Agenda item

Following notification from the Police and Crime Commissioner of his intention to appoint the preferred candidate Councillor Ajmer Kaur Mahal to the role of Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, for the panel to hold a Confirmation Hearing in accordance with Schedule 1 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011.

Following notification by the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) of his intention to appoint a preferred candidate, Councillor Ajmer Kaur Mahal to the role of Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (DPCC), the Panel held a Confirmation Hearing in accordance with Schedule 1 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 noted the information provided by the Police and Crime Commissioner relating to the appointment of the DPCC which included:

·         The name of the preferred candidate and her experience/background;

·         A statement stating why the preferred candidate met the criteria of the role;

·         The proposed terms and conditions of the appointment.

The Police and Crime Commissioner addressed the Panel and outlined his reasons for deciding to appoint a Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner at this time and gave an overview of the process he had undertaken to select his preferred candidate. He indicated that the role of the DPCC would include a significant amount of engagement with stakeholders and communities and therefore he had sought a candidate whose skills would be complimentary to the Police and Crime Commissioners’, as well as having the requisite personal skills and background dealing effectively with business, stakeholders and communities.

The Panel heard that the Police and Crime Commissioner and the candidate had worked constructively together in the past on other projects.

The Police and Crime Commissioner commended to the Panel, Councillor Ajmer Kaur Mahal to serve as DPCC for as long as the Police and Crime Commissioner held office.

The Panel asked the Police and Crime Commissioner a series of questions, this included seeking assurance as to the fairness and transparency of the approach taken to the appointment; the key responsibilities and expectations of the DPCC role; and clarity as to the accuracy of information provided regarding the candidates experience and background.

The Police and Crime Commissioner also confirmed that the candidate, if successful, would remain in her role as a District Councillor and gave assurance that consideration had been given to how she would meet the commitments of the DPCC role. The Panel heard that the candidate had expressed full commitment to the DPCC role noting that many local councillors worked full time or in other roles whilst maintaining their responsibilities as a local councillor.

The Panel then asked wide ranging questions of the candidate related to her professional competence and personal independence, the answers to which enabled Members to evaluate her suitability for the role. At the end of questioning the Chair thanked the candidate 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 involved the disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 and 3 of Schedule 12A of Part 1 of the Local Government Act 1972.