Freedom of Information

The purpose of the governance framework

The Governance Framework comprises the systems, processes, culture and values through which the force manages its activities. It enables the monitoring of the achievement of force objectives, and whether those objectives have led to the delivery of appropriate, cost-effective services, including achieving value for money. The system of internal control is a significant part of the Governance Framework and is designed to manage risk to a reasonable and foreseeable level. It cannot eliminate all risk, and therefore can only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance of effectiveness.

The system of internal control is based on an ongoing process designed to identify and prioritise the risks to achievement of the force’s policies, aims and objectives, to evaluate the likelihood of those risks being realised, any impact should they be realised and to manage them effectively, efficiently and economically.

The Governance Framework has been in place within the force for the year ended 31 March 2008 and up to the date of approval of the statement of accounts on 30 June 2008.