Following notification from the Police and Crime Commissioner of her intention to appoint to the role of Chief Constable of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, for the Panel to hold a closed session to agree its recommendations.
Minutes:
The Panel held exempt discussions which examined the evidence provided in the Confirmation Hearing session. The final reports of the Panel are appended to these minutes.
Through discussion the Panel agreed that:
· The Panel were assured, through statements from the Commissioner, supported by the report of the independent person, that the recruitment process was properly conducted in adherence with College of Policing guidance and had followed the principles of merit, fairness, and openness.
· The candidate held significant experience in policing, with over 30 years’ service, including 28 years spent at Hampshire Constabulary, many years of which were at chief officer level. It was felt that by gaining experience of operational policing in another area, as Chief Constable of Dorset Police, as well as lived experience of leading commands at both local and national level, the candidate would be a more effective leader and was able to demonstrate a wide knowledge base.
· The candidate was able to fully articulate his reasons for applying for the role, despite holding his current position as Chief Constable of Dorset Police for a little more than 12 months. Clearly demonstrated was his passion for policing within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and creating a safe, cohesive communities for local residents.
· Faced with robust questioning from the Panel the candidate provided in-depth, well informed, and honest answers throughout. It was felt that he would make a strong leader for the force and would be able to inspire and engage its workforce, setting the tone from the top regarding ethical behaviours and moral standards.
· The candidate demonstrated a high level, strategic understanding of the challenges the Constabulary would face in the coming years, with reflection upon how these could present opportunities to enhance the effectiveness of the force.
· The candidate was highly driven, and his answers demonstrated his ambition to further enhance the effectiveness of operational policing, not only at a local level but to contribute to policing improvements at a regional and national level.
· The candidate had a very open and likeable nature and would be able to effectively engage with the pubic and would inspire trust and confidence in policing.
· In making financial decisions, the candidate was clear that he would focus on delivering value for money for residents and was able to provide several examples highlighting previous experience in strategic level financial management, most recently in his role as Chief Constable.
· The candidate was familiar with operating in a political environment, whilst maintaining operational independence and had worked alongside five previous PCC’s, drawing from this experience when responding to the Panel’s questions.
· The confirmation hearing process demonstrated that the PCC and candidate were committed to developing a strong, effective, and mutually respectful working relationship through a shared ambition and vision for the future.
· The candidate’s vision for working in partnership, both regionally and nationally was to be commended. The Panel acknowledged the candidate’s commitment to develop effective channels for engaging with partners and working with Community Safety Partners to enhance cohesion in priorities across the policing area.
· The Panel would encourage the candidate, if appointed, to consider how the police might better engage with district and borough councils, alongside the unitary and upper-tier authorities.
· The candidate demonstrated an ability to provide robust challenge, to the PCC and other strategic partners, to maintain the integrity and enhance the delivery of operational policing.
· The candidate had a perceptive understanding of how the police were seen by the wider public. His commitment to strengthening neighbourhood policing, a robust approach to dealing with the criminality of anti-social behaviour and enhancing the 101 service was noted by the Panel.
· The candidate held in high regard the input and impact staff and officers had on delivering an effective police force. It was clear that the candidate would encourage input from others, when appropriate, to inform and enhance operational policing decisions.
· Alongside his own personal resilience approach, the candidate demonstrated a strong desire to support the wellbeing and resilience of the wider workforce.
· The candidate demonstrated his passion for equality, diversity and inclusion within policing, and the Panel encouraged his commitment to enhance diversity within the force to enable it to be more representative of the communities it served.
· The force will need to undergo a period of transition to adapt and respond to the new Chief Constable’s leadership approach and vision.
· The confirmation hearing process had clearly highlighted how the candidate’s professional competence and values would meet the requirements of the role, and that the candidate had the drive, passion, and ambition to make Hampshire and Isle of Wight safer through the delivery of an effective and efficient operational police force.
On the basis of the information provided by the Commissioner, and the discussions held during the Confirmation Hearing, a vote was held on the recommendations, as proposed within report of the Democratic Services Officer. Members voted unanimously in favour of the proposed recommendations.
RESOLVED:
1. That the Police and Crime Panel confirm the appointment of Mr Scott Chilton as Chief Constable of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.
2. That delegated authority be given to the Democratic Services Officer, in consultation with the Chairman of the Panel, to submit a report to the Commissioner setting out the outcome of the confirmation hearing, in accordance with Schedule 8 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011.