How We Work
The Authority has chosen to break away from the traditional police authority structure and since 2007 has operated within a Governance Framework which has enabled it to work more closely with the Force across all areas of business. Under the Framework the Authority has introduced 3 main work streams, namely Local Policing, Resources and Protective Services, Standards and Planning. Each of these work streams is closely aligned to the main work areas of the Force and gives responsibility to the Authority both singularly and collectively to govern the way the force carries out its business but does not have any influence over the operational side of its work. That responsibility remains solely with the Chief Constable.
To view the Governance Framework click this link (PDF document, 293Kb)
The Framework is underpinned by a Governance Plan which states the priorities of the Authority for governing the Force between October 2009 and September 2010.
To view the Governance Plan click this link (PDF document, 117Kb)
The Plan does not cover all the accountabilities set out in the Governance Framework and is reviewed annually alongside the Framework.
Local Policing
The purpose of this stream is to improve the scrutiny and governance of local policing, making it more relevant to local communities by holding the Chief Constable to account for the delivery of the 3 year rolling Policing Plan that:
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increases local influence on policing priorities and the Policing Plan
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enables the Authority to demonstrate value for money
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monitors and increases public confidence in policing
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displays the Authority’s commitment to diversity
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values the contribution being made to service by voluntary effort.
Click this link to take you to the Local Policing section.
Resources
This stream governs the achievement of value for money and fair employment practices by:
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recommending the allocation of resources to underpin policing priorities and scrutinising the results
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monitoring the implementation of the budget set by the Authority
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promoting the fair delivery of services and employment practices and accessing the impact of policies in this respect
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overseeing a workforce development programme that deploys, values and develops all staff to deliver the policing priorities at an appropriate cost.
Click this link to take you to the Resources section.
Protective Services, Standards and Planning
This stream is responsible for improving the governance of protective services and the investigation of serious crime.
Scrutinising the impact of the deployment of resources to improve the fair delivery of front line policing by:
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ensuring appropriate Police Authority participation in forward planning and the corporate development of the Force
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ensuring that our response to complaints and misconduct reinforces a commitment to high professional standards
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securing the maintenance of high standards and member development and conduct
Click this link to take you to the Protective Services Standards and Planning section.
Other Areas
In addition to the 3 main work streams, the Authority also undertakes its responsibilities through the following Committees:
Standards Committee
This committee ensures that members of the Police Authority comply with its Code of Conduct and that there are procedures in place and being used that demonstrate high standards of integrity, probity and ethical behaviour. This committee is chaired by an external independent member.
Click this link to take you to the Standards Committee meetings (agenda and minutes) section.
Audit Committee
This committee is responsible for auditing all aspects of the Force’s use of resources and finance to deliver policing plan priorities and to consult with internal and external auditors and inspectors, recommending to the Authority any actions needed to ensure probity and value for money.
Click this link to take you to the Audit Committee meetings (agenda and minutes) section.
Appointments and Remuneration Committee
Within any appropriate national regulations and guidance, the committee ensures that high quality people are appointed and appropriate remunerated for police officer and civilian staff at ACPO level, the Chief Executive and staff of the Authority and Independent members of the Authority.
Professional Standards Committee
Oversees the development of high professional standards by ensuring the investigation of complaints against the Force is managed to the agreed standards, reviewing actions taken to address unacceptable conduct and performance, taking action in respect of complaints, misconduct or grievances relating to senior officers and examining the implications of investigations for strategic direction, change management, efficiency and effectiveness.
