Decision Title: Recruitment of the next Chief Constable for Warwickshire: Debra Tedds
Decision Reference Number: WPCC30008
Lead Officer: Polly Reed, Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer
If force business, date approved by Chief Officer: Not applicable
Date: 28/06/2021
Status: Non confidential
Decision summary:
Recruitment of Debra Tedds as the next Chief Constable for Warwickshire.
I confirm that my register of interests declaration is up to date and that none of my interests preclude me from making this decision.
Signature: Philip Seccombe
Date: 15 June 2021
Supporting information
1. Background information
The Chief Constable Martin Jelley QPM wrote to the Commissioner on 10 February 2021 informing him of his intention to retire on 30 June 2021. A recruitment process has taken place to find the next Chief Constable for the force resulting in the Temporary Deputy Chief Constable for Warwickshire, Debra Tedds, being chosen as the best and most suitable candidate. This view was endorsed by the Police and Crime Panel on 11 June.
The process was robust and fair; and followed the requirements of the Police and Social Responsibility Act 2011 as well as the supplementary College of Policing guidance. The confirmation hearing report details the full process that has been undertaken, and a report by the Independent Advisor sits alongside this.
2. Detail of additional information attached
- Confirmation Hearing Report and associated appendices
- Independent Advisor Report on Chief Constable appointment process
3. Expected benefits
The Chief Constable has overall responsibility for leading the force, creating a vision and setting direction and culture that builds public and organisational confidence and trust, and enables the delivery of a professional, effective and efficient policing service.
The Chief Constable holds direct accountability for the operational delivery of policing services and the effective command and leadership of the policing response to crime, and major and critical incidents.
The Chief Constable is responsible for influencing the development of regional and national policing and may be accountable for national operations or standard setting.
As a Corporation Sole, the Chief Constable is responsible for fulfilling all statutory and legal obligations of the office of Chief Constable and complying with any Schemes of Governance or Consent that exist, which determine force governance arrangements.
4. Impact of not approving the application
It is a statutory requirement for the Chief Constable to be appointed.
5. Costs (including any identified savings)
This role is paid on a national pay point, and the rate is £146,469. As the appointed candidate lives in Warwickshire already there are no relocation costs payable.
The cost of recruitment process was £3,235
6. Equality implications
The post was recruited via an open, competitive selection process for eligible candidates.
7. Legal
Legal advice in respect of recruitment was taken throughout the process.
8. Publication
Information in this form is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI Act) and other legislation. Unless the information provided is covered by an exemption and stated to be either confidential or partly confidential, the information contained in the form will be published on the OPCC website.
Comments from the Treasurer
The Chief Constable is a statutory appointment, and the costs are included within the annual revenue budget. The salary costs are outlined in this document and are as per the level notified nationally by the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB) in its last report dated September 2020. The PRRB have reported on Chief Officer pay scales at the request of the Home Secretary for the last three years, although this responsibility may pass back to the Senior Salaries Review Body in time, and further clarity is awaited on this. However, the costs will continue to be included in the annual budget in line with the nationally set level, irrespective of the body setting the rate.
Comments from the Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer
This statutory appointment has been conducted in line with the principles of public service, and the approach and endorsement have been approved by the Panel.
