Category: Vacancies

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“We need independent minds to maintain integrity in policing”: Commissioner opens recruitment for key role

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY residents able to uphold police to the highest standards are being urged to apply for roles as Independent Members.

The post, advertised by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, will see successful applicants appointed to Police Gross Misconduct Panels.

Panels are convened when police officers or staff are accused of breaching the Standards of Professional Behaviour, and can lead to dismissal from their force.

Surrey Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Independent Members around the country support and promote public confidence by maintaining integrity in policing.

“Independent minds”

“Recent high-profile cases, including those of both Wayne Couzens and David Carrick, underline the need to instil the core values of ethics and morality in everything our offices and staff do.

“That’s why my office, as well as Commissioner’s offices in Kent, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, are recruiting more Independent Members.

“We’re looking for local people with independent minds and keen analytical skills. They might come from the professional worlds of law, social work or another relevant area, but whatever their background is, they’ll need to be able to analyse a large amount of information and make sound, reasoned decisions.

Applications open

“We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities. As a result, we welcome applications for this crucial role from local people with a passion of promoting the highest standards in policing.”

Independent Members usually sit on three or four panels a year. They will commit to a four-year term, with the possibility of a further extension. The role requires police vetting.

Applications close at midnight on October 15.

For more information, or to download an application pack, visit surrey-pcc.gov.uk/vacancy/independent-members/

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend

Commissioner begins search for new Chief Constable of Surrey Police

Posted on | by James Smith | Leave a Comment on Commissioner begins search for new Chief Constable of Surrey Police

The Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has today begun her search for a new Chief Constable for Surrey Police.

The Commissioner has opened the recruitment process to find a successor to Gavin Stephens who announced last week he was set to leave after successfully being elected as the next head of the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC).

He is due take up his new post in the spring of next year and will remain as Surrey’s Chief Constable until that point.

The Commissioner says she will now undertake a thorough selection process to find an outstanding candidate who can lead the Force into an exciting new chapter.

The full details of the role and how to apply can be found here.

The Commissioner has convened a selection board that will be made up of people with expertise in policing and public affairs to help with the process.

The closing date for applications is December 2 and the interview process will be held early in the New Year.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “As Police and Crime Commissioner, appointing a Chief Constable is one of the most important responsibilities of my role and I am privileged to lead this process on behalf of the people of our county.

“I am determined to find an exceptional leader who will focus their talents on making Surrey Police the outstanding service that our communities expect and deserve.

“The next Chief Constable will need to deliver against the priorities set out in my Police and Crime Plan and help strengthen those relationships between our police teams and local communities.

“They will need to strike the right balance in tackling key issues such as improving our current detection rates with ensuring we provide that visible police presence we know our residents want to see. This must be achieved at a time when policing budgets need to be finely balanced during the current cost of living crisis.

“I am looking for an innovative and straight-talking leader whose passion for public service can inspire those around them to help create a police force we can all be proud of.”