Gloucestershire’s front line police officers and staff will get the chance to help choose their new boss.
Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl is inviting representatives from every level of the organisation to play a role in selecting the next chief constable.
As well as the regulation presentation and interview, including one to the Commissioner’s Forum, the recruitment process will also include a ‘Question Time’ style event where the audience will consist of members of the Gloucestershire Police family – officers, PCSOs, Specials and support staff – plus representatives from many of the groups and organisations the post holder will be working with on a daily basis.
Each candidate will be asked individually to give a brief presentation about their career in policing so far, how they have been shaped by their experiences, why they are applying for the role and what they can bring to the Constabulary / county.
Members of the audience will then have the opportunity to question them on any aspect of what they have heard that affects them.
Mr. Surl said, “One of the most important decisions – some might say it is THE most important – a Police and Crime Commissioner has to make is the appointment of a Chief Constable.
“My vision for the Constabulary depends on a leader who cares about the communities we serve. It will be someone who can enthuse and empower others and champion organisational transformation in the face of diminishing resources.
“Increasing public confidence is high on my list of priorities and that means engaging positively with a wide range of partners and other agencies”.
Gloucestershire Constabulary is currently headed by temporary Chief Constable Rod Hansen who was appointed following the retirement of the county’s first woman chief constable Suzette Davenport in April.
Mr. Hansen was given a one year contract while the debate continued over possible changes to the governance of Gloucestershire’s Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) which could have resulted in changes to the chief constable’s job description.
Now that the question of fire service reform has been deferred, the time is right to consolidate the position.
