Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest on this occasion.

Briefing note, Job Description and Person Specification attached.

a)    To receive representations from the Police and Crime Commissioner on the criteria to be met by the chosen candidate;

b)    To receive a presentation and to question the proposed Interim Chief Finance Officer on her skills, experience and ability to meet the criteria for the post.

As required under Schedule 1of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility the Panel held a Confirmation Hearing for the proposed appointment of an Interim Chief Finance Officer in the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The Panel was being asked to consider the Commissioners proposal to appoint Ms Jane Heppel as Interim CFO with the Commissioner explaining. .

his wish to make the appointment on an Interim basis given that the Police and Fire and Rescue Services were in a transition stage with ultimate requirements in terms of Financial leadership to be defined.

The Commissioner summarised the skills, qualities and experience that made Jane Heppel a suitable candidate for the role. In turn, Jane Heppel answered Members’ questions on her employment history, professional qualifications and negotiating skills, for example when dealing with colleagues’ aspirations for service development when resources were limited.

That the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business which involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the paragraph of Part 1of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 indicated below.

The Panel discussed the information given by the Commissioner and by Ms Heppel.  Particular comments were made on the frequency of appointments to the Chief Finance Officer post in the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

RESOLVED: That the Police and Crime Commissioner be advised  that this Panel recommends that he proceeds with the appointment of Ms Jane Heppel as Interim Chief Finance Officer ; the Chairman to pursue with the Commissioner the Panel’s concerns at the frequency of appointments to this post.