The Greater Manchester Police, Fire and Crime Panel convened for its Annual General Meeting, with the agenda focusing on appointments, procedural matters, and an overview of support structures. Key discussions were scheduled around the Panel's Rules of Procedure, Panel Arrangements, and its Complaints Procedure, alongside an update on the support provided to the Panel.

Appointments to the Panel

The meeting was scheduled to note the members appointed to the Greater Manchester Police Fire and Crime Panel for the municipal year 2026/27 by the constituent councils. These appointments included representatives from Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, and Wigan. The Panel was also set to note the co-opted Independent Members: Tony Gordon, Stephen Williams, and Duncan Craig. A further appointment of five co-opted local authority members, intended to achieve a Balanced Appointment Objective, was scheduled to be made at the subsequent meeting.

Appointment of Chair & Vice-Chair

Members were due to nominate and second candidates for the positions of Chair and Vice-Chair for the municipal year 2026/27.

Rules of Procedure

Melinda Edwards, GMCA Deputy Monitoring Officer, was scheduled to present the Panel's Rules of Procedure. These rules, which govern the operation of the Panel, were to be reviewed to ensure they remained fit for purpose for the 2026/27 municipal year. The rules cover various aspects of the Panel's functioning, including definitions, meeting conduct, motions, voting, and the establishment of sub-committees. The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 and other relevant legislation form the basis of these procedures.

Panel Arrangements

The Panel's arrangements were also to be presented by Melinda Edwards, GMCA Deputy Monitoring Officer. These arrangements establish the framework for the Panel's operation as a joint committee of the 10 Greater Manchester districts. The arrangements detail the membership of the Panel, including appointed and co-opted members, and outline the funding and budget responsibilities of the constituent councils. The role of the Lead Chief Executive, appointed by the AGMA Executive Board to provide administrative and other support, was also to be discussed.

Complaints Procedure

Melinda Edwards, GMCA Deputy Monitoring Officer, was also scheduled to present the Panel's Complaints Procedure. This procedure details how complaints against the Greater Manchester Mayor and the Greater Manchester Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, relating to their Police, Fire and Crime functions, are handled. The procedure is established in accordance with the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 and The Elected Local Policing Bodies (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2012. The procedure outlines the roles and responsibilities for recording and determining complaints, including referrals to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for serious complaints or conduct matters. The procedure also details the process for informal resolution and the management of unreasonable complainant behaviour.

Overview of Support Provided to the Police, Fire & Crime Panel

Jeanette Staley, Lead Advisor to the Panel, was scheduled to present a report outlining the range of support activities provided to the Panel. This report was intended to ensure that arrangements remain in place to support the Panel in delivering its role and responsibilities. The report was to highlight which organisations provide this support, covering areas such as administrative support, legal advice, communications, and democratic services. The report was also to confirm that the Host Authority arrangements, aligned with the authority whose Chief Executive holds GM portfolio responsibility for Safer and Stronger Communities, remain in place. The financial arrangements for the Panel, including the Police & Crime Budget and Home Office grant, were also to be detailed.

Minutes of the Meeting of 19 March 2026

The Panel was scheduled to consider the approval of the minutes from its previous meeting held on 19 March 2026.