Issue - meetings

This report provides an update on the performance meetings between the PCC and the Chief Constable that have been held and what has been discussed in order to demonstrate that arrangements for good governance and scrutiny are in place.

Witnesses:

Lisa Townsend, Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner

Damian Markland, Head of Performance and Governance (Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner)

Key points raised in the discussion:

1. The Head of Performance and Governance noted that there had not been a private meeting between the Chief Constable and PCC prior to when the report was written.

2. A Panel Member asked whether the public accountability meeting should have assessed the Force’s performance against other police and crime objectives beyond the national policing priorities. The PCC explained that the national priorities were set by the Home Office. Some were more relevant to Surrey than others. For example, there was a focus on homicide, however, Surrey was the second safest county for homicides. Every part of the national strategy would have a place in the local strategy. The Panel Member asked about the main conclusions from the Private Resources and Efficiency meeting. The PCC shared that the conversation focused on finances.

This report provides an update on the performance meetings between the PCC and the Chief Constable that have been held and what has been discussed in order to demonstrate that arrangements for good governance and scrutiny are in place.

Witnesses:

Lisa Townsend, Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey

Damian Markland, Head of Performance and Governance (Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner)

Key points raised in the discussion:

1. The Head of Performance and Governance noted that the OPCC was trying to involve residents more in their statutory responsibilities to hold the Chief Constable to account and monitor performance.

2. The Chairman requested that in the future reports, updates on each area that were discussed could be included, rather than just listing the topics. The Head of Performance and Governance noted this comment and agreed to provide greater context in future reports, whilst retaining a level of discretion for the private meetings between the PCC and the Chief Constable.  

RESOLVED:

The Panel noted the report.

This report provides an update on the performance meetings between the PCC and the Chief Constable that have been held and what has been discussed in order to demonstrate that arrangements for good governance and scrutiny are in place.

Witness:

Lisa Townsend, Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey

Key points raised in the discussion:

1. The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) noted that the first public and live broadcast performance and accountability meeting with the Chief Constable was held on 31 January 2022, and was available to watch online. The next public, likely to be scheduled in May, would be held during the evening  to try and generate greater public engagement. The PCC encouraged Panel Members to watch the meeting and welcomed any feedback. Private performance meetings would continue, considering matters including Force finances, savings, and IT.

2. A Panel Member highlighted the low crime clear-up rate and asked what was preventing its improvement, and noted a lack of detail in the report. The PCC explained that the performance meetings were held to challenge and she would look into adding more detail to future reports. The Panel Member asked what rate would meet the Force’s ambition of a top-quartile clear-up rate. The PCC agreed to provide a response from the Chief Constable following the meeting. The Chairman noted that the Panel were looking forward to receiving a refreshed performance dashboard and requested that the response from the Chief Constable included the steps to be taken to achieve the target clear-up rate.

3. A Panel Member asked about the Force’s commitment to be carbon-neutral by 2030 and the likelihood of achieving this. The PCC explained that the Force had assured her that it could meet this target and brought attention to the ability to redevelop the Mount Browne site in a sustainable and carbon-neutral way. The Panel Member queried the amount of money required to redevelop the site and highlighted that police stations would need to be evaluated in the same manner and against the same target. The PCC agreed and explained that the Building the Future Board and Estates Board oversaw this work.

4. A Panel Member asked for a timescale for the Force’s planned deep dive into domestic abuse victim satisfaction and improvement of those levels. The PCC noted that the topic was covered in the recent performance and accountability meeting. The PCC did not have a timescale for the project. A Panel Member shared his concern regarding domestic abuse victim satisfaction and requested relevant data on the satisfaction levels in the next performance and accountability report to the Panel and explanatory wording if the levels did not improve. The PCC explained that this information was included in the Force performance report and would be shared with Panel Members.

RESOLVED:

The Panel noted and commented on the report.

Actions/further information requested:

1. R1/22 – The OPCC to provide a response from the Chief Constable regarding the target set for the clear-up rate in percentage terms and actions to be taken to achieve the target.

2. R2/22 – The PCC to write to the Panel with further information on the Force’s deep dive into domestic abuse victim satisfaction levels.

3. R3/22 – The OPCC to share the January 2022 Performance report with the Panel.