Decision Reference Number: WPCC3-0132
Lead Officer: Polly Reed
Chief Officer approval: ACC Gardner
Date: 15/2/2023
Status: Partially-confidential
DN to be published; appendices exempted under s43 FOI Act
Decision summary:
To purchase mobile phones for the workforce to replace existing stock.
I confirm that my register of interests declaration is up to date and that none of my interests preclude me from making this decision.
Signature: P.Seccombe
Date: 21/03/2024
Supporting information
1. Background information
As part of establishing a standalone force and rebuilding our ICT the force purchased mobile phones for all officers and selected staff in 2020/21 and into 2021/22. As part of the hardware re-fresh programme these phones are due for replacement and a budget provision was made in the 2024/25 capital programme.
The force will be purchasing circa 1500 mobile phones.
There have been significant performance issues with the current handset and operating system which have led to extensive review of the most appropriate device for the force – the recommended option is to move to IOS operating system (Apple iPhone).
2. List of additional information attached as appendices
- Expression of Interest Form (Exempt from publication)
- Data Board Strategy Presentation (Exempt from publication)
3. Expected benefits
A modern reliable smart phone will enable officers and staff to work more effectively than is the case currently. Alongside the mobile phone replacement programme, we will be rolling out our Nexus Power App – a one stop mobile application developed in house that will enable officers to perform a range of duties through their smart phone e.g. record an investigation, search multiple force systems.
This is critical to the strategy of leveraging the benefits of the technology and enabling front line officers to be more productive.
The new handset is expected to have a longer useful life meaning we will be able to extend the replacement cycle further out than the current handset model.
4. Impact of not approving the application
The current phones are unstable and unreliable, despite improvements made and are due for replacement as part of a normal cycle. If the force does not replace the handsets and provide a modern smart phone, they will not be able to launch Nexus and realise the benefits from improving the ability for officers to work in a smarter way.
5. Costs (including any identified savings)
The total cost is likely to be circa £950k based on 1500 handsets and required peripherals e.g. case.
It is expected through the procurement process there will be a discount on list price which is factored into the above. This is in line with the budget provision outlined in the 25/26 approved capital programme.
6. Equality considerations
The force has been testing a number of devices to ensure the chosen device meets the needs of the workforce. For example, a larger screen has been chosen to enable a better experience.
7. Legal comments
None
8. Social or Environmental considerations
None
9. Publication
Information in this form is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI Act) and other legislation. Unless the information provided is covered by an exemption and stated to be either confidential or partly confidential, the information contained in the form will be published on the OPCC website.
Comments from the Treasurer
The cost of the phones and peripheral items will be financed within the existing capital programme budget of £1.000m. The replacement phones are part of the planned digital renewal programme. The Nexus power app will be loaded on to the new phones, which should enable officers and other staff to operate more effectively, and the longer life of the new phones should help to generate efficiency savings across the medium term.
Comments from the Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer
Quality mobile phones are essential for personnel to be able to carry out their roles effectively; especially for those who are not office based. The force have determined that the apple product is the best solution for the needs.
