In this second of three conversations, Commissioner Pete O’Doherty shares how the City of London Police has transformed its culture, performance, and leadership — earning top marks in its latest HMICFRS inspection.
He explores the real meaning of adaptive leadership, explains how the McKinsey 7S model was used to shape transformation, and reflects on why culture and values matter just as much as strategy and systems.
From governance reform to giving junior staff a voice, to cycling for fallen officers in the Police Unity Tour, this candid conversation reveals what it really takes to lead a police force forward — not just in performance, but in purpose.
Takeaways
- The City of London Police’s journey from inspection to transformation
- Using the McKinsey 7S model to embed sustainable change
- Why the “soft stuff” — people, culture, values — is the hardest to get right
- Inclusive leadership: junior voices at the top table
- Leadership requires leading by example and being vulnerable.
- Continuous improvement is necessary for long-term success.
- The policing plan is a clear roadmap for the future.
- Community engagement is vital for effective policing.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to City of London Police’s Journey
01:51 The McKinsey 7S Model in Policing
05:30 Cultural Transformation and Shared Values
09:05 Leading by Example: The Police Unity Tour
11:43 Future Goals and Continuous Improvement
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