The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) is looking to recruit Legally Qualified Persons (LQPs) for Misconduct Hearings across the Avon and Somerset region.
These new paid part time statutory appointments have been created following a Government review into the process of police officer dismissals. We are looking for qualified lawyers to attend misconduct hearings and provide legal and procedural advice as requested by the Panel Chair. These positions offer an opportunity to assist in providing greater transparency and independence whilst upholding the high professional standards the public expects from our police service. The roles will require attendance and participation in misconduct hearings at Avon and Somerset Police Headquarters in Portishead.
The roles are subject to satisfying the judicial appointment eligibility condition on a 5-year basis as set out in section 50 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007. The role provides an allowance plus reasonable expenses in line with the Avon & Somerset OPCC’s policy.
Responsibilities
The core responsibilities of this interesting, varied, and vital role in upholding policing standards are:
* Reading and assimilating misconduct papers before hearings and advising on pre-hearing decisions.
* Attending hearings and participating effectively as an LQP.
* Considering evidence and supporting the Police Misconduct Panel on points of law to enable conclusions to be drawn and decisions to be made.
* Maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics.
* Support the Chair as required in the completion of the final report.
What we are looking for
We are looking for qualified legal professionals that are motivated by being part of the future of policing and understand that there is a need to improve public trust and confidence in policing. You will be community-minded and objective, fair and able to offer unbiased and clear legal and procedural expertise to encourage accurate and well-structured determinations.
You will be committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and possess sound judgment, integrity, and independence of mind. In addition, you will:
* Satisfy the judicial-appointment eligibility condition on a 5-year basis as set out in Section 50 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007.
* Have exceptional communication skills and be able to voice your own opinions in a constructive and considered way. You will be able to communicate by email and work electronically to prepare for hearings.
* Have a good understanding of police dismissals legislative framework (or be willing to learn)
* Possess the ability to review and analyse large amounts of complex information quickly in order that objective decisions can be made.
* Command the respect and trust of others at all levels and be able to work within a team to reach decisions.
* Have a good understanding of the diverse and complex nature of Avon and Somerset and its communities.
* You will be committed to the principles of public service which are accountability, probity, openness, and equality of opportunity.
What we can offer you
Training for the role and an induction to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner will be provided.
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) is run by a dedicated team who support the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC). The role of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is to be the voice of local people in policing and to hold the Chief Constable to account. The aim of all PCCs is to ensure the delivery of an effective and efficient police service within their force area.
We are looking for people who will embrace our purpose to lead improvement in efficiency and effectiveness of policing, victim support and criminal justice services on behalf of local people and our values of Openness, Partnership, Compassion and Courage.
Please refer to the Role Profile document when completing the application form. In section 3, you are required to provide evidence with specific examples for each of the Essential and Desirable criteria included in the Person Specification section of the Role Profile. For each of the criteria, please write a paragraph detailing how your experience, qualifications, skills, and abilities meet the minimum criteria for the role.
Further details are included in the attached Role Profile. If you would like to discuss the vacancy further, please contact our Recruitment Team.
Job Details
Job Type: Paid/part time
Salary: Payment is on a per hearings basis. Please see information pack for details.
Schedule: Ad hoc as and when you are assigned to a misconduct hearing (Average 3 – 5 times per annum)
Work Location: Hybrid remote with attendance at hearings at Portishead based HQ
Application deadline: 11.59pm Monday 13th May 2024
Interview dates – To be confirmed.
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