The Merseyside Police and Crime Panel is seeking a committed and enthusiastic person from the Merseyside area to serve as a independent co-opted member on the panel from Summer 2023 for a term to end in May 2027.
This role is an exciting opportunity to be involved in the arrangements for police governance and accountability, which would involve scrutinising and supporting the Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).
Public accountability for the delivery and performance of the police service within each force is the direct responsibility 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. For example, the PCC is required to consult with the Panel on:
- the strategic plan for local policing;
- 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. At all times, panel members should bear in mind that adopting an independent mindset is fundamental to carrying out their scrutiny role effectively.
The panel is made up of 10 local councillors in total from the five local authorities in the force area, plus 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 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:
Alternatively, please telephone 0151-443-5185, or 4937 to request a copy of the application pack.
All completed application forms need to be returned either:
- by post to David Moran, Head of Scrutiny, Procurement and Projects, Knowsley Borough Council, Archway Road, Huyton, L36 9YU ; or
- by email to david.moran@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 sex, gender, ethnic origin, religious belief, sexual orientation, disability or any other factor.