The Police and Crime Commissioners for Devon & Cornwall, and Dorset are seeking to appoint Independent Panel Members to join a list of people able to sit on police misconduct hearing panels. These hearings preside over serious misconduct cases in what is an important aspect of the disciplinary rules that govern the police in England and Wales.

The role of Independent Panel Member is a statutory public appointment in accordance with the Police Conduct Regulations 2020, as amended.  

 Police and Crime Commissioners have the challenging role of ensuring that the people of their respective region are served by an efficient and effective police force. Transparent, fair and robust arrangements for police officer discipline are an important way of inspiring public confidence in the high professional standards and ethical values of our police. This is an opportunity to be involved in one of the most important responsibilities in policing – by providing greater transparency and independence whilst upholding the high professional standards the public expects from our police service.

You will be a part of a pool of suitably qualified individuals selected to panels presiding at police misconduct hearings for the Police and Crime Commissioners of Devon & Cornwall, and Dorset and the work will therefore be varied across both geographical areas. There may be opportunities to support misconduct panels across the South West as we develop a collaborative network across the region.

An important principle is for misconduct processes to build trust and confidence in policing both for our communities, but also for the staff working within policing. A commitment to fairness and transparency, with a particular emphasis on understanding the issues that are important to our diverse communities is critical in this role.

The role of Independent Panel Member is open to individuals who can demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills, self-confidence and the ability to take a balanced, open minded and objective approach to the issues presented.

You must have an understanding of the need for high standards of conduct in the police service and a commitment to fairness and equality. Previous experience of law, HR practice or senior management would be beneficial.

As an independent representative of the community, Independent Panel Members will, ideally, be residents of Devon, Cornwall or Dorset. We are looking to increase the diversity of our current panel to make it more representative of our communities and applications are therefore particularly welcome from under-represented groups.

This role attracts an allowance and expenses (currently under review). Details can be located in the recruitment information pack.

The appointment will run on a four-year term, with the potential to be renewed up to a maximum of 10 years.  Attendance at training events is a mandatory condition of appointment for these posts.  

The location is based in either Headquarters Exeter or Winfrith Headquarters.

Applicants must be a British citizen, an EC/EEA national, a Commonwealth citizen or a foreign national with no restrictions on their stay in the United Kingdom (UK). Applicants will be required to provide proof at any assessment center/interview that they have no restrictions on their stay in the UK and, to meet the requirements of vetting, they must have been a resident in the UK for three years prior to submitting the application form (from the time of submitting the application). Please note foreign nationality is not an automatic bar to recruitment or to granting security vetting clearance. However, if individuals cannot be vetted in line with National Vetting Policy, their application will not be progressed.

How to apply

To apply, please click the button below and upload your CV and supporting statement of no more than 1000 words setting out how you meet the requirements set out in the role description with particular focus on qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience.  Please note that if you do not meet the eligibility and/or are restricted by the exclusions criteria set out in the information pack then your application will not be progressed.

For any technical questions please contact Lynn Lloyd at lynn.lloyd@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk or telephone 01392 225555.

Important dates

The closing date for applications is 1600 hours on 7 May 2024.

Interviews to take place in person at the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Andy Hocking House, Alderson Drive, Exeter EX2 7RP, between 27 May and 14 June 2024.

Successful candidates will be required to attend mandatory training on either 26 June or 17 September 2024.