Head of Planning, Scrutiny and Governance

Job purpose

To provide a comprehensive and strategic level of policy development, advice and support to the Police and Crime Commissioner and Chief Executive and manage the planning, scrutiny and governance function.

Main responsibilities

• Develop the Police and Crime Plan for the Commissioner’s consideration and approval and ensure clear action plans are in place and progressed to effectively implement the Plan.
• Develop the Annual Report for the Commissioner’s consideration.
• Coordinate and oversee the forward planning process working with the Chief Executive and Governance Officer to ensure that the key issues relating to scrutiny of the Chief Constable in the forthcoming year are appropriately identified and included in the development of the annual governance forward plan.
• Ensure that the Commissioner can effectively fulfil their role in holding the Chief Constable to account for the delivery of the Police and Crime Plan through the provision of appropriate advice and early identification of performance issues.
• Support the Monitoring Officer to carry out the duties appointed under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 to ensure that the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner fulfils its functions effectively and efficiently, including undertaking the role of Deputy Monitoring Officer to ensure continued resilience and support for the Commissioner, ensuring they act in accordance with all relevant legislation in the absence of the Chief Executive.
• Oversee the Commissioner’s scrutiny function and undertake periodic reviews of the process to ensure that it remains fit for purpose and helps achieve the aim of ensuring improvements in performance. Attend Scrutiny Board and other scrutiny meetings to support the Commissioner, producing briefings and advice in advance.
• Provide a proactive strategic policy function, including utilising the environmental scanning process for the early identification of key issues affecting policing, to ensure the Commissioner is fully sighted on the potential impacts of new legislation/policies, to ensure the fulfilment of their long term vision and strategy.
• Act as the main point of contact both internally and externally in relation to policy development.
• Oversee and manage the PCC’s delivery of the statutory and regulatory requirements in relation to the Police Complaints System regarding Police Misconduct Panels, Police Appeals Tribunals and police pension forfeitures.
• Oversee and manage the complaints review process to ensure the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner provides a service to the public to a high standard and within appropriate timescales.
• Oversee and manage the office’s compliance with the Data Protection Act / UK GDPR Freedom of Information Act and other legislation / regulations and specified information orders as appropriate.
• Manage the work of the governance, compliance and volunteering functions through the line management of those delivery staff.
• Following the critical appraisal of relevant issues, to work with the Chief Executive to develop the Commissioner’s formal position in response to consultation documents or policy stances which impact on policing, including HMICFRS responses.
• Assist the Chief Executive in raising the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s profile both regionally and nationally as well as representing the Commissioner at appropriate partnership and other meetings.
• To maintain an awareness of activities across the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, anticipating demand, highlighting risks and providing support and assistance as necessary to ensure the office delivers the Commissioner’s agenda.