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There is no summary of this meeting yet. One is written once the council publishes the minutes. The agenda and papers are below.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Hannah Lawson.
Councillor Bernie Bowen-Thomson Finance Update as she is Chief Executive for Safer Wales who receive funding from the Commissioner’s Office – non prejudicial. Mel Jehu declared his interest in the agenda as he is a Non-Executive Trustee of Safer Merthyr Tydfil who receive funding from the Commissioner’s Office - non prejudicial. Sarah James advised that she was an associate trainer for Welsh Women's Aid and on their behalf had delivered training to South Wales Police – non prejudicial.
The Police and Crime Panel appointed Councillor Bernie Bowen-Thomson as Chair; this was a unanimous vote. The Police and Crime Panel appointed Mr Mel Jehu as Vice-Chair, this was a unanimous vote.
The previous minutes dated 23rd April 2024 were accepted as a true and accurate record.
Both Sarah James and Mel Jehu left the Panel whilst the following was discussed. Co-option of two Independent Members on to the South Wales Police and Crime Panel. In this respect the terms of office of the current co-opted independent members come to an end on 31st October 2021. The positions will be advertised in the press covering the South Wales area. This does not restrict current co-opted members from reapplying or being re-appointed to the position/s. However, in June 2023, the Home Office published updated guidance to Panels on independent member recruitment It advised that a 2-term limit for independent members was best practice. The rationale being that it would ensure that fresh ideas and experience would be brought to the Panel. Members felt that no-one should be excluded and that the best applicant should be appointed regardless of the number of terms served. Councillor Caroline Lewis asked where the advert would be placed, Simon Jones advised that it would be in publications covering South Wales to include social media and Council websites. Discussion took place on the advert to be more inclusive and diverse, it was agreed that there was a lack of financial expertise on the panel. Councillor Peter Littlechild asked whether only two coopted members were allowed, Simon Jones explained that we would need to write to the Home Office with our reasons to expand, it was agreed that Simon Jones would explore this further. It was noted that this would not be possible for the current advert as we require two to be appointed by November 2024. It was agreed that both Councillors Bob Harris and Peter Littlechild join the Chair Bernie Bowen-Thomson for shortlisting and Interviewing. Advert July and Interview late August / early September. It was agreed: • That the Panel allow independent members to serve more than two terms unless there is a specific reason as not to. • Simon Jones to explore the suggestion for there to be an increase in the number of co-optees on the Panel. • Both Councillors Bob Harris and Peter Littlechild join the Chair Bernie Bowen-Thomson for the shortlisting and interviewing sub group. Councillor Bob Harris raised the low turnout at the Police and Crime Commissioners election.
Councillor Bernie Bowen-Thomson reminded all attendees of the Pre-Election Period protocol. Everyone welcomed the newly appointed Police and Crime Commissioner Emma Wools. Emma Wools began with the background to her journey and that it was a real honour to be serving the community in such a critical role. She was a graduate of Cardiff with a psychology degree and has always been of interest to her how and why someone turns to criminal activity. She is the first female, black Police and Crime Commissioner to be elected in Wales. Prior to being elected, she was the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for seven years and played a leading role in the Criminal Justice Anti-Racism Action Plan for Wales. She is also the Senior Responsible Officer for the Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence and Women’s Justice Blueprint’s in Wales. Emma Wools advised that she has a keen interest in marginalised black and ethnic communities. She takes this role as a huge responsibility and understands that the scale is complex in policing and how it operates. South Wales Police is largest police force in Wales, covering some of the most deprived areas, and as such it faces complex challenges, covering the capital and seat of Government. Emma Wools thanked her predecessor and the team of professionals and advised that there would be no changes to the Executive Team, Lee Jones, (in attendance) will remain Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer. She stated that she would like everyone to be involved in the PCC office and its evolution and that her focus is to develop and publicise the Police and Crime Plan. She advised that she wants to understand the needs of the community and be inclusive and will seek views from the public and their priorities by way of a formal consultation period visiting local communities and events. The Commissioner said that canvassing on the doorstep was a reality check, and that there are marginalised communities who have no trust or confidence. She mentioned that she would like to engage with those living in Ely/Mayhill in Swansea where there has been civil disruption. She will also seek professional views and Police and staff. By December the Commissioner aims to set the objectives and track progress on they report to Panel. The draft will be presented to the Panel for thoughts, views and suggested amendments. The Launch will be before 31st March. Emma Wools also stated that she was aware of the need to promote the role of the PCC. The Chair thanked Emma Wools on her update, and on how the Panel could help with the consultation and that if there were events that she would like Panel members to attend then she should let the Panel know. Councillor Bob Harris offered his congratulations but stated that more work needed to be done to raise awareness of the role. Councillor Peter Littlechild also offered his congratulations and explained that he found it sad that generally people didn’t know anything about PCCs and the recent election, particularly why or who they were voting for, and to increase the current 16% turn out, next time the Commissioner needed to raise the PCC profile. Emma Wools agreed that she needed to maximise the role and improve publicity. Councillor Mark Tribe also offers his congratulations. He asked whether previous pledges would still remain, Emma Wools explained that she was standing on strong foundations, and was working on what Alun Micheal was working on, with the caveat that she may need to reevaluate some from of the priorities from 3 / 4 years ago as times have changed. In addition, there may be a new government in a few weeks’ time. Mel Jehu asked if the Commissioner could come back in 6 months’ time and highlight each priority and any challenges she faces, Emma Wools confirmed she would be more than happy to come back with updates. Sarah James asked how the Commissioner was meeting communities and looking at their feedback. Emma Wools explained that they will look at a survey and also note the interactions. She advised that, she has started attending community events and attended a Chinese Heritage event, additionally she would like to attend hubs, spaces of diversity, so that communities can see her and that she can listen to issues. The Chair thanked Emma Wools. Lee Jones then went through a Police and Crime Plan presentation. It was noted that this was retrospective and that it was the same plan for the last 12 months. He explained that there are 6 priority’s and these have developed over the years, stating that it has organically grown and that in the future we will incorporate and develop more measures, and how we measure narrative. He stated that he is looking to raise the profile and take back to communities. Mel Jehu asked if he could put in the plan not only what doesn’t work but what does work, Councillor Peter Littlechild, also mentioned KPI targets, where I am and any reasons why you are not, and that this would help the public better understand. It was noted it needs to be impactive, concise, with lessons learnt, and whether if you would do it any other way. It also needed to be open and honest.
Simon Jones explained the Panel received an email on the 6th of June from the Home Office stating that “due to the dissolution of Parliament ahead of the upcoming general election, the Criminal Justice Bill has now fallen, which means that the amendment to the Bill to change the responsibility for handling non-serious complaints about PCCs would no longer progress in its current form. It will be for a new Government, following the general election, to decide whether to take forward this change, alongside the other outstanding recommendations made as part of the Home Office’s two-part PCC Review. We will provide further updates in due course.
17th September Priority 6 3rd December Priority 1 22nd April Review
It was noted that there will be a Best Practice Hub we will hear in August where this will be located. Everyone was thanked for attending todays Police and Crime panel meeting. A photograph was taken of the New Commissioner and Panel members which will be circulated.
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