Police, fire and crime panels: independent member recruitment guidance

Question 1

Introduction

Accepted Answer

Police, Fire and Crime Panels (hereafter referred to as ‘panels’) are an integral part of the local policing governance landscape and, where applicable, the fire governance landscape in England and Wales.

The role and functions of panels are defined by the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (the 2011 Act), in particular, sections 28 to 30 and Schedules 1, 5, 6, 7 and 8. In each force area, they play a vital role in scrutinising the actions and decisions of the relevant Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC), or Combined Authority Mayor with PCC functions. The Metropolitan Police and City of London Police are subject to separate arrangements.

Panels provide a crucial element of transparency to the public, hosting meetings publicly where possible, whilst ensuring that appropriate information is available to enable the local electorate to hold their PCC or PFCC to account.

All 41 panels across England and Wales, who have either a PCC, PFCC or a Combined Authority Mayor with PCC functions, are required to have a minimum of two independent members who sit alongside elected local authority members. Independent members bring a unique set of expertise, ensuring that the necessary skills and knowledge are available for a panel to discharge its scrutiny function effectively.

This recruitment pack has been produced for panel chairs, members and supporting officers, and other officers from relevant local authorities who work regularly with panels. It is designed to support and add value to the recruitment process for independent panel members.

Panels are obliged to carry out periodical recruitment exercises for independent members. This need can arise for a variety of reasons, such as when serving members voluntarily step down. Alternatively, panels may wish to recruit additional independent members when exercising their duty to meet the “balanced appointment objective” more effectively, providing agreement has first been sought from the Secretary of State.

In July 2020 a 2-part, internal PCC review was announced by the Home Office, to deliver on the government’s manifesto commitment to strengthen and expand the role of PCCs. Through the review, the Home Office found that panels can encounter challenges in attracting, recruiting and retaining suitably qualified candidates.

A further survey of panels carried out by the Home Office in October 2022 indicated that access to pre-existing resources would make recruiting independent members easier. Through the publication of this recruitment pack, the Home Office intends to support panels to perform recruitment processes more effectively, whilst simultaneously providing material to help boost public interest in the role of independent members.

The Home Office would also like to thank panel chairs, members and supporting officers for their ongoing contribution to the vital work of panels in England and Wales.

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) review

The 2-part, internal PCC review was announced in July 2020, to deliver on the government’s manifesto commitment to strengthen and expand the role of PCCs.

Recommendations from Part One of the review were announced on 16 March 2021, delivering a package of reforms to sharpen the accountability, visibility, and transparency of PCCs. Recommendations from Part Two of the Review were announced on 7 March 2022, recommending measures to ensure that PCCs have the tools and levers they need to cut crime in their local areas, as well as building on accountability measures recommended in Part One.

The review concluded that panels have the appropriate powers to effectively scrutinise the actions and decisions of PCCs and enable the public to hold PCCs to account. However, improvements could be made to the quality and consistency of the scrutiny undertaken by panels. The recommendations arising from Part One of the review therefore took steps to improve panels’ understanding of their role and the application of their existing powers, to make their scrutiny function more effective.

As a result, the Home Office published new central guidance for panels in May 2022, alongside 3 supplementary quick reference guides.

During Part Two of the review, the evidence gathered pointed towards the importance of independent panel members. It was found that independent members broaden the skills, experience and diversity of panels and provide a different perspective. Additionally, further evidence highlighted how independent members provide the continuity and corporate memory necessary for panels to function most effectively, whilst mitigating against the more regular churn of elected panel members.

That is why, through the recommendations arising from Part Two of the PCC review, the Home Office committed to working alongside the Local Government Association (LGA) to improve the recruitment and retention of independent members. The publication of this recruitment pack delivers on that commitment.

Question 2

Recruitment materials

Accepted Answer

The aim of this and the following section is to provide panels with a template Role Description and Person Specification to use at their discretion in the future recruitment of independent members.

Role description

Independent members are full voting members of the panel. They are treated equally to the elected local authority members and have the same responsibilities and duties. Independent members will have access to the same level of support and information as elected members on the panel.

The core role of independent members on a panel, as with all members, is to act as a critical friend to the PCC, offering a balance of support and constructive challenge, using appropriate data, evidence and resources. Independent members will be expected to:

scrutinise the work of the PCC to ensure they are discharging their functions effectively
review the PCC’s draft Police and Crime Plan (and Fire and Rescue Plan and Fire and Rescue Statement where appropriate) and annual report
review the PCC’s annual proposed precept
review the PCC’s proposed appointment of senior staff
resolve non-criminal complaints about the conduct of the PCC
make reports or recommendations to the PCC as needed
perform scrutiny duties independently, objectively and in the public interest
contribute specialist knowledge, skills, experience and expertise to the scrutiny work of the panel

Additionally, independent members will be expected to:

attend all formal meetings of the panel (approximately 4 to 6 a year)
attend any necessary training and development sessions. Independent members are eligible for the same level of training and development as elected members
maintain good working relationships with other members of the panel, including supporting officers, alongside the PCC and the Office of the PCC
abide by the arrangements and rules of procedure which set out how the panel in the force area operates
attend additional meetings such as sub-committees, working groups or evidence gathering sessions, as required
prepare for each meeting by reading the agenda, papers and additional information to familiarise yourself with the issues to be covered
keep abreast of the key issues in relation to the responsibilities of the PCC and their priorities set out within the Police and Crime Plan (and Fire and Rescue Plan and Fire and Rescue Statement where appropriate)

Person specification

Coming from a policing or fire (where relevant) background is not a requirement for being an independent member on a panel. There are many different sectors which provide prospective candidates with useful skills to be an effective independent member, and current and past independent members have come from a wide range of backgrounds.

The following suggestions regarding the ideal skills, knowledge and experience of independent members are not exhaustive. You may have particular expertise in one area only, or potentially a different background which nonetheless would make you a strong candidate. It is advised that candidates should meet at least one of the criteria listed below to perform the independent member role effectively.

Knowledge and experience

knowledge and experience of working in the policing, community safety or wider criminal justice sector
experience of working in local or central government
a management role in the public sector or charity sector
knowledge and experience of working in or with the fire and rescue sector where appointment is being made to a Police, Fire and Crime Panel
experience working in the financial industry
legal experience, such as a solicitor or legal executive

Skills required

strategic thinking: ability to concentrate on the bigger picture, rising above detail and seeing issues from a wider, forward-looking perspective, making appropriate linkages across priority areas of work
effective communication: able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, and interact positively and constructively with the PCC, panel members, partner organisations and stakeholders
analytical skills: experience of interpreting complex written material, including financial information and key performance measures, to identify questions to put to the PCC and other relevant stakeholders
teamwork: capable of developing and maintaining effective and professional relationships with other members of the panel, the chair and supporting officers
scrutiny and challenge: willingness to rigorously scrutinise and challenge constructively, using appropriate data, evidence and resources
open-mindedness: able to take a balanced, objective and open-minded approach and provide constructive challenge to the PCC, without being confrontational or overtly political

Question 3

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Accepted Answer

These FAQs are aimed at prospective applicants for a vacant independent member post. They provide potential motivation for applying to the role, an insight into what the day-to-day role is like, as well as information on the application process. A panel may wish to include these FAQs in future recruitment rounds.

Why become an independent member?

As an independent member of the panel, you would play a key role in providing transparency and accountability for the public on the activities of the PCC. It is an important and challenging role which offers you the chance to review the key strategic actions and decisions taken by the PCC.

This will include scrutinising whether the PCC has achieved the objectives set out in their Police and Crime Plan, and reviewing the PCC’s annual report, whilst regularly contributing to reports and recommendations made by the panel.

The Panel also plays an integral statutory role in reviewing the PCC’s annual proposed precept, resolving non-criminal complaints about the conduct of the PCC, and reviewing the proposed appointment of senior staff.

Independent members have full voting rights and are encouraged to get involved in all areas of the panel’s work.

What is the time commitment?

The commitment required from an independent member will depend on the work programme approved by the panel, but typically might average 1 day a month, including preparation time.

Will I receive any payment?

Whether you receive payment is for your local panel to decide. However, your expenses, such as mileage or transport to get to panel meetings, should be covered. Some panels choose to pay their independent members a discretionary allowance on top of their expenses, but that would be a decision for your local panel.

How long will I be a member?

Your length of service is for your local panel to decide. Research conducted by the Home Office found that the average panel mandated a term of 4 years for their independent members.

It is recommended that panels impose a 2-term limit for their independent members. This is to ensure that the panel brings in fresh ideas and experience on a semi-regular basis. Taking this together with the average length of service, an independent member could be on the panel for up to 8 years if they decide to serve 2 terms.

Who can be an independent member?

You must be at least 18 years old.

The following may not be an independent member on the panel:

PCC for the local force area
a member of staff of the PCC for the local force area
a member of staff of the fire and rescue authority (for Police, Fire and Crime Panels, where appropriate)
a police officer/member of the civilian staff of the local force area
an MP
a Member of the National Assembly for Wales
an MSP
a Member of the European Parliament
a member of a local council in the local force area

Will I receive training and support?

Home Office research has found that many panels offer their independent members comprehensive training, including an induction when they start. Research found that independent members were offered the same opportunities as elected members.

Some panels even offer their independent members a bespoke development pathway during their tenure, with opportunities to attend conferences and workshops.

What does the application process involve?

The application process is for your local panel to decide but it will generally involve a short application form for the interested applicant to fill out, detailing how they fulfil the person specification.

Successful applicants will then be invited to an interview. Interview panels are usually conducted by a recruitment sub-committee of a panel, normally made up of 2 or 3 people, often panel members and panel supporting officers who have been tasked with the recruitment campaign.

The interview panel will decide a fair process for scoring candidates before the interviews take place. This scoring process will be applied to each candidate during the interview and the highest scoring candidate will be offered the role.

Question 4

Advertising the role

Accepted Answer

This section is aimed at panel supporting officers who have the responsibility of running a recruitment campaign for an independent member.

How and where to advertise the role

Home Office research found that panels struggle to get a significant number of applicants when trying to recruit an independent member. It is critical to the success of the panel that a diverse range of candidates apply for the role, as this ensures that panels can recruit exemplary members who bring a diversity of skills and experience.

Successful recruitment campaigns incorporate a variety of methods to advertise the role, to reach as many potential candidates as possible. Home Office research found that the below methods were useful for panels when conducting recent campaigns:

Method	Example
Advertising online	Local authority websites, panel website, local news websites and careers websites
Social media	Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
Using networks	Local press, Office of the PCC, local authority HR and Communications department, Community Safety Partnership networks and other local community, voluntary and charitable organisations.

Using a combination of the above methods would be the best approach.

If possible, it is advised to work with your local authority’s marketing or public engagement team to create a visually compelling job advert, alongside core lines about the role. This advert and the core lines can then be shared with representatives from the above examples, making it easier for your partners and contacts to advertise the role.

Putting in as much effort as possible can reap rewards in recruitment, as the Hampshire Police and Crime Panel found when they sent out letters to over 100 organisations and individuals who had engaged with the panel through their scrutiny work or registered an interest in the role and directed them towards the available opportunity. A method such as this ensures a diverse range of candidates apply to the role.

Social media is a vital tool in a recruitment campaign. It is the most likely place where candidates will see your job advert. Indeed, many panels are increasingly making use of Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for recruitment purposes.

This section provides top tips for a range of these social media platforms. It is important to note that each site is different and will therefore require a tailored approach. Making use of a combination of platforms is necessary to reach a diverse audience. However, if your experience of using social media for recruitment is limited, you may wish to start out with one site to grow your confidence, before branching out to using multiple platforms simultaneously.

Twitter

Twitter is a microblogging site where users can post Tweets to their followers. It is best to have an open rather than private account so that your tweets can be seen beyond your followers. Tweets have a 280-character limit so it may be necessary to create threads of Tweets to reveal necessary information.

1. Use hashtags such as #vacancy or #opportunity on your job adverts as this will ensure it appears in searches. Hashtag your location to make it easier for people looking for roles in your area.

2. Add a call to action to your job adverts such as “apply today”, and link directly to the role available rather than a general careers page.

3. Use short videos and images to make your advert eye-catching.

Facebook

Facebook is a social networking service primarily focused on posts from its users. It is best to create a specific page for your panel and make sure this is set to public so anyone can view it.

1. Although Facebook does not have a character limit like Twitter, it is still important to ensure that your advert is written in an engaging way. Use short sentences and paragraphs, as well as images and short videos.

2. While there is a cost, Facebook allows posts to be advertised and targeted. It may be worth paying for this feature to extend the reach of your candidate search.

3. Share your advert in relevant Facebook groups. These could be local community groups, groups based around certain professions or career focused groups.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is an employment focused online social platform. It has similarities to Facebook with its use of posts, but also has unique features like a user’s profile acting as an online CV for recruiters to see.

1. Similarly to Facebook, LinkedIn has groups you can join to promote your role. There are groups themed around industries and skillsets so there should be plenty to join which align well with skills required for an independent member.

2. You can actively search for candidates among LinkedIn members by searching on keywords for people with the required skills/qualifications listed in their LinkedIn profile. You can then send a message to potential candidates directly.

3. Again, much like Facebook, you can make use of paid-for advertising. With LinkedIn Ads, you can target a specific audience by job title and function, industry and company size, seniority and LinkedIn groups.

Finally, it is recommended that panels build relationships with their PCC and the Office of the PCC and ask them to share recruitment posts on their social media, given they often have a wide reach.

Recruitment video

To complement this recruitment pack, the Home Office has separately published a new digital learning resource recorded by a serving independent panel member.

The Home Office is grateful to Sheila Murphy from the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Panel for sharing her experience of the role, responsibilities and behaviours required to perform the independent member role effectively.

You can find the video on the Home Office YouTube channel.

Panel supporting officers are welcome to use this link in their own recruitment packs.

Question 5

Additional guidance for panel supporting officers

Accepted Answer

The “balanced appointment objective”

The 2011 Act requires that the members of a panel reflect the political make-up of the local authorities covered by the panel’s force area, represent all parts of the relevant police force area, and possess the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary for the panel to discharge its functions effectively, so far as is reasonably practicable.

There is a duty placed upon panels to decide, from time to time, whether increasing the number of co-opted local authority or independent members would enable the balanced appointment objective to be met more effectively.

Panels are therefore required to regularly review their membership and, if necessary, utilise their ability to co-opt additional independent members, to either adjust or maintain the skills, knowledge and experience brought to the panel.

Given the additional responsibility of Police, Fire and Crime Panels for scrutiny of their Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, the Home Office requires those panels to ensure they include the necessary expertise on fire and rescue services, in accordance with the “fire and rescue expertise objective” of the Policing and Crime Act 2017. This could be achieved by exercising the ability to co-opt additional independent members, alongside additional learning and development for existing members.

When seeking to increase its number of co-opted members, a panel must first seek agreement from the Secretary of State and provide notification of how an increase in membership would further the balanced appointment objective. More information on this, including the co-option form, can be found in the Police and Crime Panel Guidance.

Skills audit

Prior to undertaking a recruitment exercise for additional members, it is good practice for a panel supporting officer to undertake a skills audit.

This will help to identify strengths and gaps around skills, knowledge, and experience, and understand where further expertise is needed to be able to scrutinise the PCC on particular areas of interest.

When preparing recruitment materials for independent members, a panel might find it helpful to clearly set out its expectations in terms of the expertise being sought after, to maximise interest from individuals with relevant knowledge and experience.

Interview questions

When interviewing prospective candidates for independent member roles, it is important to explore the applicant’s motivations, experience and understanding of the role. A panel should expect any applicant to demonstrate how they would improve and add value to the scrutiny process.

For the purposes of the interview, members of the interview panel may wish to keep the questions general, whilst adapting them to each candidate’s competencies and experience. Some examples are provided below.

what are your motivations for becoming an independent member, and what do you understand the role to be?
how much do you already know about the panel? What value will you bring to the role and how will you contribute to effective scrutiny of the PCC?
how will you help build relationships with panel members, supporting officers, key stakeholders and the wider public?
what related experience do you have that you feel could be useful in this role?
what do you think the most challenging aspect of being an independent member could be, and how would you look to overcome this?
are you aware of the Nolan Principles of public life, and as an independent member of the panel, how would you demonstrate commitment to these?

Induction

A thorough induction will help independent members get up to speed with their role and carry out their responsibilities effectively. It is important that new members are supported to prepare for and ask relevant questions at panel meetings.

The panel supporting officer should help to identify any immediate or ongoing training needs as part of the induction. Time should be set aside for new members to engage with relevant learning and development, including how to take advantage of available guidance and learning resources.

A tour or in-person introduction will help new members to quickly build relationships with the panel chair and members. Panel members tend to operate more effectively when they invest time and energy in establishing a rapport with the PCC and the Office of the PCC, so consider making introductions with a wider group of key stakeholders as part of the induction process.

Organisation culture

A strong organisational structure that supports scrutiny work is important for panels. It is important that both elected and independent members create an environment conducive to effective scrutiny.

Through the evidence gathered for the PCC review, it was clear that PCCs recognised the role of the Panel as critical friends, and welcomed the value that scrutiny, support and challenge can bring.

Given that scrutiny of the PCC’s annual report and Police and Crime Plan sits at the heart of a panel’s role, it is therefore vital that panels are cognisant of the role and responsibilities of PCCs, to determine what effective evaluation looks like.

Panels should ensure early and regular discussion takes place with the Office of the PCC, especially regarding forward agenda items for discussion at panel meetings. Both parties should enjoy a collaborative relationship.

Importance of an independent mindset

At all times, panel members should bear in mind that adopting an independent mindset is fundamental to carrying out their scrutiny role effectively.

Inevitably, some elected panel members will come from the same political party as the PCC who they are scrutinising. However, all members of the panel are expected to perform their scrutiny duties independently, objectively and in the public interest, in accordance with the Nolan Principles of public life.

Term limits

It is recommended that panels impose a two-term limit for their independent members. This is to ensure that fresh ideas, perspectives and experience are injected into the panel on a semi-regular basis.

While it is appreciated that historic difficulties with recruitment have made term limits less desirable, it is expected that this pack will improve and streamline the recruitment process for panels. In doing so, panels will be better equipped to recruit and become less reliant on retaining existing independent members for multiple terms.

As highlighted above (see page 13), it can be useful for panels to periodically conduct a skills audit to identify any gaps around skills, knowledge and experience. Having term limits ensures there is always an upcoming opportunity to enact the recommendations from a skills audit and thus strengthen the performance of the panel.

Exit interviews

All panels should offer departing independent members an exit interview. This is to assess the outgoing independent member’s overall experience of their time on the panel. These interviews can identify areas of improvement and ensure future panel members receive more holistic support.

Exit interviews do not need to be long and can be conducted virtually. For example, it could take the format of a video call between the panel supporting officer and the independent member. Example questions which could be asked include:

do you feel you received complete and proper training for the role?
do you have any feedback or suggestions for how we can improve?
can you tell us about a time you were most proud and engaged with your work?

Question 6

Methodology and further resources

Accepted Answer

Methodology

This pack was produced by the Home Office with thanks to engagement from key stakeholders via a survey and interviews, as well as utilising the materials listed in the ‘further resources’ section below.

Survey

A survey was sent out to the supporting officers of all 41 panels, seeking their experiences in terms of recruitment and retention of independent members. 30 panels out of the 41 responded to the survey, meaning a response rate of 73.2%.

Interviews

Numerous interviews with stakeholders took place to inform this work, as listed below. It should also be noted that ad hoc calls and email communications took place with several other panels. These engagements were supplemented by discussions with Home Office Policy Officials and HR colleagues.

Stakeholder/s	Date engaged
Supporting Officer, Cheshire PCP	25/07/2022
Supporting Officer, North Yorkshire PFCP	11/08/2022
Supporting Officer, Essex PFCP	16/08/2022
Supporting Officer, Greater Manchester PFCP	20/09/2022
LGA PCP Conference	27/09/2022
Supporting officers, PCPs in Wales	27/09/2022
Senior Adviser, LGA	05/10/2022
Independent Panel Member, Essex PFCP	13/10/2022

Further resources

Below is a list of the materials reviewed to create this recruitment pack, and suggested further reading:

Legislation

Government guidance

Additional resources

Home Office, Effective Police (Fire) and Crime Panels: A Webinar for Chairs, Members and DSOs

Home Office, How to be a critical friend to the police (fire) and crime commissioner

Home Office, police (fire) and crime panels: independent panel members

Home Office, police (fire) and crime panels: scrutiny questions 101 video

Home Office, police (fire) and crime panels: strategic thinking skills video

Contact details

For further advice, guidance or information on the content of this recruitment pack, please contact PCC Partners enquiries.

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