constable, wears any article of police uniform in circumstances where it gives him an appearance so nearly resembling that of a member of a police force as to be calculated to deceive.
Any person who, not being a member of a police force, has in his possession any article of police uniform shall, unless he proves that he obtained possession of that article lawfully and has possession of it for a lawful purpose, be guilty of an offence.

An “article of police uniform” means any article of uniform or any distinctive badge or mark or document of identification usually issued to members of police forces, or anything having the appearance of such an article, badge, mark or document, This act includes using equipment or markings that resemble police vehicles.

3.10 Intellectual Property Rights

Essex Police IP refers to the intellectual property rights associated with the Essex Police force, including their logo, uniforms and other insignia.

NOTE: The default position is that Essex Police does not authorise the use of its brands by other partners.

To use Essex Polices IP such as print or media, you typically need an intellectual property (IP) agreement or license. This can be requested via an online form and it’s important for the public to adhere to the guidelines to avoid misappropriation of Essex Police’s trademarks and copyrights.

How to request an intellectual property (IP) licence | Essex Police

3.11 Rights of Association

While many Citizen Visibility Groups (CVG) have clear aims as to how they support their communities, through welfare and sign posting, other CVG’s aims are not so clear. Volunteer CVG’s should never be set up as an enforcement or policing activity or role.

Essex Police should be very clear on an organisation aims, and structure before entering a relationship, or any form of financial activity, partnership working such as joint patrols, sharing information. See Section 3.6 – Developing New Partnerships.

Any partnership or joint working with Essex Police with be open to public scrutiny and will endorse the actions and aims of the CVG.

3.12 European Convention on Human Rights

The rights of association for citizens involved in citizen patrols and their interactions with police are governed by the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

Article 11 of the ECHR specifically addresses the rights of peaceful assembly and association, which are essential for the functioning of citizen patrols. This article ensures that no restrictions are placed on the exercise of these rights other than those prescribed by law and necessary in a democratic society for the prevention of disorder or crime, the protection of health or morals, or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.

Citizens have the right to freedom of expression and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority, as well as the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. These rights are subject to certain formalities, conditions, restrictions, or penalties as prescribed by law, necessary in a democratic society for the interests of national security, territorial integrity, or public safety, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals, for the protection of the reputation or rights of others, for the prevention of the disclosure of information received in confidence, or for maintaining the authority and impartiality of the judiciary.

The police have statutory and common law powers and duties in relation to public order public safety (POPS) policing, which include preventing breaches of the peace.

These powers and duties must be used in accordance with the ECHR, including the rights of most central relevance to POPS, such as Article 10 (freedom of expression) and Article 11 (freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of association).

Citizens should be aware of their rights and the responsibilities of the police in maintaining public order and ensuring the safety and security of the community.

3.13 Importance of Community Engagement

Without the cooperation of the public, policing in developed democracies would become essentially unworkable. In simple terms, the police service would cease to function without the active support of the communities it serves.

Evidence has shown that effective community engagement, targeted foot patrols and collaborative problem solving can significantly increase public confidence in policing activity.

By improving public perceptions and increasing trust through fair decision making and positive public interaction, the police service can enhance its legitimacy.

There are several implemented strategies to enhance Police relations with their communities.

Evidence Based Approaches: The College of Policing provides operational guidelines based on the best available evidence, including legislation and powers to help police tackle anti-social behaviour.

Problem Solving: SARA model is used to assess specific crime types and proactive engagement methods are more effective than reactive ones.

Public Confidence: Implementing neighbourhood policing can significantly improve public confidence and trust in the police.

These guidelines and strategies are designed to create a more visible and responsive police presence, ultimately benefiting the communities they serve.

Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee: This initiative aims to restore trust in local policing by ensuring every community has dedicated neighbourhood policing teams with guaranteed patrols in town centres and other hotspot areas.

Neighbourhood policing is about keeping neighbourhoods safe. It’s about local officers knowing their neighbourhoods and understanding the things that matter to their communities. It’s about improving community confidence in policing, knowing that police will keep them safe.

Neighbourhood Policing Teams have police officers, police community support officers, and special constables. They work to prevent crime, deter criminals and make sure those intent on causing neighbourhoods harm is stopped. They also work with local organisations, authorities, and neighbourhood leaders. They listen to neighbourhood concerns and find solutions to resolve problems.

3.14 Citizens in Policing

Policing recognises the value volunteers add to policing – through improving community engagement, increasing available resources and skillsets, and allowing officers and staff to focus on frontline duties. Citizens in Policing (CIP) play a vital role in enhancing public safety and the criminal justice process. CIP is an umbrella term for the volunteers who provide support to police officers and staff, performing tasks that complement their duties, such as providing front counter services, administration, and crime prevention advice. Their contributions are significant as they increase the capability of the Force, bringing valuable skills and expertise to police teams and creating closer and more effective relationships with communities.
In Essex Police, there are opportunities for the community to volunteer within CIP as special constables, police support volunteers, cadet leaders and cadets.

3.15 Governance of Partnerships

Any new local partnership must be brought to the attention of the Head of LPSU, who has overall responsibility for considering the appropriateness of any new such local partnership (though management of any approved partnerships is for the relevant command where the partnership operates)
Responsibility for considering the appropriateness of any new force-wide partnership lies with the Ch. Supt of LPSU.
The LPSU will maintain a central record of all partnerships, which will be available for the ACC of Local Policing to review on behalf of Chief Officers.

NOTE: Partnerships may evolve and circumstances may change- and so it is vital that they are monitored. As such, any partnership may be subject to ongoing review, in line with this policy and may be withdrawn at any time without having to provide any reason for doing so.

4.0 Equality Impact Assessment

EIA - March 2026

5.0 Risk Assessment

5.1 This procedure deals with working with statutory and non-statutory Partners.

Failure to comply poses a significant risk to Essex Police.

5.2 In addition, officers, staff and volunteers are reminded that compliance with this procedure and any governing policy is mandatory.

5.3 A failure to comply may compromise.

Essex Police’s Reputation
Public trust and confidence

5.4 In addition, officers, staff and volunteers are reminded of the Code of Ethics and Five Pillars of Professionalism. Persistent failures or significant deviation from this procedure without cause could lead to disciplinary processes and outcomes for the individual concerned.

6.0 Consultation

The following were invited to consult during the formulation of this document:

Unison
Police Federation
Essex Diversity and Inclusion Team
Health & Safety
Head of Operational Change
PSD D/Superintendent
Risk
Policy
Superintendents Association
Strategic Force Crime & Incident Registrar
Head of Info Management
Head of Operational HR
Support Network Chairs and Vice Chairs
Specials Command Essex
Essex Diversity and Inclusion Team
Foundation Training Sgt
Legal

7.0 Monitoring and Review

Procedure will be reviewed every two years by Local Policing Support Unit.

8.0 Governing Force policy.

Related Force policies or related procedures

Procedure W 1014 - Information Sharing Agreement

8.1 Data Security

Essex Police have measures in place to protect the security of your data in accordance with our Information Management Policy – W 1000 Policy – Information Management.

8.2 Retention & Disposal of Records

Essex Police will hold data in accordance with our Records Review, Retention & Disposal Policy – W 1012 Procedure/SOP - Records Review, Retention and Disposal.

We will only hold data for as long as necessary for the purposes for which we collected. Victims/public should be reminded that Essex Police take the protection of personal data seriously as described in the privacy notice ****

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