Agenda and draft minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

To receive any apologies from members of the Panel.

Apologies for absence were received from Andrew Davies, Independent Member, as well as Councillors Claire Edwards, Ray Jarvis and Tim Jenkins.

Members are required to register their disclosable pecuniary interests within 28 days of their election of appointment to the Council. ?Any changes to matters registered or new matters that require to be registered must be notified to the Monitoring Officer as soon as practicable after they arise.

A member attending a meeting where a matter arises in which they have a disclosable pecuniary interest must (unless ?they have a dispensation):

•        Declare the interest if ?they have not already registered it

•        Not participate in any discussion or vote

•        Leave the meeting room until the matter has been dealt with

•        Give written notice of any unregistered interest to the Monitoring Officer within 28 days of the meeting

Non-pecuniary interests relevant to the agenda should be declared at the commencement of the meeting.

The public reports referred to are available on the Warwickshire Web https://democracy.warwickshire.gov.uk/uuCoverPage.aspx?bcr=1

There were none.

To consider the appointment of the Chief Constable of Warwickshire Police in accordance with Schedule 8 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011.

Following notification from the Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Seccombe of his intention to appoint a preferred candidate, Alex Franklin-Smith, 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 Chair invited the Commissioner to introduce his report.  The Commissioner outlined the selection process which had followed the relevant legislation and advised that advice had been taken from the College of Policing with regard to the advertisement and appointment process.

The Panel noted that the appointment would be for a fixed term of five years and, following a series of briefings, three potential candidates had submitted applications.  Two candidates were asked to attend for interview, familiarisation briefings and personality assessments.  Two advisory panels were convened, one comprising officers and staff from Warwickshire Police and compiled of external partners.  The full Appointment Panel had included the Commissioner, his deputy Emma Daniell, Warwickshire’s FRS Chief Fire Officer, Ben Brook and the Chief Constable of Norfolk Police, Paul Sanford.

On the interview day, each candidate took part in a media interview which was recorded and shown to the interview panel.  The Appointment Panel unanimously agreed to put forward Alex Franklin-Smith as their preferred candidate and a copy of his application had been circulated to the Police & Crime Panel members present, prior to the Confirmation Hearing.

Councillor Natalie Gist asked for clarification on the process undertaken to ensure that all candidates had been treated equally.  The Commissioner and Chief Executive, Polly Reed, outlined the measures taken to remove bias and ensure there had been a level playing field for all candidates.

Councillor Jim Sinnott queried the vetting process and was advised that since the publication of the report, all checks had been completed and secured, with no negative points received.  The candidate had also been asked to send copies of all qualifications as part of the application process.

Following a question from the Chair, Polly Reed expanded on the membership of the two advisory panels including representatives of Children and Adult Safeguarding, Warwick District Faith Forum, a Young Person representative and Youth Worker.  Further information was also given about the internal panel which had been compiled of a selection of individuals with different backgrounds, skills sets and length of service.

The Commissioner and OPCC colleagues remained in the meeting whilst the Panel asked questions of the candidate.  The questions related to his professional competence and personal independence and gave the Panel a greater understanding of the candidate’s suitability for the role.

The Chair concluded the question session by asking the candidate what role the Panel could play in supporting him in this role.  Mr Franklin-Smith hoped that the Panel would continue to challenge the Force as he felt that scrutiny was important.  He also asked that the Panel continue to listen carefully to residents and help to ensure that the Force did not become complacent.

The Chair thanked the candidate and the OPCC for attending and the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.