Find the questions asked by Members and answers from the Chief Constable at our May Board meeting in public:
Following the May 2026 Board meeting in public, you can find below a series of statements from the Board Chair on a series of key topics.
KATIE SIMPSON REVIEW
Today’s Board meeting in public with the Chief Constable focused on the findings and recommendations from the Katie Simpson Review with questions focusing on how the listed actions from the Katie Simpson Review, along with those made in the Langdale Review, will be actioned by the Chief Constable, particularly in respect of cultural change.
“There is no room for misogyny in policing or in any other part of our society, and there is a collective onus on everyone to call it out where and when it manifests.
Board discussions today focused on delivery of cultural change, assessment of progress, delivery of training to officers and staff, changes to system, policy and practice, accountability of officers and regulatory change needed, challenging misogyny, inappropriate behaviours and diversity in policing. Questions were also raised on the resourcing and investment needed for delivery of all the recommendations made in this review, the Langdale Review and other relevant reports.
In terms of institutional misogyny unconscious bias and unconscious behaviours have to be addressed and a strong values framework embedded in policing. The updated PSNI Code of Ethics provides that values framework as it clearly calls out misogyny and the requirement to call out inappropriate behaviours. Investment in training is also now required, particularly first line managers who set the standards for others. Together this will create an environment where inappropriate misogynistic behaviour is not acceptable and will be challenged.
Tackling violence against women and girls is a top priority for the Board and for policing in Northern Ireland. The Katie Simpson Review, along with the findings from the Langdale Report, represents a turning point for policing and it is now our priority to make sure changes are made so that victims can be confident they will get a professional police response, that they will be listened to and they will be treated with respect. Going forward it is important that the candour applied to this review continues in delivery of all the recommendations made.
The Chief Constable has made a clear commitment today to effect the changes now needed, and that those within PSNI who act inappropriately or display misogynistic behaviours will face disciplinary action.
The Chief Constable has been asked to provide the Board with a timelined action plan which the Board will receive regular reports against at its meetings in public.
View the Board meeting in public and questions raised on the Katie Simpson Review here: 2nd April 2026 Meeting in Public
PSNI Resource Plan 2026-2027
Today Board Members noted the PSNI Resource Plan for the 2026-27 which based on requirements for 2026-27 shows an opening funding gap of around £57m. The funding gap increases to £92m in 2027-28 and £149m in 2028-29. The draft capital budget for 2026-27 is £52m. PSNI has a capital budget requirement of £70.5m, therefore there is a capital funding shortfall of £18.5m.
“The opening gap in the funding provision for this financial year and subsequent years remains concerning.
The demands on current day policing continue to grow and we need to make sure that policing is properly resourced so that its officers and staff are enabled to do their job effectively, and deliver on the outcomes set in the Northern Ireland Policing Plan.
It remains of serious concern to the Board that the cost of dealing with legacy remains within the policing budget. Efforts to get the Westminster Government to take their legal responsibility for the cost of policing legacy casework are now needed, as policing in the here and now can’t carry this financial burden nor the reputational issues that come with it any longer.
The Board will continue to support the Chief Constable in advocating for policing in this area, and will continue to monitor spend through its Resources Committee meetings throughout the year.”
Notes for guidance
Resource Requirement for 2026-27, and the subsequent two years has a number of key assumptions. These include:
- Police Officer numbers: Recovery and initial growth of 687 officers during year from 6,333 to 7,020 by March 2029; Police Staff numbers: Growth of 229 staff during the year to 2,507 by March 2029;
- Pay Awards: 3% pay award (from Sept 26) included for police officers (not yet agreed), 3% for police staff (from April 26) and 3% for PTR from September 26;
- Overtime £38m requirement based on assessment from departments.
- Injury on Duty & Ill health retirements – based on average number of IOD awards and increases based on CPI. Ill Heath Retirements are assumed to remain at the current level.
- Public Inquiries reflects costs for the Omagh Bomb Inquiry. There is no allowance built in for the Finucane Inquiry.
Exceptional items:
- £86m is estimated for settlement of holiday pay claims in 2027-28.
- £119m is an initial estimate for settlement of claims in relation to the data breach.
- £100m per annum is an estimated cost for legacy compensation The resource requirement does not include any funding to settle potential legacy compensation or increases in legal costs.
Annual Capital Strategy Update & Estate Disposal Report
Following discussion at the April Resources Committee on the PSNI Capital Strategy and Estate Disposals Report, the Board has approved a request from the Chief Constable to dispose of 7 police stations deemed no longer required for operational service delivery. The seven station sites are: Knocknagoney, Holywood, Crossmaglen, Rathfriland, Beragh, Portrush, and Ballycastle.
“In seeking the Board’s approval to dispose, assurance was given on community engagement plans to negate any negative impact in terms of the delivery of local policing or access to police services resulting from the disposal of the designated sites, and that no strategic risk to future accommodation needs or demand in relation to designated sites has been identified.
PSNI will apply the D1 disposal process to ensure all future asset divestments comply with milestones, achieve the best value for money for PSNI and are in line with Government disposal guidelines. Whilst the Board is the owner of the police estate, it has delegated responsibility for day-to-day estate management, which includes the disposal of surplus PSNI estate, to the Chief Constable. PSNI takes forward the process for surplus estate disposals through the D1 process and in line with published Government Guidance: Disposal of surplus public sector property in Northern Ireland - guidance”
ROAD SAFETY ISSUES
At today’s meeting questions were raised on road safety and the policing approach to the use of e-scooter and bikes.
“With road deaths and injuries continuing to rise this year, road safety messages just do not seem to be landing.
Given the numbers of deaths and serious injuries on our roads, it is important that the deterrent for these most serious offences reflects the devastating consequences of such incidents, and the Board has written to the Justice Committee on that as part of the consultation on the sentencing bill.
We have also seen the dangers emerging from the use of ebikes and scooters, and those who use them recklessly.
This presents challenges for policing and the Board is supportive of discussions at the NI Assembly for legislative changes to strengthen policing powers so that vehicles being used in a dangerous or anti-social manner can be seized.”
PEELERS: THE PSNI FOR REAL
“The decision to open up the service has been an eye-opener to the public in terms of the challenges faced in everyday policing, and humanises the people who step forward to serve the community. It has exposed the demands placed on officers, and in many instances they are dealing with issues that are not policing matters but the impact of societal failings in terms of vulnerability, and issues associated with drugs and alcohol.
It has shown the split second decision making in often volatile situations, and the disgusting violence often directed at officers for simply doing their job. It showed the pressures placed on the organisation, that behind the uniform are ordinary people doing an extraordinary job and reinforced the need to make sure that officers are supported in that work.”
Ends
At the monthly meeting a number of other questions were asked including trauma support for current and former officers, releasing images of offenders engaged in disorder, road safety, human trafficking and the threat level given recent attacks at Lurgan and Dunmurry police stations. The full meeting can be viewed here along with the Chair and Chief Constable opening remarks 2nd April 2026 Meeting in Public