Calling Atherstone: Lone voice needed to help scrutinise work of police and crime commissioner

RECRUITMENT DRIVE TO FIND 'EXPERIENCED' INDIVIDUAL WHO ISN'T A POLITICAL ACTIVIST

SUCCESSFUL VOLUNTEER GETS TO ASSIST IN MAKING TOWN AND COUNTY A SAFER PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK

A RECRUITMENT plea has gone out across Atherstone and district to find a volunteer ready to play a crucial part in maintaining the governance and accountability of policing in the Warwickshire area.

An "experienced" individual is being sought to join the county's police and crime panel as an independent member– determined to make town and county a safer place to live and work.

The panel has a key role in supporting and scrutinising the work of the Warwickshire police and crime commissioner Philp Seccombe to ensure that there is an effective, constructive challenge to him – and to act as a voice to represent those within the county boundary.

Applicants should not be a police officer or member of the PCC's staff, an MP or member of the National Assembly for Wales, Scottish Parliament or European Parliament or civil servants.

Other constraints include not being a county, district or borough councillor or a local authority employee – nor be engaged in "political activity". Those applying should be aged 18 or over, and either live or work in Warwickshire.

The role requires attendance at all meetings of the panel – between four and six each year – as well as working groups or evidence-gathering sessions including training and development.

An interest in the key issues of policing and policing priorities is essential and applicants should also have experience of working with people of various ages, religious beliefs and political views., the recruitment brief insists.

Nichola Vine, Warwickshire County Council's strategy and commissioning manager for legal and democratic services said: "Sitting on the panel is an opportunity to ensure that the police and crime commissioner is subject to scrutiny to ensure the very best performance.

"It is not a case of working against the commissioner but rather working with and will be a valued role in helping to make Warwickshire a safer place to live and work."

Although the position is voluntary, reasonable expenses will be paid.

Interested parties can complete an application using the link here or for further information call Ms Vine on 01926 736379 or via email on [email protected].

Closing date for applications is September 1.