South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel Independent Co-optees needed

Can you be an independent voice alongside elected councillors, to provide constructive challenge to the police and crime commissioner?

Are you willing to listen to the views of all sections of our local communities in South Yorkshire?

In November 2012, a police and crime commissioner will be elected whose role will be to hold the chief constable to account for the delivery of an efficient and effective police service in South Yorkshire.

Members of the public are being asked to apply to become independent members for the soon-to-be-formed South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel.

The main role of the panel will be to scrutinise the commissioner, to promote openness in the delivery of policing services and to support the commissioner in providing quality policing across South Yorkshire.

The work of the panel will include scrutinising the element of council tax that funds the police, the commissioner's budget and plans for policing, as well as involvement in the appointment of the Chief Constable.

The co-optees will serve on the panel from October 2012 for a minimum of four years, which will be reviewed annually.

This is a volunteer position, but provides an excellent opportunity for individuals to ensure that accountability for policing is built back into our local communities, along with contributing heavily towards the development and delivery of effective policing across South Yorkshire.

You will be able to claim reasonable travelling expenses and will receive an induction and other appropriate training.

To apply you will need to be at least 18 years old, live or work in South Yorkshire, be able to attend around 6 meetings a year during the normal working day across South Yorkshire and understand the importance of public services and how they are delivered.

Employees of South Yorkshire Police, the Police and Crime Commissioner for South Yorkshire, Members of Parliament, Members of the European Parliament and employees of Barnsley, Rotherham, Doncaster or Sheffield councils are not eligible to apply for these positions.

The panel wishes to reflect the diversity of communities in South Yorkshire and welcomes applications from all eligible people in respect of gender, age, ethnicity, religious belief, gender identity, sexuality or disability.

The closing date for applications is Friday September 14. Interviews will be held in early October.

For an application pack, please contact Michael Holmes on 01709 254417 - michael.holmes@rotherham.gov.uk or Sharon Crook 01709 822776 - Sharon.Crook@rotherham.gov.uk.

Whenever possible, the aim is to send out and receive applications electronically.

For further information about the role and the new police and crime panels, please contact David Molloy, Sheffield City Council, on 0114 273 5065 or david.molloy@sheffield.gov.uk.

See the PCC page on the Rotherham Council websire for more infomation and to download an application form.