We're working to find the best ways to deliver policing in an age of austerity. We invite you to get involved and support the development of an evidence-based profession.

The police service currently faces a series of challenges - from the transformational change that police forces must make to deliver savings and reduce crime, to the increasing complexity of the threats to national security, public safety and public order.

The College of Policing is helping to meet these challenges. Operating in the public interest, it sets the framework and 'owns' on the profession's behalf the tools to ensure professionalism, including:

• operational and training standards
• a knowledge base of 'what works'
• the professional development framework.

It is an authoritative voice in policing, continually reviewing how it supports the police service.

The creation of a new policing professional body was announced by the Home Secretary in December 2011. Representatives from the Police Federation, the Superintendents' Association, ACPO and UNISON worked with the Home Office to create the College, ensuring that it represents the police service's desires and aspirations.

The College has a powerful remit to set standards for the police service on training, development, skills and qualifications. We will also provide maximum support to help the service implement these standards. As we develop, we will undergo a transformation programme to ensure that our activities serve the needs of the service; in doing so, we will draw on the strong legacy of the National Policing Improvement Agency, from which we inherited a number of functions and services.

As soon as Parliamentary time allows, the College of Policing will be established as a statutory body, independent of government. While the necessary legislation is prepared, the College has been established as a company limited by guarantee (see below).

The British model of policing by consent is admired right across the world. The College will help to create the best conditions to sustain and enhance that model.

You can find out about our objectives and how we will deliver them on the What we do page.

You can also download frequently asked questions about the College, and answers to questions raised at our briefings with police forces in late 2012 and early 2013.

College of Policing Limited is a company registered in England and Wales, with registered number 8235199 and VAT registered number 152023949.

Our registered office is at College of Policing Limited, Leamington Road, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Coventry CV8 3EN.