Members of the public across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are being invited to apply to serve on the Hampshire Police and Crime Panel (PCP). Independent co-opted members are currently being recruited by the Panel.

The Police and Crime Panel is the body that scrutinises and supports the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The Panel maintains a regular check and balance on the performance of the Commissioner, Donna Jones, and holds her to account for her responsibilities to the residents of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Although the Police and Crime Commissioner is ultimately accountable to the electorate via the ballot box, the Commissioner is required to consult with the Panel on plans and budget for policing, as well as the level of council tax, and, when necessary, the appointment of a Chief Constable.

The Panel has powers and responsibilities including:

• To review the draft Police and Crime Plan.
• To publicly review and scrutinise the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Annual Report.
• To review and scrutinise decisions made, or actions taken by the Police and Crime Commissioner.
• To review, influence and if necessary, challenge Council Tax precept levels proposed by the Commissioner.
• To make a recommendation to the Commissioner on any proposal to remove the Chief Constable.
• To review and make recommendations to the Commissioner on proposals to appoint senior staff and the Chief Constable.
• To review the Commissioner’s conduct.
• To appoint an Acting Commissioner (from amongst the Commissioner’s staff) where the Commissioner is incapacitated or suspended.

In delivering its statutory responsibilities, the Panel can also undertake proactive scrutiny which involves making recommendations to the Commissioner on varied topics which may be areas of community concern.

The Police and Crime Panel comprises 15 Councillors (one from each of the local authorities within the Hampshire Policing Area, including Hampshire County Council, the 11 district and borough councils in Hampshire, and the unitary authorities for Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton).

There are three further Councillors who are co-opted from local authorities to reflect Hampshire and the Isle of Wight's political balance, and an additional two independent non-Councillor co-opted members. The composition of the Panel reflects the political balance across Hampshire and Isle of Wight, and brings a mix of skills, knowledge and experience needed to be effective.

Chairman of the Hampshire Police and Crime Panel, and Executive Leader of Fareham Borough Council, Councillor Seán Woodward said: “An exciting opportunity has arisen for new independent co-opted members to join the Panel. We are seeking applications from committed and enthusiastic residents who are keen to make suggestions for improvement to policing, community safety and crime issues across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

"Independent Co-opted Members enhance the effectiveness of the Panel through their dedication, knowledge and previous experience. Previous appointments have made a very valuable contribution to our work. We welcome the opportunity to bring someone new to the Panel and would invite applications from anyone eligible to be considered.”

A Guide to the Role of an Independent Co-opted Member can be downloaded from 

Becoming a co-opted Independent Member of the Hampshire Police and Crime Panel

and includes further information about the role of the Panel and its Independent Co-opted Members and eligibility for co-option. Applicants are invited to apply online, the application form is available on the above page.

The closing date for applications is 11 December 2023. Two appointments will be made – one to start following appointment at the end of January 2024 and the other following the Panel’s Annual General Meeting in July 2024.