Agenda item

1.    The Commissioner introduced her report on her Engagement Strategy, outlining the changes in focus and implementation.  The Commissioner said that the key points included highlighting the continued focus on listening to communities and developing and maintaining a dialogue between the Commissioner, the police and relevant partners to improve local understanding.  The Commissioner said that this refined approach will acknowledge the excellent work carried out by Kent Police, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner as well as the partner agencies and Kent Police’s corporate and internal communications teams.  The Commissioner said that, in common with other Commissioners her initial communication and engagement work was centred on explaining the role of the PCC but this phase of the strategy had now been largely completed. The Commissioner said that her revised  strategy will focus on  business as usual, promoting a corporate and professional image through tailored and balanced engagement and communication activities that are designed to suit the relevant audiences.

2.    The Commissioner summed up the main points of her refined strategy as being focused on local engagement, a more corporate and policy orientated online presence, improved partnership working and a closer relationship with the Police and Crime Panel.  Some specific actions planned included the creation of a new corporate PCC Twitter account, the retiring of the Commissioner’s Community Outreach bus, using Police local profiles to plan targeted engagement activities, encouraging Panel members to join the Commissioner in local engagement activities and a review of the general style and tone in response to Members’ comments at the previous Panel meeting.

3.    The Commissioner commented that it was her strong desire to ensure that Kent Police were supported in continuing to be an excellent Force.  The newly instituted People Board was one measure designed to achieve this and in addition, she would be making informal visits to Police Stations around the county and engaging with the staff support associations.  The Commissioner added that a positive aspect of the past issues discussed at the Panel and in the media had been to cause all involved to step back and reflect on ways to improve.

4.    The Chairman thanked the Commissioner for her comments, stressing the Panel’s primary focus was the need to change inappropriate behaviours such as ‘campaigning’ through excessive media presence, an alteration in tone and style to a more professional and respectful approach in the Commissioner’s dealings with all parties and general improvement in attitude to engagement with the Panel and the Police.

5.    The Commissioner emphasised that her reviewed engagement strategy reflected her refined approach of tailoring all further communication and engagement to suit the audience.

6.    Members engaged in a discussion with the Commissioner on various aspects of her report and verbal update.  The main points covered included advice on management of social media and pitfalls of holding more than one Twitter account as well as the nature of appropriate communication and how important leadership skills were in striking the right tone.

7.    Members raised concern that the Commissioner need not necessarily abandon the use of her community outreach bus.  Panel members commented that, if it was the most cost effective method of achieving her county wide engagement activities, then the Commissioner should consider retaining the vehicle.

8.    In response to a question about the difficulty of arranging for the Commissioner to attend District Council meetings, the Commissioner explained that she and the Chief Constable had written to all district councils outlining the plans for the People Board and other engagement opportunities. Members asked if the minutes of the People Board could be viewed by the Panel. The Commissioner said it had not yet been decided whether to provide minutes as there were specific HR issues being discussed that might not be suitable for publication. The Commissioner stated she would take the matter up with the Chief Constable to examine options for sharing information from the People Board.

9.    The Vice-Chairman expressed praise for the strong focus on partnership working that the Commissioner had outlined in her report.  He requested further detail on the representation and attendance at the People Board.  The Commissioner responded by explaining that the Board was very new but did examine equality and diversity issues within the Force and the People Board complements the Chief Constable’s Culture board which has similar staff welfare and attitude considerations that may impact on equality.

10. Members commented that while there had been concerns on the panel regarding the Commissioner’s style, they were pleased with her response and commitment to improve the relationship with the panel in future.  Members stated that there is a desire to draw a line over what had taken place previously and for the Panel and the Commissioner to make progress.

11. A member commented that the Chief Constable’s Culture board was an interesting development and asked whether the panel could be involved.  At this time, the Commissioner indicated that it was not possible due to potentially sensitive issues being raised and that the Chief Constable was still developing the board.

12. In response to further questions about the People Board and whether they had impacted on the number of Governance Boards, the Commissioner explained that the new People Boards were being held in addition to her other meetings.  The Commissioner also invited members of the panel to visit her office for more information about the work of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, as well as which meetings Panel members might care to attend in future.  A member strongly supported the idea that Panel members should attend the People and Governance Boards.

13. Several members made comment that they were pleased with the improved attitude and communication style evidenced by the Commissioner and that they were pleased with the progress made.  It was also suggested that the decision to retire the Commissioner’s community outreach bus was reviewed with the caveat that it be corporately branded to reflect the Office held rather than the Office holder.

RESOLVED that the Panel note the Commissioner’s report and endorsed her decisions;

a)    To move away from a campaigning role.

b)    To undertake less ‘big bang’ publicity.

c)    To focus all publicity less on the Commissioner as an individual.

d)    To adopt a more corporate style on her website.

The Panel also requested and received the Commissioner’s assurance that her engagement style with Police Officers and staff, Panel members and other partners would be modified.