Across sectors agencies are on a journey; working hard to build a culture of youth participation and leadership in our organisations and in public life. On that journey we have had fun, insight, innovation, trials, tribulations and disagreements, learning copious lessons along the way.

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) has issued another report, this one on increasing efficiency in the police service.

Time is flying by and there's only six months to the new incoming Police and Crime Commissioners. There is an awful lot of work going on behind the scenes, not just locally but nationally as well.

What a dire weekend, the weather was terrible. Lots in the news today of the rise in cannabis farms around the UK with media reports that the police...

I was really glad to see that the IPCC have written to the Home Office requesting the power to investigate all private staff who carry out police duties. Ultimately the statutory duty on the IPCC is to increase public confidence in the police complaints system in England and Wales, so it will be an interesting one to watch.

April already - can't quite believe where the time has gone since Christmas!

Another busy week - back to back meetings yesterday - I had my regular catch up with my Chief Executive and then met with the Kent Police Federation a...

I have spent since Sunday evening in Solihull at the Association of Police Authorities Transition Conference which was all about getting ready for a seamless change from Police Authorities to Police and Crime Commissioners in November.

There has been a lot in the media over the weekend about Surrey and West Midlands police asking private security firms to bid for contracts to run services currently carried out by police officers, such as investigating crime and patrolling neighbourhoods. It seems that everyone has a view on this and I suppose that I am no different!

I've just returned from West Africa and had a wonderful break with lots of sunshine. This week I'm really looking forward to our Safer Kent Awards ev...

This year's budget setting meeting was a tough one. Police Authority members unanimously made a decision last week to accept a Government grant of £2...

I was at the launch of a new super IT project last week, the first in the country. The project known as 'Athena' involves seven forces using the same ...

We're very lucky here in Kent that we're managing despite having to cut £50million during a four year period. The Authority and Force have done a really good job at planning for the austerity measures and I'm proud of all involved.

Well I have to say that watching the play One Man, Two Guvnors last week was hilarious and I would definitely recommend going to see the play. It had me in stitches. James Corden (Smithy from Gavin and Stacey) was the star of the show, but everyone who performed in it was excellent - a real team effort!

The Authority hosted the first national Police and Crime Commissioner conference focusing on the changes ahead.

Well, what a very busy time we have had! As the APA Portfolio holder for National Events, I was busy helping to organise and support the APA Transitio...

I have witnessed the disastrous results of political interference in policing in too many places. Proud forces, some originally moulded in the British tradition, brought to their knees and demoralised. We neither need nor want that here.

What a week this has been! Violent disorder on the streets, the pointing of fingers of blame, the police infuriated with the politicians, the politicians cross with the police for not responding quickly or firmly enough