DA and VAWG Scrutiny Panel
Aim:
To examine and analyse actual police reports and evaluating whether current policies and training effectively meet the needs of victims. The panel will also offer recommendations for improvement and identify opportunities for innovation within policing practices. To report findings to the OPCC Independent Ethics and Scrutiny Board.
Scope:
Identify issues, common themes and trends in the information and decision-making process, looking at the impact of police decision-making on the vulnerable and victims of DA/VAWG.
Ensure the role of the OPCC is more widely understood and that public confidence is increased by providing feedback to communities about the work of the Scrutiny Group.
Work according to the OPCC assurance and scrutiny requirements.
Respect the operational independence of the Chief Constable.
Report their scrutiny findings and recommendations to the Independent Ethics and Scrutiny Board.
At all times consider ethical issues.
The panel will be made up of independent volunteers from diverse backgrounds. At the OPCC we will actively encourage those with lived experience to apply and be part of the panel. The panel will aim to operate free from police or government influence and tackle topics of public interest. This independence is essential for maintaining public confidence and ensuring that the findings are credible, unbiased, and reflective of the community's concerns.
Decision Making:
The Group will deliver findings (via a nominated Chair) to the OPCC Independent Ethics and Scrutiny Board.
In line with other OPCC scrutiny panels, the domestic abuse and VAWG panel will focus not only on assessing current practices but also look to encourage learning and innovation within the police force. By reviewing real police reports and practices, the panel can highlight best practices, identify gaps, and recommend new approaches to tackling these complex issues. This will ensure that the police force is continuously evolving and improving its service delivery, particularly for vulnerable groups such as victims of domestic abuse.
Tenure:
Scrutiny Volunteers will serve for a minimum of two years (extendable to three years). They are expected to serve at least one year.
Support:
The Group will be supported by the OPCC Assurance and Statutory Duties Team. The OPCC will be responsible for administration of all meetings and a public summary provided where relevant.
One of the primary objectives of the panel is to act as a conduit between the police and the public. By reviewing cases and asking questions that reflect the concerns of the community, the panel will bridge the gap between the police force and the public. In this way, the public can feel confident that their concerns are being heard and addressed, while also ensuring that police practices are responsive to public expectations and the needs of victims.
Meeting Dates:
The Group will meet at least quarterly (or more frequently for emerging issues). Meetings could include small group discussions, site visits and ‘interviews’ with police officer/staff and others where appropriate. The agenda will be generated by the OPCC and sent out at least seven days prior to any meeting.
Chair:
Upon inception, a chair will be appointed by the OPCC for an initial 1 year period. A Chair will then be nominated by the Scrutiny Volunteers with an initial tenure of 2 years which can be extended again by vote. The Chair will be expected to attend the relevant OPCC Independent Ethics and Scrutiny Board and provide feedback.
Data Protection:
Information used for the purpose of scrutiny will usually be anonymised of personal (or other identifiable) information unless there is a justified, proportionate, and legal reason for sharing more detailed information (which will be clearly recorded). All volunteers will undertake normal police vetting (unless there are reasons not to do so), will sign confidentiality agreements and must adhere to relevant legislation.
Training:
Scrutiny Volunteers will receive ‘familiarity’ training to assist them in developing their knowledge. All volunteers will also receive initial induction training and data protection training. Humberside Police subject leads will assist with training. The OPCC will provide regular new and updates as relevant. Regional and national training will be considered where appropriate.
Online and in-person training will be maintained by the OPCC to ensure continuous development.
Attendees:
Scrutiny Volunteers (at least three to attend to be quorate) – representatives to be recruited to reflect our local communities.
Force representatives: Force leads for DA/VAWG
OPCC representatives: The OPCC Assurance team members
Others to attend as required at the discretion of the nominated Scrutiny Volunteer Chair.
All to send substitute where representative is unavailable.
Role Profile
Who we are looking for and how to apply