Agenda item

The Panel considered a report of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services and Clerk to the Panel.  The report provided information on the process to be undertaken to hold a confirmation hearing for the post of Chief of Staff for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and also considered a report from the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for the proposed candidate for the post of Chief of Staff for the OPCC (for copy see file of minutes).

The Panel noted that the Clerk to the Panel had received formal notification from the PCC of the proposed appointment of Ms Andrea Petty to the role of Chief of Staff for the OPCC and that the procedure for the confirmation hearing as set out at Appendix 3 to the report.

The Chief Finance Officer noted that the position had been publicly advertised, with 15 applicants having their applications assessed against the job description and personal statement by the PCC, Deputy PCC and himself.  He noted that from those 15, five candidates were shortlisted for interview, with all applicants given the same question set and scored accordingly.  He added that, following that process, the position was offered to Ms A Petty, with arrangements then being made for the Confirmation Hearing for the Panel.

The Panel then questioned Ms A Petty around the following issues:

·        What main areas of expertise she had which would enable her to undertake the role of Chief of Staff effectively;

·        Who she regarded as key stakeholders that she would work with within the role of Chief of Staff for the OPCC;

·        Examples of how she had worked with a range of organisations, partnerships and agencies;

·        How she would ensure a constructive relationship between the PCC and Panel was maintained at all times; and

·        An example of when her personal independence had been put to the test and how she had dealt with the situation.

Ms A Petty provided the Panel with responses to the questions asked.  The Panel thanked Ms A Petty and the PCC for their attendance and informed them they would be notified of the Panel’s decision in due course.