The future governance of NPAS

The independent review was commissioned by the NSB in 2021 in direct response to a decision taken by the authority to withdraw as the lead policing body for NPAS.

A Transition Programme was established, delivered by Bluelight Commercial under the direction of a dedicated Board, which reported to the National Strategic Board.

Following extensive consultation with Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners, and modelling of all alternative options, Board members voted to remain under the existing arrangement due to the potential costs to change.

As a result, the Transition Programme was brought to a close and NPAS remains under the leadership of West Yorkshire Police, with the Chief Constable holding the Police Air Operators Certificate.

In September 2024, following a detailed review of governance arrangements, the National Strategic Board (NSB), working with West Yorkshire Combined Authority, concluded that NPAS would remain under the leadership of the authority.

The independent review was commissioned by the NSB in 2021in direct response to a decision taken by the authority to withdraw as the lead policing body for NPAS.

A Transition Programme was established, delivered by Bluelight Commercial under the direction of a dedicated Board, which reported to the National Strategic Board.

Following extensive consultation with Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners, and modelling of all alternative options, Board members voted to remain under the existing arrangement due to the potential costs to change.

As a result, the Transition Programme was brought to a close and NPAS remains under the leadership of West Yorkshire Police, with the Chief Constable holding the Police Air Operators Certificate.

In November 2024, in her first major speech at the annual conference hosted by the National Police Chiefs' Council and Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper set out her plans to deliver major policing reforms, including a new National Centre of Policing.

While work is underway to determine the scope and scale of the unit,it is reported that the centre is expected to include specialist and supportive functions, including police aviation.

Members of the NPAS Senior Leadership Team have been invited to contribute towards the initial planning stages of the proposal.