APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT MEMBERS

Selection Process

The process for the selection and appointment of independent members is set out in schedule 3 of the Police Act 1996 and the Police Authorities (Selection Panel) Regulations 1994.

Independent members are appointed through a three stage process, a summary of which is set out below.

Stage One

An independent panel of three people (one appointed by the Authority, one appointed by the Home Secretary and one appointed by the other two) advertises vacancies for independent members and interviews candidates in order to draw up a long list of 20 names to be submitted to the Home Secretary.

Stage Two

The Home Secretary selects a short list of 10 names from the long list.

Stage Three

A Selection Committee comprising 3 councillor and 2 magistrate members of the Authority will interview the candidates on the short list and recommend to a special meeting of councillor and magistrate members of the Authority the appointment of five candidates.

How Long Do Members Serve?

Independent Members normally serve 4 year term, though they may apply for a second or subsequent 4 year term.

Limitations on Eligibility

People may not serve as Independent Members if:

they are under 21
they do not live or work in the area
they are Councillors or Magistrates within the Police Authority area
they are members of the Selection Panel
they are members of a police force
they are officers or employees of a police authority or relevant council (except Head Teachers, Principals, Teachers or Lecturers)
they are in paid office or employment which was made or confirmed by the Police Authority
they are bankrupt, disqualified under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986, or the Insolvency Act 1986
within 5 years of appointment, or since appointment they have had passed upon them a sentence of imprisonment for no less than 3 months

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