As I reflect on the Police Superintendents’ Association Conference 2026, I am left with a strong sense of optimism and determination over the role we can play in the future of policing.

Over two days, superintendents, chief superintendents, policing partners, government representatives, academics and industry leaders came together to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing policing. The breadth of discussion reflected both the scale of the issues confronting our service and the commitment across the policing family to work together to deliver meaningful change.

What stood out most was the energy in the room. Despite the pressures our members face every day, there was a palpable sense of purpose throughout the conference. Delegates engaged openly and honestly, challenged one another constructively, shared learning and demonstrated a collective determination to improve policing for the communities we serve and for our colleagues.

The conference agenda covered some of the most pressing issues facing policing today. We explored reform, leadership, workforce wellbeing, innovation, public trust and confidence, technology, productivity and the future operating environment for policing. There was recognition that policing is entering the most significant periods of change in its history, and a shared understanding that reform will only succeed if those leading operational delivery are involved in shaping it from the outset. This is something we have stressed at every opportunity to engage with those responsible for reform.

While the conference provided an invaluable opportunity for discussion, it also reinforced some longstanding concerns that remain unresolved.

In my presidential address, I raised a number of issues on behalf of our members. Whilst it was encouraging to hear from Policing Minister Sarah Jones on her admiration for and recognition of our Service, many of the fundamental questions remain unanswered.

Foremost among these is police funding. Reform cannot be delivered through aspiration alone. If the government expects forces to transform services, adopt new technologies, modernise operating models and meet ever-growing public expectations, there must be a clear and sustainable investment plan behind those ambitions. Reform requires resources, and our members need confidence that the funding will be available not only to maintain current services but also to deliver the changes being asked of them.

Equally important is the continuing lack of clarity around the police mission. Time and again, our members tell us that demand continues to grow while resources remain finite. Much of that demand arises from wider societal challenges that do not sit solely with policing. Yet, too often, policing becomes the service of last resort. Until there is greater clarity across government about what policing should and should not be responsible for, demand will continue to outstrip capacity. We continue to hear silence when this matter is raised.

These are not new concerns, and they were not fully answered during the conference. That is why the PSA will continue to raise them at every opportunity. We have a responsibility to ensure that the voices and experiences of superintendents are heard at the highest levels, and we will continue to advocate strongly on behalf of our members.

One particularly positive development was the Government’s announcement that it will instruct HMICFRS to undertake a thematic review of wellbeing provision across forces to identify where improvements are needed.

This is something the PSA has been calling for over the last five years. Our members have consistently highlighted the pressures associated with modern policing, the damaging impact this is having on their health and wellbeing, and the lack of consistency they face when it comes to force support. We therefore warmly welcome this commitment and see it as an important step towards ensuring that officer and staff wellbeing receives the attention it deserves.

We have already written to the Policing Minister and to Andy Marsh, newly appointed Chief Inspector of HMICFRS, offering our support to this work. We look forward to engaging positively with the review and helping to ensure that it delivers practical outcomes that genuinely improve the wellbeing of those who serve.

Another highlight of the conference was the inaugural Flashlight Innovation Project.

It was genuinely inspiring to see such impressive examples of innovation from across the workforce. The creativity, passion and problem-solving demonstrated by the participating teams showcased the very best of policing. At a time when the service faces enormous challenges, these projects reminded us that some of the most effective solutions already exist within our workforce.

The quality of the ideas on display was exceptional, and I would like to thank everyone who participated, along with our project partners for their ongoing support. We are excited to see these ideas develop further and to watch the impact they can have as they move from concept to implementation.

Perhaps most importantly, the conference once again demonstrated the value of bringing superintendents together.

Policing can often be an isolating profession, particularly for those leading large teams and carrying significant operational responsibility. Opportunities to step away from day-to-day pressures, share experiences with colleagues, learn from experts and build professional networks are more important than ever.

The conversations that take place in meeting rooms, over coffee and between sessions are often every bit as valuable as those on the main stage. They help us learn from one another, share best practice and return to our forces with new ideas and renewed focus.

I would like to thank everyone who attended, contributed and supported this year’s conference. Your engagement, insight and professionalism helped make it an outstanding event.

As we look ahead, the PSA remains committed to representing and advocating for our members through what is undoubtedly one of the most significant periods of change policing has ever experienced. We will continue to champion the issues that matter most to superintendents, challenge where necessary, support reform where it is beneficial and ensure that operational leaders have a strong and influential voice in shaping the future of policing.

The conversations at this year’s conference may have ended, but the work continues. Together, we will continue to drive improvements in policing, support one another and ensure our service is equipped to meet the challenges of the future.