Police and Crime Commissioners in Wales have opened the recruitment window for Legally Qualified Chairs and Independent Panel Members. Both are key, statutory roles, which form the panel - alongside a senior police officer - at police misconduct hearings.

The Legally Qualified Chair will lead on gross misconduct hearings and once appointed will join an existing pool of legally qualified personnel who will be called upon by the Police and Crime Commissioner following a cab rank system.

Independent Panel Members are required to assist misconduct hearings in determining a fair and evidence-based judgment about a particular police officer’s conduct and in agreeing an appropriate sanction. 

One of the key roles of the Independent Panel Member is to reassure the local community that police misconduct matters are dealt with properly and are independently adjudicated. An Independent Panel Member considers evidence from witnesses, hears submissions from parties to the hearing and makes informed decisions as to the outcome. They must have the ability to challenge the other Panel members in a constructive but non-confrontational manner.

The Police and Crime Commissioner is looking to appoint up to 6 Legally Qualified Chairs and up to 24 Independent Panel Members. Both are paid roles, with expenses and travel covered by the Office. Applicants are invited to submit their applications by the date of 3 March 2023 for the Legally Qualified Chair role and 10 March 2023 for the Independent Panel Member role.

South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Alun Michael stated: “Both Legally Qualified Chairs and Independent Panel Members play a key role in the misconduct process within the police service.

“Their independence brings an impartial voice and a vital transparency to misconduct proceedings which is essential for public trust and confidence.

“This really is an opportunity to make an important contribution to the efficiency and the effectiveness of the police service. Anybody who has the right skillset and who is interested should get in touch for more information or submit an application.”

For anybody interested in applying for either role, further details, including a person specification and application form, can be found at www.northwales-pcc.gov.uk/vacancies