This Case Study:

Organisational Design for EMSOU (East Midlands Special Operations Unit)

Re-defining the core capabilities within EMSOU, redesigning the operating model, and identifying efficiencies.

Project Background:

A HMICFRS review was conducted on EMSOU providing recommendations for improvements to their ways of working, and amendments to the existing Section 22 agreement. There was an opportunity to take a holistic view of the EMSOU organisational design at this time to meet the HMICFRS requirements, and to also address a budget deficit forecasted for FY 25-26.

Pragmatics 3D were commissioned to undertake the project management of the Section 22 review in January 2024, and later, the Organisational Design project in March 2024.

Initial Objectives:

Redefining core capabilities within EMSOU.

Redesigning the operating model to accommodate HMICFRS recommendations.

Identifying efficiency savings to meet a budget gap for FY25-26.

A Section 22 agreement that needed updating.

Project deliverables

How We Supported Our Client:

How We Supported Our Client:

With Pragmatics 3D expert project and change management approach, we supported EMSOU and the five forces to deliver a model that meets the aims of the EMSOU vision, addresses HMICFRS areas for improvement, and future-proofs EMSOU to deliver value for money for years to come

Discover

Initial review of the Section 22 agreement, HMICFRS reports and existing operating model documentation quickly gave us a benchmark to start engaging with key stakeholders. Utilising our proven governance method for organisational design, a Design Authority and Change Board were established.

We implemented a cyclical process with supporting template products and facilitated multiple workshops to guide each workstream in reviewing their area of business. A robust communications plan was put in place to ensure all levels of stakeholders within EMSOU, the five forces, OPCC, and partners were kept appropriately informed.

Develop

The project reviewed over 20 areas of business across the EMSOU establishment, and working with SMEs in each area delivering options for budget reduction and areas for investment. Over 70 options were presented and reviewed by the Design Authority, and recommendations for each area were put through the Change Board, overseen by Leicestershire Chief Constable as project SRO. Pragmatics 3D facilitated the 5 force ACCs and EMSOU project stakeholders in a full day workshop to consolidate the recommendations made and develop a new Target Operating Model (TOM).

A thorough review was conducted with legal representation to ensure the Section 22 agreement accurately reflected the new TOM, working at pace to ensure deadlines set by HMICFRS were met.

Deliver

Creating quality products to define the recommended TOM was key to support the Regional ACC in briefing the five force Chiefs and OPCCs. Approval for the changes was received swiftly, and P3D were asked to increase the scope of work to project manage the implementation process.

The governance structure was updated appropriately, workstreams redefined to better support the implementation of the new model, stakeholders were reengaged and a new comms plan started to support organisational change.

An updated and improved Section 22 agreement was prepared within HMICFRS timelines.

In 2026 HMICRFS closed down their cause for concern.

“I am incredibly grateful to have had the support of P3D on this project, there was a significant amount of work to do in a collaborative setting, under some challenging timescales, alongside managing operational business. I have no doubt that without their project management support we would not be where we are now, which is a fully implemented new co-designed operating model, completed HMIC recommendations, support, and engagement from all five forces, savings achieved and a fully refreshed S22 agreement. Their service was highly professional throughout, the quality of their reports and products were of an exceptional standard. Their knowledge of policing, SOC and the ROCU network undoubtedly assisted the project.”

ACC Diane Coulson, Regional ACC for East Midlands Special Operations Unit

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