The Police and Crime Commissioners for Devon & Cornwall and for Dorset are seeking to appoint legally qualified individuals to act in the role of advisor to the chair and panel of persons conducting police misconduct hearings.  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.

 Legally Qualified Persons are required to provide advice to the person conducting or chairing a misconduct hearing upon request by the chair in respect of any legal or procedural issues relating to the misconduct proceedings.

The role of Legally Qualified Person is a new statutory public appointment following the Home Secretary’s Police Officer Dismissals Review and subsequent amendments to the Police Conduct Regulations (2024).

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 public appointees selected to advise at police misconduct hearings on behalf of the Police and Crime Commissioners for Devon & Cornwall, and for Dorset and the work will therefore be 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.

You must satisfy the judicial appointment eligibility condition on a 5-year basis as set out in section 50 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007.  

Applications are sought from qualified lawyers who can demonstrate integrity and independence of mind, commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, analysis, sound judgement and an objective approach to issues presented. Applications from candidates who have current or previous experience of regulatory law are actively encouraged.

We are looking to increase the diversity of our current panel to make it more representative of our communities and applications from under-represented groups are therefore particularly welcomed.

This role attracts an allowance and expenses, details can be located in the recruitment information pack.

The appointment will run on a four-year term, with the potential to be renewed for an indefinite number of terms. Attendance at training events is a mandatory condition of appointment for these posts.  

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

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  lynn.lloyd@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk or telephone 01392 225555

If high numbers of prospective candidates are identified a two-stage selection process may be applied, to include a remotely undertaken written exercise ahead of invitation to interviews.

Important dates

The closing date for applications is 1600 hours on 13 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.