25 February 2026
Minutes of Meeting
Meeting: COT Board
Venue: TEAMS
Date and Time: 25th February 2026, 9:30am – 11:00am
ITEM 1: ATTENDANCE
DCC Bisset – Deputy Chief Constable - Chair
ACO L Stitt – Assistant Chief Officer
ACC B Moseley – Specialist Operations
L Branford-White – Director of Finance
R Baran – Director of Corporate Development
T/CI D Anderson – Staff Officer to CC
S Gardiner – Governance Support Officer
APOLOGIES
CC T Forber – Chair
ACC C Clarke – Local Policing and Safeguarding
ITEM 2: Review of Minutes.
Summary of Discussion:
The minutes of the previous board were reviewed with an amendment required.
ITEM 3: Review of Action Log.
Summary of Discussion:
No open actions for review.
ITEM 4: Data Strategy
Summary of Discussion:
Dan Southern Head of Data and Insight joined the meeting to present the paper.
The standalone Data Strategy was presented, noting that NYP is one of a small number of forces with a dedicated strategy.
The North Yorkshire Police Data Strategy 2025–2030 set out how the force will use data as a strategic enabler to improve operational effectiveness, decision making, and public trust, informed by the Data Maturity Assessment 2024/25 and aligned to the Digital Policing Strategy.
During the development of this strategy, a benchmarking exercise was undertaken across UK police forces to assess the maturity and availability of standalone data strategies.
The Strategy included strengthened leadership and governance, improved data literacy across the force and modernisation of data technology and tools.
The governance process was discussed and the Data Strategy will be governed by the Information Assurance Board, with a bi monthly Data Council Board for tactical level review.
There is the ambition for NYP to become a centre of excellence for data nationally.
The timeline was reviewed and it was requested this strategy aligned to 2026 –2030, ensuring consistency with other strategies and Plan on a Page.
The development of a communications strategy covering Data, Digital and Innovation strategies needed to be progressed.
COT noted and endorsed the strategy with the caveat that the dates aligned to 2026-2030. Governance arrangements are in place along with roadmap to delivery.
ACTION – A communication strategy to be developed to include the Data, Digital Innovation Strategies.
ITEM 5: Drugs Expert Witness Proposal
Summary of Discussion:
Supt Thomson Head of Covert Services joined the meeting.
In October 2025 Regional Scientific Support Services (RSSS) passed a draft proposal for the regionalisation of In-House Service Provision for Cannabis Examination. This was reviewed by the Forensic Improvement Group and feedback provided based on inaccuracies identified in costs and the NYP approach. The proposal considered joining the regional cannabis examination collaboration (RSSS).
Supt Thomson advised NYP already had an established in‑house drug expert witness capability. With Financial savings proposed by RSSS were not realisable for NYP.
Joining the collaboration would not represent value for money at this time. The in-house process was a low cost for the force and against a higher regional cost.
DECISION: COT agreed not to join the regional collaboration at this stage. Supported.
ITEM 6: People Management
Summary of Discussion:
ACO Stitt presented the People Strategy.
The final, of the People Strategy was presented.
The Strategy structured around Valuing our people, developing our people, leading our people.
COT discussed the strong alignment with Plan on a Page, values and behaviours, and delivery plans already in progress.
DECISION – People Strategy - Supported
ITEM 7: COT Forward Planner
Summary of Discussion:
The forward planner was reviewed. No amendments required.
ITEM 8: Freedom of Information Requests (FOI)
Summary of Discussion:
The FOI requests were reviewed by the DCC.
ITEM 9: Urgent Financial Decisions and updates
Summary of Discussion:
Pension Contributions
Non raised.
ITEM 10: Any other Portfolio Updates by Exception
Summary of Discussion:
Non raised.
ITEM 11: Chief Officer Team Commitments
Summary of Discussion:
The Chief Officer Team commitments for the next two weeks were reviewed and noted.
ITEM 12: Any other Business
Summary of Discussion:
Mobile Policing Technology
A meeting had been scheduled after this COT Board for further discussion to gain clear direction and governance.
Operational Business Change
A discussion on the need for stronger operational business readiness to support major change programmes took place. A discussion took place around possible solutions.
MPLC Licensing
ACO Stitt updated on MPLC licensing: A reduced cost offer had been received and this offer was noted. COT agreed to maintain the previous decision not to proceed.
DATE, TIME AND LOCATION OF NEXT MEETING.
Date: 4th March 2026 Time: 9:30am
Location: Haigh Conference Room, Alverton Court