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RESOLVED that:

a)   
The Panel notes the error of judgement made by the Police, Fire and
Crime Commissioner in respect of a recent appointment. The Panel is
disappointed that reputational damage has been done to the
Commissioner’s office. The Panel recommends actions in the
following areas:

·          
Improved communications between the Commissioner and the Panel

·          
Training for the Commissioner in relation to the Office of the
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Code of Conduct

·          
The addition to the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime
Commissioner Code of Conduct paragraph 6.3 (Appointment and other
Employment Matters) of a specific definition of ‘close
personal relationships’

·          
The addition to the Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service
Recruitment and Selection procedures paragraph 6.4 (Exceptions to
the requirement to advertise a vacancy) of more precise wording
regarding the process for dealing with temporary appointments.

·          
The production by the Commissioner of an action plan dealing with
these areas that is reported back to the Panel    

b)   
The Panel writes to the Home Office regarding the need for clarity
about whether interim appointments by police, fire and crime
commissioners to the positions of chief constable, chief fire
officer, deputy commissioner, chief executive of the
commissioner’s office and chief finance officer of the
commissioner’s office should be subject to confirmation
hearings by the relevant police, fire and crime panel.

c)   
The Panel expects interim appointments by the Police, Fire and
Crime Commissioner to the positions of Chief Constable, Chief Fire
Officer, Deputy Commissioner, Chief Executive of the
Commissioner’s Office and Chief Finance Officer of the
Commissioner’s Office to be subject to confirmation hearings
in future. 

d)   
The Panel agrees to hold a future meeting with the Police, Fire and
Crime Commissioner and Fire Brigades Union representatives.

e)   
The Panel recommends that the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner
recognises and acknowledges the importance of the discussion that
has taken place at the current meeting.