The National Crime Agency is an intelligence-led crime fighting agency that leads and co-ordinates the UK law enforcement operational response to serious and organised crime and protects the public by targeting the highest harm groups and networks.
His Majesty’s inspectorate of constabulary and fire and rescue services has finalised its first graded inspection of the agency as an organisation, following previous inspections examining thematic areas of the agency’s work. The inspection assessed the NCA’s effectiveness and efficiency in fulfilling its statutory crime reduction and criminal intelligence functions, and the extent to which leadership, strategic direction and the culture within the NCA contribute to the discharge of those functions.
I welcome the findings of the inspection. I have asked HMICFRS to publish the report. It will be published today and will be available online at: https://hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk I will arrange for a copy to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.
The inspectorate graded the NCA as “good” for achieving its strategic priorities, investigating SOC and leading collaboration; “adequate” in understanding SOC threats; and “requires improvement” for managing finances and building the workforce.
HMICFRS found that the agency collaborates effectively with a wide range of partners and maintains a strong global presence. Inspectors also recognised innovative practice in the use of child protection advisers, which has improved investigations and accelerated responses from partners in sensitive cases.
However, the inspectorate also reported that the NCA must urgently strengthen its IT capability and strategy, identifying this as a cause of concern. It highlighted the need for substantial investment and co-ordinated action to transform the agency’s IT. To address this, the Home Office has supported the NCA in significantly increasing its capital departmental expenditure limit budget from £173 million in 2025-26 to £224 million in 2028-29—which should enable the NCA to address its technology debt and advance its transformation programme, delivering greater efficiencies and productivity gains. The inspectorate also noted that more could be done to support, develop and retain a highly skilled workforce. The spending review settlement will support this process as the agency’s core revenue departmental expenditure limit will increase from £619 million in 2025-26 to £715 million in 2026-27.
Overall, the inspectorate has made three recommendations linked to one cause of concern and 10 areas of improvement. These recommendations will support the agency’s continuing work to enhance its IT and address the challenges identified. The agency accepts the findings and steps are already being taken to address the challenges highlighted during the inspection. I want to thank HMICFRS for this vital inspection.
I have asked my officials to work closely with the NCA and HMICFRS to deliver the necessary changes and ensure recommendations align with the proposals I set out in the White Paper on police reform on 26 January. This included plans to create a new national police service which, in its final state, will bring together national and cross-border policing capabilities, including the NCA. The new national police service will drive efficiencies, reduce duplication and deliver the capabilities needed to respond to national and international threats. The necessary legislative provisions to establish the national police service will be included in the police reform Bill announced in the King’s Speech on 13 May.
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