Independent Member Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Panel

Independent Member Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Panel

Salary: £920 in the form of an annual allowance to reflect expenses.

Employer: Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Panel (hosted by Somerset Council Democratic Services)

Location: Various, Somerset,

Contract type: Volunteer

Working pattern: Part time

Closing date: 19 May 2026 12:00 am

Key information

We are recruiting an Independent Member to assist the Police and Crime Panel in holding the Police and Crime Commissioner to account.

Somerset Council acts as the Host Authority for the Panel and is responsible for its administrative and officer support arrangements

Are you interested in modern Policing, resource issues and reviewing the strategic direction of the Constabulary?

Do you have the skills and experience that could help us support and challenge the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset?

In 2012, the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Panel became part of new governance and accountability arrangements for Policing in Avon and Somerset. The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is responsible for setting the strategic objectives of the Police force and deciding how funding for local Policing and crime reduction is allocated.

The Panel’s role is to both support and challenge the PCC and maintain regular checks and balances on her decisions, activities and related performance.

The Panel is looking for a committed and community-minded person to serve as an Independent Member for approximately 2 years commencing June 2026. You will work alongside 14 Councillor members from across the force area and 2 other Independent Members.

Key skills required include the ability to:-

– analyse and think strategically

– scrutinise and challenge

– communicate effectively

– develop an understanding of equalities and diversity issues

What will I be doing?

The Panel has a number of specific responsibilities:-

• reviewing and contributing to the development of the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan
• monitoring and scrutinising the PCC’s performance
• reviewing the PCC’s proposed Precept (the element of council tax which funds the Police)
• reviewing the PCC’s Chief Officer appointments in the form of a Confirmatory Hearing
• handling and resolving non-criminal complaints against the PCC

The Panel does not directly scrutinise the Chief Constable or the Constabulary.

The Panel aspires to reflect the composition of the Police service area, and we are looking for applications from people from all parts of Somerset and the former Avon area.

Applications from all eligible people irrespective of sex, gender reassignment, disability, ethnic origin, religious belief, sexual orientation, age or other protected characteristics are welcomed.

 What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

To apply you will need to:

• be 18 or over and on the electoral register
• live or work in the Avon and Somerset Police Area
• able to attend at least 6 formal meetings during the working year
• understand the importance of public services and how they are delivered

You cannot be an Independent Member of the Panel if you are:

• A Police officer or staff member of Avon and Somerset Police
• A Local Authority Councillor
• A Member of Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales, or the Scottish Parliament.

Time Commitment: is likely to average two days a month but this can vary. This is an unpaid voluntary role, but you will receive £920 in the form of an annual allowance to reflect expenses.

Meetings take place at The Deane House, Belvedere Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1HE.

 To upload your CV please click "Apply on our website"