Issued by Broxbourne Borough Council
The Hertfordshire Police and Crime Panel will be a joint committee of the local authorities in Hertfordshire. Its role will be to support and scrutinise the new Police and Crime Commissioner who will be elected in November 2012.
Each of the 11 local authorities has selected one member on the panel and at least two independent members will also be recruited. The recruitment process is currently being conducted on behalf of the panel by Broxbourne Borough Council.
The closing date for applications is 31 August 2012.
Further information about the role of independent members, eligibility criteria, an advertisement and an application form can be found at the ‘council and democracy’ section of the Council’s website,
www.broxbourne.gov.uk. Alternatively, members of the public are invited to call 01992 785650 for further information. A website for the panel is being developed and will be released shortly.
Contact for the media:
Nichola Needs, Senior Communication Officer
Tel: 01992 785650
Notes:
The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 introduces significant changes in police governance and accountability. Police Authorities will be replaced by directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs). On 15 November 2012, Hertfordshire will elect its first PCC, who will take office on 22 November 2012 and serve at least until the next election in May 2016. The new Commissioner will be responsible for setting the strategic objectives, priorities and resources for Hertfordshire Constabulary, as well as pursuing broader goals for community safety.
The Police and Crime Panel has been established to scrutinise and support the work of the PCC, to promote openness in the transaction of police business. The Commissioner will be required to consult with the panel on his or her plans and budget for policing, as well as the council tax precept and certain key appointments. The panel first met in July 2012 to agree terms of reference and comprises of 11 elected members, one from each local authority in Hertfordshire. In addition, two enthusiastic people are sought to serve as independent members on the panel for a four year term from autumn 2012. Independent members will have the same status as elected members, including full voting rights. The commitment required from a member of the panel is expected to average one day every two months, including preparation time and travel. Members will be expected to attend evening meetings across Hertfordshire. Broxbourne Borough Council is the host local authority for the panel and will provide administrative and other support to the panel and its members.
Applicants will need to return their completed application forms to Broxbourne Borough Council by the closing date of 31 August 2012. It is expected that shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview in early September 2012 and that independent members will take up office from mid October 2012 onwards.