Agenda item

The Panel considered a report of the Director of Legal and Democratic Services and Clerk to the Panel that provided information on the process to be undertaken to hold a confirmation hearing for the post of Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner. The Panel also considered a report from the Police and Crime Commissioner (Commissioner) for the proposed candidate for the post of Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Durham (for copy see file of minutes).

The Director of Legal and Democratic Services and Clerk to the Panel advised that she received formal notification from the Commissioner of the proposed appointment to the role of Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner on 10 June 2024 and outlined the process for the confirmation hearing.

The Commissioner formally thanked Mr Nigel Bryson, former Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for his service. The Commissioner then introduced her preferred candidate, Mr Graham Hall and presented her report which provided details of Mr G Hall’s professional background.

The Panel then questioned Mr G Hall on the following issues:

·        What skills and qualities he would bring to complement those of the Police and Crime Commissioner;

·        Examples of previous experience, how he hoped to support the Police and Crime Commissioner with her ambitions for Durham and Darlington;

·        His understanding of the relationship of accountability between the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Chief Constable and the Police and Crime Panel;

·        How he intended to build effective relationships with stakeholders, including the Police and Crime Panel;

·        How he would ensure that he represented all communities across County Durham and Darlington;

·        As Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, one of the key responsibilities was to represent the views of the Police and Crime Commissioner to relevant stakeholders and local residents. He was asked how he would approach a situation if his personal viewpoint contradicted with the views of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Mr G Hall provided comprehensive responses to the questions from the Panel. The Chair then thanked Mr G Hall and the Commissioner for their attendance and informed them that they would be notified of the Panel’s decision in due course.