Agenda item

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 Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner of her intention to appoint the preferred candidate, Mr Jason Kenny, to the role of Chief Executive of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC).

Following notification from the Commissioner, to the Panel, of her intention to appoint a preferred candidate, Mr Jason Kenny, to the role of Chief Executive of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), 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 Chief Executive, which included:

·         Name of the preferred candidate

·         Report from the PCC stating why the preferred candidate meets the requirements of role

·         Terms and conditions of appointment.

·         CV of the preferred candidate

·         Job Description for the role of Chief Executive

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.

Members heard that the Commissioner had sought to undertake a robust and transparent recruitment process, supported by advice from Hampshire County Council’s recruitment team. The role had been promoted through a number of relevant professional networks, on external vacancy websites and via social media, with a good response in terms of quantity and quality of applications. 

The Commissioner highlighted that the Chairman of the Panel, Councillor Simon Bound had sat as an observer on the interview process, along with Deputy Chief Constable Ben Snuggs.

Members further heard that the Commissioner had worked alongside the preferred candidate previously when he was a local District Commander, a role through which the candidate had lead teams of up to 300 people. As well as being an experienced lead in public protection for the force, Members heard that Mr Kenny had been the lead for force performance and the OPCC liaison officer.

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

·         Nine applications had been received in total. Applications had been received from all across the country, demonstrating the reach of the vacancy advertised,

·         The Commissioner was focussed upon prudent spending and saving public money.

·         Before agreeing the salary level, the Deputy PCC reviewed the salary and breadth of responsibility of approximately 30 current OPCC Chief Executives from across the country. Of those, the average salary fell between £68-£100K. A salary of £92,000 had been offered for the role based on the skill requirement and the anticipated future size of the office. It was heard that this represented a £10,000 saving against the previous salary offered.

·         The Commissioner intended to review the size and structure of the office once a new Chief Executive was in post. Members heard that the OPCC currently had 52 staff, including four contractors. The Commissioner anticipated that the new Chief Executive would drive greater efficiency through the office and identify opportunities for future savings.

·         Consideration had been given to whether a Chief Executive was required, however being newly appointed to the role and holding two significant national portfolios, Serious and Organised Crime and Victims, the Commissioner felt having a Chief Executive was necessary. The Commissioner further explained that appointing a Chief Executive would enable her to be more visible and better represent the people of Hampshire and Isle of Wight (IOW), with the Chief Executive able to focus upon taking account for the office and its staff.

·         The estates function would remain within the OPCC, with a new Head of Estates having been recently appointed. The Commissioner had identified a number of areas to be addressed by the new Head of Estates, particularly in relation to facilities management. Members further heard that the Commissioner would maintain an oversight in this area and continue to manage the Estates Board.

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 Kenny’s suitability for the role. At the end of questioning, the Chairman thanked the candidate and provided an opportunity to clarify any responses given.