Agenda item

Following notification from the Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner of her intention to appoint the preferred candidate, Mr Luke Stubbs, to the role of Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, for the Hampshire Police and Crime Panel to hold a Confirmation Hearing in accordance with Schedule 1 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011.

Following notification from the Commissioner, to the Panel of her intention to appoint a preferred candidate, Mr Luke Stubbs, 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.

Members received a report setting out the powers of the Panel and the process to be followed in the Confirmation Hearing, as per the agreed ‘Confirmation Hearing protocol’. The Panel noted the information provided by the Commissioner relating to the appointment of the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, which included:

·         The name of the preferred candidate and CV;

·         A statement/report from the PCC stating why the preferred candidate met the criteria of role;

·         The terms and conditions of appointment;

The Commissioner expressed her pleasure in presenting the preferred candidate, and welcomed the input of and feedback from the Panel through the confirmation hearing process.

The Commissioner explained that it was essential, in her role, to be visible to residents and partner organisations. In order to achieve that visibility the Commissioner was proposing the appointment of a DPCC, who would complement her skillset and be inward focussed, supporting delivery of the Police and Crime Plan. Further, Members heard that due to the number of commitments on the Commissioner’s time senior officers, including the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive, had substituted for the PCC at various meetings and the Commissioner was keen to release their time to focus upon service delivery.

Members heard that the Commissioner and the candidate had worked together successfully in the past and that the Commissioner felt the candidate would offer her both challenge and support and would be able to effectively represent the Commissioner and her views. The Commissioner explained that the proposed candidate had a good understanding of risk management, public sector finance and budgeting processes and the separate and interrelated role of key statutory partners.

Discussion was held between the Panel and the Commissioner regarding the decision to appoint a DPCC, through which the Panel heard that:

·         Had the Commissioner taken the approach of selecting a candidate based on geographical representation then some parts of the policing area would have lost the opportunity to meet with her directly, with a DPCC representing those areas in her place. To compliment the Commissioner’s strength in engaging with the public and partners she sought, instead, to identify a candidate who could demonstrate strength in delivering inward facing priorities, through an analytical approach.

·         The costs of the OPCC would not be increased through this appointment and the salary for the role was set by the Home Office at 75% of the salary of the PCC.

The candidate introduced himself, providing an overview of his past experience relevant to the role. The Panel then asked questions of the candidate which related to his professional competence and personal independence, the answers to which enabled Members to evaluate Mr Stubbs’ suitability for the role. At the end of questioning, the Chairman thanked the candidate and provided an opportunity to clarify any responses given.