Minutes:
1. Mr Hill:
I see from a recent blog that you had a meeting with New Schools Network “to talk about the now Prime Minister’s suggestion that PCCs could be involved in the setting up of new kinds of free schools”. You stated that “I am a supporter of this idea in principle and will be working with NSN to scope the possibilities in the county based on need”. Please can you explain your thinking to the Panel?
The Commissioner explained that his plans to investigate the potential for being involved in the development of Free Schools were based on proposals made by Theresa May when she was the Home Secretary. This work had been piloted by the Northamptonshire Commissioner and the feasibility of this taking place in Kent was still being scoped. The Commissioner explained that he was supportive of working with young people and that the Free School element was just one avenue being explored.
2. Mr Sandher:
Please could the PCC explain how he intends to ensure that his proposed cadet scheme will reflect the diversity of Kent in terms of socio-economic background and ethnicity?
The Commissioner explained that Police Cadets are being reintroduced around the county on a phased basis, with cohorts initially planned in Tonbridge, Canterbury and Medway. The Commissioner stated that he believed the cadet scheme was a good opportunity for young people to learn about the Police and the wider public sector and that thirty enquiries about places on the scheme had already been received. He noted that it was important that the scheme be open to all and be inclusive. To that end, referral schemes and bursaries were being investigated to ensure financial or social pressures were not barriers to young people taking part.
3. Mr Latchford:
Please can the Commissioner provide an update on the Police Investigation into the alleged electoral fraud in Thanet South in the 2015 Parliamentary election?
The Commissioner explained that he could make no comment as the investigation was still ongoing. He provided reassurance that he had raised the issue with the Chief Constable at the last Governance Board meeting. The Commissioner stated that no update would be possible until the investigation had been concluded.
4. Mrs Bolton:
It was recently reported in the media that Kent Police had been ordered to pay aggravated damages in a race discrimination case at an Employment tribunal. The Employment Tribunal panel were damning about a range of issues, which included the actions of the Chief Constable, the Professional Standards department and a Detective Chief Inspector.
This will obviously affect public confidence and staff morale. What is the Police and Crime Commissioner doing to hold the Chief Constable to account to ensure that this does not happen again?
The Commissioner explained that he was unable to comment as Kent Police were appealing the decision and it was therefore still an ongoing legal matter. However, he reassured the Panel that relevant issues in regard to preventing discrimination had been raised with the Chief Constable and that he expected all recommendations from the eventual judgement to be complied with.
RESOLVED that the Panel thank the Commissioner for providing answers to Member questions.