Join the Merseyside Police and Crime Panel

The Merseyside Police and Crime Panel is seeking an enthusiastic person from the Merseyside area to serve as one of two* independent co-opted member on the panel for a term to end in May 2020.

This role is an exciting opportunity to be involved in the arrangements for police governance and accountability, which would involve scrutinising and supporting the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 introduced significant changes in police governance and accountability; in particular, replacing Police Authorities by directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) from November 2012.

In summary, the public accountability for the delivery and performance of the police service within each force is now placed into the hands of the PCC on behalf of their electorate. The PCC draws on this electoral mandate to set and shape the strategic objectives of their force area in consultation with the Chief Constable.

The PCC is accountable both to the electorate and the Police and Crime Panel; the Chief Constable is directly accountable to the PCC.

Each force area has a Police and Crime Panel to offer both support and challenge in relation to the PCC’s decision-making and actions. The PCC is required to consult with the Panel on the strategic plan for local policing, as well as the level of council tax needed to support the local policing budget, and the appointment of a Chief Constable. Independent members, through their knowledge and experience, are expected to enhance the Panel’s ability to play its role effectively.

The panel is made up of 10 local councillors in total from the five local authorities in the force area, plus the two independent co-opted members.

The role of a panel member is an important and demanding one. The typical commitment required from a member of the panel is expected to average one day a month, including preparation time.

Applicants must live or work within the Merseyside area (Knowsley, Liverpool, St Helens, Sefton and Wirral). Experience in community safety, victim support, criminal justice and related issues would be helpful, but is not essential. There is no salary for the role, but reasonable travel expenses can be reclaimed.

Panel Meetings are generally held in the daytime with meetings ordinarily being held in Huyton, Knowsley. All panel members receive induction and other appropriate training.

Please find attached below a link to the application pack, which will provide you with the relevant documents you will need to consider when applying for this position, including the application form:-

Application Pack: http://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/ecCatDisplay.aspx?sch=doc&cat=13543&path=13542&StyleType=standard&StyleSize=none

Alternatively, please telephone 0151-443-3367 to request a copy of the application pack. All completed application forms need to be returned either:

• by post to David Moran, Scrutiny and Policy Manager, Knowsley Borough Council, Archway Road, Huyton, L36 9YU ; or

• by email to merseysidepcp@knowsley.gov.uk

The panel wishes to reflect the breadth of communities in the Merseyside area and particularly welcomes applications from all eligible people irrespective of gender, ethnic origin, religious belief, sexual orientation, disability or any other factor.

* One of the positions has already been filled through a recruitment process conducted earlier in the year.