The Commissioner within each force area has a statutory duty and electoral mandate to hold the police to account on behalf of the public.
The principal areas of focus where the Commissioner must hold the Chief Constable to account include:
- The performance of South Wales Police in the priority areas set by the Commissioner after consultation with others including local people
- South Wales Police arrangements for partnership working and collaboration
- South Wales Police arrangements for engagement with local people
- the efficient and effective running of South Wales Police, including financial management arrangements and ensuring Value for Money.
The Centre for Public Scrutiny advocates four principles for ‘holding to account’ arrangements to be effective:
- Providing a constructive ‘critical friend’ challenge
- Amplifying the voices and concerns of the public
- Being led by independent people who take responsibility for their role
- Driving improvement in public services
The Commissioner and his team work with these principles in mind when fulfilling their oversight and scrutiny role. Further information about our scrutiny arrangements is outlined here
The following meetings support the scrutiny and oversight process:
The Commissioner’s Strategic Board
Chaired by the Police & Crime Commissioner and attended by the Chief Constable and his Chief Officers, this Board is the primary way in which the Commissioner oversees the efficiency and effectiveness of the force and monitors progress against the priorities in his Police & Crime Plan.
The Commissioner’s Scrutiny & Accountability Board
Chaired by the Deputy Police & Crime Commissioner and attended by the Chief Constable’s Chief Officers, this Board enables in depth scrutiny of particular policing issues, particularly those identified in the Commissioner’s Police & Crime Reduction Plan and the Chief Constable’s associated Delivery Plan. The meeting also receives updates on key police performance and projects. Findings are fed through to the Strategic Board.
The Commissioner’s Police Accountability & Legitimacy Group (PALG)
Chaired by the Commissioner’s Chief Executive, this group assists in the Commissioner’s scrutiny and oversight function by providing external, independent input. More information on PALG can be found by clicking here.
Joint Audit Committee
Chaired independently, this committee provides a joint audit oversight function of South Wales Police and the Commissioner. Terms of Reference can be found and Minutes of the meeting can be found by clicking here.
HMICFRS
The Commissioner also monitors South Wales Police progress against recommendations made by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate for Constabulary & Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) and responds to relevant HMICFRS reports. For more information on both reports and the Commissioners responses visit the resources and publications or by clicking here