Closing date for applications: Friday 14th May 2021 at 5pm.

South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel currently has a vacancy for one Independent member, and is seeking people with the necessary skills, enthusiasm and commitment to be a member of the Panel and to bring a fresh external perspective to its debates.

This is an exciting opportunity to be involved the governance and accountability arrangements for policing in South Yorkshire.

Candidates should:

• Have a genuine interest in improving policing in South Yorkshire, through the governance arrangements afforded to the Panel;
• Have a professional background in an area such as community safety, criminal justice, health, victim support or the voluntary / third sector;
• Be an independent voice alongside elected Councillors providing constructive challenge, scrutiny and support to the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).

This position is not open to:

• Locally elected councillors
• Sitting MPs
• Members of the European Parliament
• Employees of the Office of Police and Crime Commissioner
• Employees of South Yorkshire Police (operational and civilian)
• Civilian police staff member
• Local authority staff members within the South Yorkshire Police Force area
• Holder of any position within a political party

It is also is restricted to applicants living or working in the Yorkshire and Humberside region.

Independent members serve a maximum tenure of eight years, and currently receive an allowance of £920.00 per annum (this amount is subject to tax) and reasonable travel expenses. The latter are reimbursed through the completion of an allowance claim form.

Closing date for applications: Friday 14th May 2021 (5.00pm)

The interview will be held virtual via MS Teams unless there is a significant change to Government guidance

Successful applicants will be notified as soon after interview as possible, and subject to satisfactory references

The Role of the Police and Crime Panel

Under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) were established from November 2012, alongside Police and Crime Panels.

Panels have a vital role in supporting, challenging and scrutinising the PCC. Their statutory role includes approving the budget and precept and Police and Crime Plan, conducting confirmation hearings for the Chief Constable and dealing with complaints against the PCC. However, the work programme for each Panel varies depending on the issues facing their local area.

Panel membership is made up of 10 Councillors from the four Districts within South Yorkshire – two from Barnsley, two from Doncaster, two from Rotherham and four from Sheffield, plus two Independent (co-opted) members.

Our Arrangements

The Panel usually meets six times per municipal year (June, July, September, December, February and April), with a workshop session at the end of the year for all Panel Members to reflect on the previous year and plan ahead. Additional meetings may also be called if there is urgent business to be considered. The meetings are held on a Monday at 1.00 pm (Panel briefing at 12.15 pm) at Barnsley Town Hall, Church Street, Barnsley, S70 2TA.*

(*NB: Given the current Government roadmap, meetings are currently being held virtually via Connect Remote. This situation may change w.e.f. 21st June 2021. The successful candidate will be provided with support / training on any virtual platform as part of the Induction).

Meetings are webcast (live streamed via the internet), and recordings are available for a period of six months. These can be viewed at https://southyorks.public-i.tv/core/portal/home

Agenda papers are sent out a week and a day before the meeting to allow Members time to read these in preparation, and to comply with legislation. These can be provided either electronically to be used on a laptop or tablet, or as a printed copy.

In addition to the scheduled meetings, learning and development events are also arranged to assist Members in fulfilling their role, alongside national Conferences. Attendance at these are voluntary, but encouraged to support the role.

You can view the Panel’s meeting papers at https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/south-yorkshire-police-and-crime-panel or via this link.

If you have the experience and personal qualities to undertake this important role, application forms and further details are available from Linda Noble, Service Improvement and Scrutiny Officer, South Yorkshire Joint Authorities Governance Unit, Barnsley Town Hall, Barnsley, S70 2TA. Tel 01226 772931, or e-mail LNoble@syjs.gov.uk / lindanoble@barnsley.gov.uk. For an informal discussion please contact Linda Noble on 01226 7729