The Police Federation of England and Wales’ #SimplifyDG6 campaign has reached an important milestone, with new survey findings showing that proportionate disclosure, driven by the campaign’s asks, is reducing bureaucracy and helping officers spend more time focused on investigations and victim care. The results provide further evidence for concerns raised by members through the campaign about the impact of disproportionate disclosure requirements on frontline policing.

Police Federation launched the #SimplifyDG6 after members repeatedly highlighted the burden of disclosure processes, with officers raising concerns about excessive paperwork, duplication and unnecessary administrative demands. The campaign, led by the Police Federation National Detective Forum (PFNDF) Chair, Ben Hudson, has consistently called for a more proportionate approach to disclosure that reduces bureaucracy while maintaining fairness within the criminal justice system.

Taking note of the campaign, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) had introduced the Proportionate Disclosure Pilot (PDP) earlier this year to test that approach.

A Police Federation survey of 200 officers and police staff investigators participating in the pilot across Kent, Sussex and Surrey police found strong support for the process. More than eight in 10 respondents (82 per cent) said the PDP had been either very or quite successful in supporting the submission of case files to the Crown Prosecution Service.

“The findings highlight many of the issues at the heart of the #SimplifyDG6 campaign,” observed Ben.

Amongst constables, detective constables and police staff investigators, 77 per cent said the PDP had reduced the time spent preparing pre-charge files, while 66 per cent said it had reduced duplication and unnecessary work. More than half (52 per cent) reported that it had significantly reduced the time they spend on disclosure and redaction.

Nearly seven in 10 frontline investigators (69 per cent) agreed the PDP allows officers to focus on work that is genuinely required by the CPS. Almost half (46 per cent) believed the quality of pre-charge files submitted to the CPS had improved.

The survey also identified benefits for victims. More than half of frontline investigators (56 per cent) agreed the PDP had improved the overall service provided to victims, while 43 per cent agreed that the timeliness of victim updates and communication had improved. Almost half (47 per cent) believed the process helps reduce victim disengagement from investigations.

Respondents highlighted particular benefits in domestic abuse and violence against women and girls investigations, with qualitative feedback suggesting that quicker progression of cases and faster charging decisions can help maintain victim engagement and improve victim care.

The findings also point to positive impacts on morale, wellbeing and job satisfaction. Among frontline investigators, 54 per cent reported some or significant positive impact on morale, while 41 per cent reported some or significant positive impact on overall job satisfaction. Among supervisory ranks, 65 per cent reported some or significant positive impact on wellbeing and 72 per cent reported some or significant positive impact on morale.

While respondents identified a need for improved training, clearer guidance and greater consistency in the application of the process, support for the pilot remained strong. Survey feedback also highlighted support for extending proportionate disclosure principles across a wider range of investigations.

Ben added: “These findings are more than an endorsement of the Proportionate Disclosure Pilot. They provide evidence that the issues raised by officers through the Federation's #SimplifyDG6 campaign are being addressed through a more rational and legally viable approach to disclosure.

“For years, members have told us that disproportionate disclosure requirements were creating unnecessary bureaucracy and taking officers away from core investigative work. The findings from this pilot show that a proportionate approach can reduce duplication, cut administrative burdens and allow officers to focus on work genuinely required to progress investigations and support victims.

“While further work is needed to improve training, consistency and wider implementation, the message emerging from the survey is clear. Respondents overwhelmingly view the pilot as successful, and the findings demonstrate why the principles behind #SimplifyDG6 continue to resonate with officers on the frontline.”

 

Notable observations from respondents:

“Yes- reduction in time getting cases to the CPS means that the victim remains more engaged with the process and is less likely to make the decision to withdraw support”

“A DA case now takes a few hours to send to CPS for a pre charge decision rather than weeks”

“More guilty pleas and being dealt with quicker”

“Saves significant time on pre-charge files so focus can be spent on other investigations”

“Preventing unnecessary workload, and loss of workforce due to tight caseloads and timelines”