Agenda item

The Chair welcomed Councillors Dulston and Mills to the meeting as newly appointed Members from Darlington Borough Council.

The Panel considered a joint report of the Director of Transformation and Partnerships and Head of Legal and Democratic Services which provided information on the process to be undertaken to hold a confirmation hearing for the post of Chief Constable and also considered a report of the Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner for the proposed candidate for the post of Chief Constable of Durham Constabulary (for copy see file of Minutes).  The Governance Solicitor on behalf of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services confirmed that the updated terms and conditions had been reviewed.  The Governance Solicitor advised the Panel that the updated document had no fundamental changes and provided greater clarity of the terms.

Mr Steve White, Chief Executive, Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner’s office informed the Panel about the procedure and process undertaken for the appointment process to the post of Chief Constable.  The Panel then questioned Jo Farrell on issues around partnership working to achieve the priorities of the PCVC and the wider priorities for the Force area, response capability to unexpected requirements, the realisation of strategic objectives in operational effectiveness on the ground, the working relationship with the PCVC, her vision for safer communities in times of austerity, engagement with communities and cyber-crime.  Jo Farrell provided the Panel with full responses to all questions asked.  The Panel thanked Steve White and Jo Farrell for their attendance and moved into closed session.

Resolved:

That under Section 100 (A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following discussion on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Schedule 12A to the said Act.

The Panel discussed the Police,Crime and Victims’ Commissioners recommendation to appoint Jo Farrell as Chief Constable.  It was Moved by Councillor Brookes, Seconded by Councillor Jones and

Resolved:

That the Panel endorse the appointment of Jo Farrell to the post of Chief Constable for Durham Constabulary in accordance with the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011.