Agenda item

Following notification from the Police and Crime Commissioner of his intention to appoint the preferred candidate Mr Robert Nixon to the role of Chief Constable of Leicestershire Constabulary, for the Panel to hold a Confirmation Hearing in accordance with Schedule 8 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011.

Following notification from the Police and Crime Commissioner of his intention to appoint a preferred candidate, Mr Robert Nixon to the role of Chief Constable the Panel held a Confirmation Hearing in accordance with Schedule 8 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011.

The Panel received a report setting out the powers of the Panel and the process to be followed in the Confirmation Hearing.

The Panel explored the candidate’s ability to undertake the role of Chief Constable through appraisal of the supporting documents provided by the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The Panel noted the information provided by the Police and Crime Commissioner relating to the appointment of the Chief Constable which included:

·         The name of the preferred candidate

·         The criteria used to assess the candidates suitability (based on the candidate pack and the candidate’s redacted CV)

·         The terms and conditions of appointment

The Panel were provided with a report (within the agenda pack) from the Commissioner’s Independent Recruitment Panel Members to provide assurance that the appointment process was conducted fairly and openly, with the successful candidate selected on merit.

The Panel were also provided with a copy of the preferred candidate’s completed application form.

The Police and Crime Commissioner addressed the panel and gave an overview of the process followed to select his preferred candidate and stating why the preferred candidate met the criteria for the role. He highlighted Mr Robert Nixon’s extensive knowledge of policing with over 30 years’ service, mostly spent at Leicestershire Constabulary, many years of which were at chief officer level including as Acting Chief Constable since the retirement of the former Chief Constable.

The Police and Crime Commissioner commended Mr Robert Nixon to the Panel.

The Panel asked robust questions of the candidate related to his professional competence and personal independence, the answers to which enabled Members to evaluate his suitability for the role. At the end of questioning the Chair thanked the candidate for his responses and provided an opportunity to clarify any responses given.

The Chair announced that the Panel’s resolution would be notified to the Police and Crime Commissioner and confirmed in writing as specified by relevant legislation.

The Chair then asked all but Members of the Panel and the Panel’s support officers to withdraw from the meeting.

RESOLVED:

That the press and members of the public be excluded from the meeting during the Panel’s deliberations on the grounds their presence would likely involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 and 3 of Schedule 12A of Part 1 of the Local Government Act 1972.