Met Police’s leadership academy proves successful

The Met Police claims to have received the first signs that its controversial leadership academy is tackling its high profile leadership failings.

HR director Martin Tiplady told Personnel Today he had been tipped off that a vital set of results would show "stable, solid progress".

The force introduced a leadership academy in late 2006 after the damming Morris Inquiry highlighted widespread people management problems at the force.

Tiplady said there had initially been anger about the academy, which trained even the most senior managers how to manage and inspire.

However, he said that a crucial staff survey was about to prove that the leadership culture was improving.

"I've just had a briefing that it is looking good," he said. "We are looking at slow, stable, solid progress. The early signs are that it is clicking into place."

The 'staff experience metrics' rate how well staff feel their line manager explains tasks to them, listens to their views and encourages team working.

Tiplady said there was "blood letting" at a board meeting when senior figures were told they would be trained at the academy.

"There was much shouting and banging on tables," he said. "But there is a much less cynical approach now."