Title and Reference – PCC/D/001
Subject: The appointment of two Independent Members
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 03/06/2024
Summary:

Bedfordshire OPCC has appointed two Independent Members for a Misconduct Hearing, on 3rd June 2024 for a hearing due to take place in September/October 2024. The details have been passed to Professional Standards Department to formally log the appointment and to make contact to arrange the hearing.

The Professional Standards Department for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire (BCH) requested Bedfordshire OPCC to find two Independent Members from our Cab Rank Rota.

The hearing is being conducted under the new 2020 Regulations and Bedfordshire OPCC have been advised by the Professional Standards Department that they are looking to serve the Reg 30 papers as soon as possible.

You can read more about Independent Members as well as the regulations and selection of misconduct hearings on our website here.

Recommendation:
To note decision
Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner
I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/002
Subject: The appointment of an LQA (Legally Qualified Advisor)
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 03/06/2024

Summary:

Bedfordshire OPCC has appointed a Legally Qualified Advisor for a misconduct hearing on 3rd June 2024. The details have been passed to Professional Standards Department to formally log the appointment and to make contact to arrange the hearing.

The Professional Standards Department for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire (BCH) requested Bedfordshire OPCC to find a Legally Qualified Advisor from our Cab Rank Rota.

The hearing is being conducted under the new 2020 Regulations and Bedfordshire OPCC have been advised by the Professional Standards Department that they are looking to serve the Reg 30 papers as soon as possible.

You can read more about Legally Qualified Advisors as well as the regulations and selection of misconduct hearings on our website here.

Recommendation:
To note decision
Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner
I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/003
Subject: Police and Crime Panel Confirmation Hearing – Appointment of Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 19/06/2024

Summary:

On the 4th of June 2024, a Confirmation Hearing was held for appointment of the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire.

The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (‘the Act’) provides, under section 18(1), that the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for a police area may appoint a person as the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (DPCC) for that area.

The DPCC is a member of the OPCC staff (s18(10) of the Act), under paragraph 8(4) of Schedule 1 of the Act the appointment of a DPCC is exempt from the requirement of Section 7 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, that all staff appointments should be made on merit. There is therefore no requirement for the open recruitment process that would normally apply when recruiting staff to the OPCC.

The Police and Crime Commissioner has appointed Umme Ali as his Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner.

https://www.bedfordshire.pcc.police.uk/about-the-dpcc/

Recommendation:
To note decision
Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner
I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/004
Subject: Re-appointment of Legally Qualified Chair (LQC) – relating to 2021 – 2024 PCC/D/119
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 17/06/2024

Summary:

Bedfordshire OPCC has re-appointed a Legally Qualified Chair for a misconduct hearing on 17 June 2024. The details have been passed to Professional Standards Department to formally log the appointment and the hearing is due to take place on 21 June 2024.

The Professional Standards Department for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire (BCH) requested Bedfordshire OPCC to re-appoint a Legally Qualified Chair from the Cab Rank Rota in order to chair a Misconduct Hearing for a Bedfordshire officer.

You can read more about Legally Qualified Chairs as well as the regulations and selection of misconduct hearings on our website here.

Recommendation:
To note decision
Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner
I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/005
Subject: Independent Panel Member Appointment and Reappointment and Appointment of Legally Qualified Advisors
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 20/06/2024

Summary:

1.Executive Summary

Following the successful recruitment of our latest batch of Legally Qualified Chairs in 2023, it was necessary to recruit a new cadre of Independent Panel Members. This coincided with changes to the regulations and guidance around Police Misconduct Hearings. This decision report sets out the recruitment of Independent Panel Members and the changes proposed to ensure the Eastern Region is well prepared for the new regulations. These changes include the extension of our existing Independent Panel Members (IPM) for two years and the appointment of some of our Legally Qualified Chairs (LQC) as Legally Qualified Persons (LQP).

2.Recommendations

That the PCC appoints, once appropriate reference checks have been completed, the list of people identified in section 3 as Independent Panel Members for a period of five years on the Terms and Conditions attached as Appendix C. Those IPMs with IPM 2 next to their name will be able to sit as either IPM 1s and IPM 2s. Those with IPM 1 next to their name will be able to sit as IPM 1s not IPM 2s.

That the PCC appoints, once appropriate reference checks have been completed, the list of people identified in section 3 as existing Independent Panels Members for a further period of two years on the Terms and Conditions attached as Appendix C. These IPMs, because of their experience, will be able to sit as IPM 1s and IPM 2s.

That the PCC appoints the Legally Qualified Chairs identified in section 3 as Legally Qualified Persons. The appointment period will align to their existing appointment terms, as set out in the paper, as a Legally Qualified Chair on the Terms and Conditions attached as Appendix A. The new contract will cover their appointments as both a Legally Qualified Advisor and Legally Qualified Chair.

That the PCC agrees the revised appointment selection of Misconduct Panels and Police Appeal Tribunal Policy. See appendix B.

3.Background to the Proposal

The Police and Crime Commissioner is required to maintain a list of independent persons to sit on misconduct hearings under the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020. The six police and crime commissioners in the Region maintain a joint list and have done since 2014. The Ministry of Defence Police are also joining this arrangement.

In 2014 the Eastern Region police and crime commissioners acted together to compile and maintain a list of Independent Panel Members to sit on the misconduct hearings as held across the Region (Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk).

Eighteen Independent Members were selected and appointed to serve across the Region. The term of appointment, commencing on 1 June 2014, was for an initial five-year period, subject to a further period of service, if agreed following review.
During 2018 the Member Misconduct Oversight Panel (MMOP), comprising officers from each of the offices of police and crime commissioners across the Region, considered the arrangements for the recruitment of further Independent Members and/or the current Independent Members.

Out of the 15 IPMs serving and active, 14 wished to be considered for re-appointment. All 14 IPMs who wished to be re-appointed had attended training, had all sat regularly and no issues had been raised about their service by PSDs.

In the light of these factors, the MMOP took the view that all 14 Independent Members should be recommended for appointment and further that there was no pressing need to progress to a recruitment process to secure further Independent Members.

This second term of service concludes on the 31st of May 2024. Following this period all the remaining IPMs will have served for ten years, the recommended maximum number of years that an IPM should serve.

In preparation of this, the MMOP set out a recruitment process to select a new batch of IPMs. The opportunity was promoted via all six areas with efforts being taken to reach a wide and varied selection of potential candidates. The deadline for applications closed on the 28th of January 2024 and 57 people applied.

Shortlisting was undertaken by the Essex MMOP representative, the Bedfordshire MMOP representative and an HR specialist from Essex Police. Thirty-eight people were interviewed by a panel consisting of the Essex MMOP representative, the Norfolk MMOP representative and the HR specialist from Essex Police. All MMOP members were invited to participate. The interviews took place over five days in person and online. Following this process 18 candidates are being put forward for appointment as set out below.

Changes to Regulations

In January 2023, the Government launched its review into the process of police officer dismissals. The following August the Government announced substantial changes to the police misconduct, vetting and performance systems.

The first stage of these changes involved changes to police conduct regulations through the Police (Conduct) (Amendment) Regulations 2024. These were laid in parliament on 16th of April and came into force on the 7th of May 2024.

These Regulations were being developed during the IPM recruitment process and primarily amend the composition of misconduct panels, removing the role of Legally Qualified Chair (LQC) and giving responsibility for chairing non-senior misconduct proceedings to chief officers, or their delegate.

They also introduced a new legal advisor role which will provide misconduct panels with advice on legal and procedural matters. This means that panels for non-senior officers will now consist of a chair and two independent panel members.

Under the draft Home Office guidance, the Independent Members selected in accordance with Regulation 28(4)(b) will, in addition to the first IPM, be required to have qualifications, experience or be able to demonstrate certain competencies which are relevant for the purposes of disciplinary proceedings. It is stated that this could include, but is not limited to, those who:

•can demonstrate a commitment to setting standards through senior leadership roles in other organisations or sectors,
•hold expertise in Human Resources,
•or have experience of professional disciplinary processes.

While this guidance is draft it is not anticipated that it will be substantially more prescriptive as the regulations are quite clear. Several of our recommended IPMs have relevant experience and have been identified below with a IPM 2 put next to their name. Once appointed it is recommended that they sit as IPM 2s. This would mean that they are able to sit as either IPM 1s or IPM 2s as required.

The amended regulations are not retrospective so parallel regulatory systems need to be maintained for up to two years while existing cases work their way through the system. The increase in the number of IPMs on each panel also increases the anticipated demand for IPMs. To mitigate these issues the MMOP recommend that our existing IPMs are offered a further contract of two years. This is allowable under the current regulations, allows resilience within the system and provides sufficient time for the cases under the old regulatory system to conclude. It also avoids the need to train our new IPMs on both the old and the new regulations.

The MMOP, in considering the reappointment of existing IPMs, considered the following issues:

•the wishes of the current IPMs in being re-appointed,
•the number of hearings undertaken by the IPMs,
•feedback from Professional Standards Departments (PSDs) as to the performance of any of the IPMs from the misconduct hearings.

Following this consideration, it is recommended that 11 of the existing 12 IPMs be reappointed for a further two years. These IPMs, once trained in the new regulations, will be able to sit as either IPM 1s or IPM 2s.

Further to the recommended reappointment of the IPMs, the MMOP also considered the appointment of Legally Qualified Chairs as Legally Qualified Persons. Given the recent decision in December 2023 by PCC’s across the region to appoint and reappoint Legally Qualified Chairs, as set out in decision report 186-23, the MMOP approached the current LQCs for indications of interest in sitting as Legally Qualified Persons. Twenty nine have indicated that they would like to be appointed as Legally Qualified Persons under the new Terms and Conditions set out in Appendix A.

4.Proposal and Associated Benefits

The proposed appointment and reappointments set out in the recommended decisions will provide the PCC with reassurance that there are sufficient Legally Qualified Persons and Independent Panel Members to deliver an effective Police Misconduct Hearing process.

This is important to ensure that cases of police misconduct are heard appropriately and in a timely manner, that officers who should not be in the force are removed and those who are on restricted duties awaiting a hearing are heard quickly and where appropriate are able to return to their duties.

The recommendations around adoption of the new selection policy will ensure the PCC is fulfilling their duty to publicly demonstrate how IPMs and LQPs are selected.

5. Options Analysis

The PCC has the option not to accept these recommendations, however, given that they have a statutory responsibility to recruit and provide both Legally Qualified Persons and Independent Panel Members for Police Misconduct Hearing this option is not recommended.
The PCC could decide to exit the regional arrangements and recruit and appoint LQPs and IPMs independently however this would be more costly and provide less resilience. Given the system has worked well for ten years this approach is not recommended.

5. Consultation and Engagement

Throughout the process the MMOP has stayed in close contact with the Association of Police and Crime Commissioner’s Chief Executive’s Association complaints network, they have sought input from LQCs and in the recruitment of IPMs have also liaised with the Magistrates’ Association.
The MMOP through their respective members have also liaised with each PSD in the area.

7. Strategic Links

The handling of police complaints has a direct impact on confidence in policing which is fundamental to the police and crime plan. Supporting an effective and efficient complaints system is also important to ensure the force is properly resourced and staffed.

8. Police operational implications

The decisions in this report will support an effective police misconduct complaint system which in turn will support operational policing.

9. Financial implications

The revised Police (Conduct) (Amendment) Regulations 2024 have changed the members of a police misconduct hearing panel so each hearing will have two IPMs and an LQP. This means the cost for each hearing will increase. The nationally recommended level of renumeration for IPMs is also going up after no change for ten years. This is reflected in the new Terms and Conditions for IPMs with their daily rate increasing from £211 to £357. These fees are paid from the Bedfordshire Police budget and the changes to them have been flagged with the relevant budget holder and Bedfordshire Police Finance.

10. Legal implications

The revised Police (Conduct) (Amendment) Regulations 2024 have been laid in parliament and came into force on the 7th of May. As such the PCC has a legal obligation to comply with them. As set out above the recommendations set out above align to the new regulatory system and ensure the PCC complies with them.

11. Staffing implications

There are no direct staff implications from this decision.

12. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion implications

As with the recruitment of Legally Qualified Chairs in 2023, significant effort was put into raising awareness of the IPM posts to a wide range of communities. Each area shared it through their local networks, partners and wider stakeholder groups. Local diversity groups were also used to spread this to communities that aren’t always as well represented as they should be. Areas also used newsletters and social media to encourage recruitment.

13. Risks and Mitigations

There is the risk that the reference checks for some of the new IPMs will not be adequate and appointment will not be able to proceed. To mitigate this risk the recommended decision specifically states that the appointment is only to be made after these have been completed adequately.
As with any new regulatory system there is the chance that unknown problems will arise through the process. The MMOP has taken a proactive approach to recruitment to minimise the potential impact of any unforeseen changes and ensure there are sufficiently qualified and trained people to manage any additional workload or issues.

Some areas have adopted a wait and see approach to the regulatory changes which means they are only just starting their recruitment now. To avoid this risk we continued with our existing recruitment process and adapted this process to deliver an effective system that works within the old and new regulatory system.

14. Governance Boards

This topic has been discussed at regular points at the PCC’s Senior Management Team over the last twelve months. The regulatory changes were presented on the 7th of May and proposed changed by the government were discussed throughout 2023 with the PCC providing feedback where possible into that development process.

15. Links to Future Plans

This is not linked to any specific future plans but will inform the development of the Police and Crime Plan 2024-2028, and the PSD quarterly scrutiny process.

Recommendation:
To note decision
Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner
I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/006

Subject: Re-appointment of Independent Member – relating to 2021 – 2024 PCC/D/134
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 01/07/2024

Summary:

Bedfordshire OPCC has re-appointed an Independent Member for a misconduct hearing. The details have been passed to Professional Standards Department to formally log the appointment and the hearing is due to take place in August 2024.

The Professional Standards Department for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire (BCH) requested Bedfordshire OPCC to re-appoint an Independent Member from the Cab Rank Rota in order to chair a Misconduct Hearing for a Bedfordshire officer.

You can read more about Independent Members as well as the regulations and selection of misconduct hearings on our website here.

Recommendation:

To note decision

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/007
Subject: Chief Executive Recruitment Process
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 26/07/2024

Recruitment Process

Three providers were approached in July 2024 for a quote for the service of recruitment of a Chief Executive Officer for the Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC). The HR Department of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire sought quotes from four recruitment consultancies and following a process the PCC selected to proceed with GatenbySanderson to undertake the recruitment search.

The advertisement went live externally on 29 July 2024 and can be viewed at https://join-opccbedfordshire.com/ and https://join-opccbedfordshire.com/job/chief-executive-officer.19950/.

Timeline

Briefings, microsite, selected media and wider materials created/confirmed	(w/c) 22 July 2024
Advertisement appears (depending on selected media)	(w/c) 29 July
Closing date (23:59 Tuesday) N.B. Bank Holiday 26th	27 August
Short list meeting	(w/c) 2 September
Informal meeting with PCC and individual shortlisted candidates	(early in the w/c) 9 September tbc
Final panel interview,	w/c 16 September

Costing

Total anticipated total cost of the recruitment process with GatenbySanderson (including the microsite and SEE) is £21,800 (plus VAT).

Recommendation

To note decision
Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner
I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/008
Subject: Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for PCC access to the HMPPS Performance Hub and Segmentation Tool
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 20/08/2024

Summary:

The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) have refreshed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide access to important data tools such as the HMPPS Performance Hub and Segmentation Tool. Reducing reoffending is a shared interest for PCCs and HMPPS. The purpose of sharing data between the participants is to prevent and/or reduce crime and disorder and reduce reoffending.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the PCC John Tizard on 20 August 2024.

The intended benefits are to:
1. assist the work of the PCC and HMPPS in developing and delivering their respective Police and Crime Plan and Regional Reducing Reoffending Plan.
2. improve accountability against measures which should lead to better delivery, use of resources, improved effectiveness, and efficiency.
3. inform the co-commissioning activity which is expected to contribute to the commissioning of rehabilitation and resettlement provision. PCCs and Regional Probation Directors will be expected to inform commissioning priorities in each region and to consider pooling funds to commission and co-commission services to reflect specific local needs.

The shared data will be for internal use only and will not be shared outside the LCJB or released publicly. In addition, there is no requirement for any data to be shared back with the CPS or HMPPS.

The Performance Hub is a web-based corporate reporting service that provides staff from prisons, probation, Ministry of Justice and associated organisations (collectively referred to as “Users”) with data collection, validation, collation and reporting.

It is hosted collaboratively by the Ministry of Justice’s (MoJ) Data & Analysis and Digital & Technology Directorates. Access to, and use of, the Hub requires explicit written and current authorisation via the Memorandum of Understanding and is conducive to protecting and enhancing public safety and delivering on the MoJ priorities: protect the public from serious offenders, improve the safety and security of our prisons, reduce reoffending and deliver swift access to justice.

Users of the Hub consent to any activity to be recorded, including but not limited to: login and logout actions; submission of returns and upload of data and running reports and downloading data.

Recommendation:
To note decision
Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner
I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/009
Subject: Signing of the CPS Data Sharing Agreement to assess performance in relation to Criminal Justice System, providing a basis for performance conversations as part of the Local Criminal Justice Boards (LCJB) structure
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 20/08/2024

Summary:

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) John Tizard signed the Data Sharing Agreement with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

Access to the data from the CPS will assist the PCC of the data in achieving the following key objectives:

• To allow Police Force Areas (PFAs) to assess their performance in relation to Criminal Justice System, providing a basis for performance conversations as part of the Local Criminal Justice Boards (LCJB) structure.
• Support local criminal justice partners in their statutory duty to co-operate in the delivery of an efficient criminal justice system.
• Provide a national and local overview of Criminal Justice performance.
• Allow PFAs to compare performance and identify good practice and areas for improvement.
• Assist the PCC in fulfilling his holding to account role with the Chief Constable.

The CPS will be making data available to The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) via data sets sent by email. The APCC will then deliver to the pre-confirmed official business addresses at the Police and Crime Commissioners Office. The data will be shared with the Bedfordshire Criminal Justice Board.

Recommendation:
To note decision
Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner
I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/010
Subject: The appointment of two Independent Members
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 30/08/2024
Summary:

Bedfordshire OPCC has appointed two Independent Members for a Misconduct Hearing, on 30th August 2024 for a hearing due to take place at the end of September 2024. The details have been passed to Professional Standards Department to formally log the appointment and to make contact to arrange the hearing.

The Professional Standards Department for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire (BCH) requested Bedfordshire OPCC to find two Independent Members from our Cab Rank Rota.

The hearing is being conducted under the new 2020 Regulations and Bedfordshire OPCC have been advised by the Professional Standards Department that they are looking to serve the Reg 30 papers as soon as possible.

You can read more about Independent Members as well as the regulations and selection of misconduct hearings on our website here.

Recommendation:
To note decision
Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner
I hereby approve the recommendations above

Title and Reference – PCC/D/011
Subject: Review of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire structure
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 27/06/2024

Summary:

The Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard has requested that an independent professional review of the structure, functions, and the capacity of his office, and compare this with other PCC Offices take place.

Given the need to progress this piece of work as a priority, a single tender exercise was undertaken to award the contract for this piece of work to the Policing Foundation (the work itself being led by Rick Muir). The Police Foundation were selected given there close and detailed understanding of policing and its governance.

The purpose of this piece of work is to ensure that the office is fit for purpose to deliver his police and crime plan, and his statutory duties and meets a value for money test.

Following receipt of this report I have instructed the Interim Chief Executive to progress a restructure within my office working with appropriate HR colleagues and trade unions.

The cost for this specialist consultancy which always included advice on the development of the proposed police and crime plan was at £22,610 + VAT.

Recommendation:
To note decision
Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner
I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/012
Subject: Re-appointment of Independent Member – relating to PCC/D/001
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 06/09/2024

Summary:
Bedfordshire OPCC has re-appointed an Independent Member for a misconduct hearing. The details have been passed to Professional Standards Department to formally log the appointment and the hearing is due to take place December 17th – 19th 2024.

The Professional Standards Department for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire (BCH) requested Bedfordshire OPCC to re-appoint an Independent Member from the Cab Rank Rota in order to chair a Misconduct Hearing for a Bedfordshire officer.

You can read more about Independent Members as well as the regulations and selection of misconduct hearings on our website here.

Recommendation:
To note decision
Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner
I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/013
Subject: The appointment of an LQA (Legally Qualified Advisor)
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 16/09/2024

Summary:

Bedfordshire OPCC has appointed a Legally Qualified Advisor for a misconduct hearing on 16th September 2024. The details have been passed to Professional Standards Department to formally log the appointment and to make contact to arrange the hearing.

The Professional Standards Department for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire (BCH) requested Bedfordshire OPCC to find a Legally Qualified Advisor from our Cab Rank Rota.

The hearing is being conducted under the new 2020 Regulations and Bedfordshire OPCC have been advised by the Professional Standards Department that they are looking to serve the Reg 30 papers as soon as possible.

You can read more about Legally Qualified Advisors as well as the regulations and selection of misconduct hearings on our website here.

Recommendation:
To note decision
Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner
I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/014
Subject: Temporary Retirement of the Chief Constable
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 17/09/2024

Summary:
On the 5th August the PCC agreed to a request from the Chief Constable (CC) Trevor Rodenhurst to take advantage of the national retire/rehire scheme, for police officers.

The PCC agreed this as it is line with the national scheme for all police officers of all ranks and because it is in the interests of Bedfordshire Police and the county.

Deputy CC Vajzovic will take the role of Acting CC between the period of 3rd October 2024 to 4th November 2024.

CC Trevor Rodenhurst will resume his duties as Chief Constable on 5th November 2024.

The PCC has agreed to this reappointment.

There will be a Police and Crime Panel confirmation hearing on the 22nd October 2024.

Recommendation:
To note decision
Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner
I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/015
Subject: Movement of payment to Commissioned Partners to monthly in arrears
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 30/09/2024

Summary:
The Police and Crime Plan 2024-2028 was launched on the 03 October 2024, and, in preparation for its release, a review of the commissioning strategy is being completed to ensure that Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office activities align to the ambitions within.

An element of the review has focused on the current funding process, by which the current quarterly in arrears process will be amended with the ambition of developing a more supportive role, building capacity and capability within the system. The following Cabinet Office guidance have been reviewed – Prompt payment policy – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) – which require payments within 30 days for all public sector bodies.

This change this is in line with our reform of commissioning, to ensure in part that more small voluntary and community organisations are able to work with us, as they cannot afford long delays and this impacts on cash flow.

Following this review, a decision has been made by the Police and Crime Commissioner, John Tizard, for all commissioned providers to be funded on a monthly in arrears basis.

Recommendation:
To note decision
Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner
I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/016
Subject: Safer Streets 5
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 08/10/2024

Summary:

At the Safer Streets Governance meeting held on 8th October 2024 decisions were agreed to:

• Decision to reallocate £20k of unspent DOCO funds to re-purposing.
• Decision to repurpose underspend of £20k to procure the Pol-Ed license for an additional year. Full details can be found on the re-purposing/underspend spreadsheet.
• Decision to repurpose underspend of £15k to fund a proposal by You Turn Futures to assist those on probation for serious acquisitive crime and/or neighbourhood crime. Full details can be found on the re-purposing/underspend spreadsheet.
• Decision to use the DOCO fund to support the request for Alley Gating in Aspley Road Bedford for £1.1k.

Recommendation:

To note decision
Bedfordshire Acting Chief Executive
I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/017
Subject: Appointment of Chief Executive Officer Sharn Basra
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 26/09/2024

Summary:

The Police and Crime Commissioner appointed Sharn Basra as Chief Executive Officer on 26 September 2024.

Sharn Basra will commence his employment on 21 October 2024.

There will be a Police and Crime Panel confirmation hearing on 22 October 2024.

Recommendation:
To note decision
Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner
I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/018
Subject: The appointment of an Independent Member
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 01/10/2024

Summary:

Bedfordshire OPCC has appointed an Independent Member for a Misconduct Hearing, on 1st October 2024 for a hearing due to take place on 6th November 2024. The details have been passed to Professional Standards Department to formally log the appointment and to make contact to arrange the hearing. The Professional Standards Department for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire (BCH) requested Bedfordshire OPCC to find an Independent Member from our Cab Rank Rota. The hearing is being conducted under the new 2020 Regulations and Bedfordshire OPCC have been advised by the Professional Standards Department that they are looking to serve the Reg 30 papers as soon as possible. You can read more about Independent Members as well as the regulations and selection of misconduct hearings on our website here.

Recommendation:
To note decision
Bedfordshire Acting Chief Executive
I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/019
Subject: The appointment of two Independent Members
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 02/10/2024

Summary:
Bedfordshire OPCC has appointed two Independent Members for a Misconduct Hearing, on 2nd October 2024 for a hearing due to take place in 2025. The details have been passed to Professional Standards Department to formally log the appointment and to make contact to arrange the hearing.
The Professional Standards Department for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire (BCH) requested Bedfordshire OPCC to find two Independent Members from our Cab Rank Rota.
The hearing is being conducted under the new 2020 Regulations and Bedfordshire OPCC have been advised by the Professional Standards Department that they are looking to serve the Reg 30 papers as soon as possible.
You can read more about Independent Members as well as the regulations and selection of misconduct hearings on our website here.

Recommendation:
To note decision
Bedfordshire Acting Chief Executive
I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/020
Subject: The appointment of an LQA (Legally Qualified Advisor)
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 15/10/2024

Summary:

Bedfordshire OPCC has appointed a Legally Qualified Advisor for a misconduct hearing on 15th October 2024. The details have been passed to Professional Standards Department to formally log the appointment and to make contact to arrange the hearing.
The Professional Standards Department for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire (BCH) requested Bedfordshire OPCC to find a Legally Qualified Advisor from our Cab Rank Rota.
The hearing is being conducted under the new 2020 Regulations and Bedfordshire OPCC have been advised by the Professional Standards Department that they are looking to serve the Reg 30 papers as soon as possible.
You can read more about Legally Qualified Advisors as well as the regulations and selection of misconduct hearings on our website here.

Recommendation:
To note decision
Bedfordshire Acting Chief Executive
I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/021
Subject: Newly appointed Chief Executive Salary
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 22/10/2024

Summary:

The confirmation hearing for the CEO was held on the 22/10/2024, within the papers ((Public Pack)Agenda Document for Bedfordshire Police and Crime Panel, 22/10/2024 18:30). The appointment is subject to a spot salary. The PCC has agreed a spot salary of £115,000. This salary will be reviewed annually in light of the national pay awards for police staff.

The PCC has also appointed the PCCO CEO as Chair of the Serious Harm Board. This post had previously subject to an honorarium payment.

Recommendation:
To note decision
Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner
I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/022
Subject: The appointment of an Independent Member
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 21/10/2024

Summary:

Bedfordshire OPCC has appointed an Independent Member for a Misconduct Hearing, on 21st October 2024 for a hearing due to take place from 25.03.2025 – 28.03.2025. The details have been passed to Professional Standards Department to formally log the appointment and to make contact to arrange the hearing.
The Professional Standards Department for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire (BCH) requested Bedfordshire OPCC to find an Independent Member from our Cab Rank Rota.
The hearing is being conducted under the new 2020 Regulations and Bedfordshire OPCC have been advised by the Professional Standards Department that they are looking to serve the Reg 30 papers as soon as possible.
You can read more about Independent Members as well as the regulations and selection of misconduct hearings on our website here.

Recommendation:
To note decision
Bedfordshire Acting Chief Executive
I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/023
Subject: Amendment to decision PCC/D/015 – payment to Commissioned Partners
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 28/10/2024

Summary:

The Police and Crime Plan 2024-2028 was launched on the 03 October 2024, and, in preparation for its release, a review of the commissioning strategy is being completed to ensure that Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office activities align to the ambitions within.

An element of the review has focused on the current funding process, by which the current quarterly in arrears process will be amended with the ambition of developing a more supportive role, building capacity and capability within the system. The following Cabinet Office guidance have been reviewed – Prompt payment policy – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) – which require payments within 30 days for all public sector bodies.

This change this is in line with our reform of commissioning, to ensure in part that more small voluntary and community organisations are able to work with us, as they cannot afford long delays and this impacts on cash flow.
Following this review, a decision has been made by the Police and Crime Commissioner, John Tizard, for commissioned providers to be funded on a monthly in arrears basis.

*Amendment – The Police and Crime Commissioner would like to highlight that he provides flexibility for all commissioned providers. He seeks to promote innovation and encourages new local and smaller providers and will issue funding on a basis which meets the needs of all parties concerned.

Recommendation:
To note decision
Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner
I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/024
Subject: Amendment to Gifts and Hospitality Policy to align with Local Government practice
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 29/10/2024

Summary:

An annual review of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Bedfordshire’s policies and procedures was undertaken throughout the period of September 2024.

Following the review and consultation with the Police and Crime Commissioner and Chief Executive, an amendment has been made to the Gifts and Hospitality policy to align with Local Government that all staff are to declare and publish gifts
and hospitality when over the threshold of £25.

The policy applies to all staff working in the OPCC whether employed full-time or part-time, fixed term, permanent, contracted, seconded or on a temporary basis.

The Gifts and Hospitality policy will be monitored by the Chief Executive to ensure full adherence at all times.

You can review our policies and procedures on our website by following this link.

Recommendation:
To note decision
Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner
I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/025
Subject: Commissioning Policy Statement and Strategy 2024 – 2028
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 30/10/2024

Summary:

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) awards funding to organisations in the county who contribute to the delivery of the missions set out in the Police and Crime Plan.

The Police and Reform and Social Responsibility Act gives PCCs the power to award ‘Crime and Disorder Reduction’ grants with any conditions.

Bedfordshire OPCC will, through our commissioning activity, keep the needs of local people at the heart of commissioning choices and operate relational commissioning, guaranteeing that funding opportunities are awarded after a fair,
transparent, proportionate process and ensure quality outcome focused services are provided by holding commissioned organisations to account.

The commissioning process will make use of grant agreements as default and will encourage innovation and interest from new and local organisations and build sustainability for providers, with longer term funding arrangements where
appropriate.

Once funds have been allocated, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner monitor commissioned services monthly, quarterly or annually depending on the amount of funding awarded.

You can read the updated Commissioning Policy Statement and Strategy for 2024 – 2028 on our website here.

Recommendation:
To note decision
Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner
I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/026
Subject: Commissioning NTE ID Scanners
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 19/10/2024

Summary:

Bedfordshire Police Operations Planning department would like the PCCO to support the purchase of 6 ID scanners for use in nighttime economy establishments across Bedfordshire.

It is recommended that the PCC supports this Decision Notice to purchase the 6 ID scanners as per the detail contained within this document and supporting information paper to achieve the outcomes against Police and Crime Plan priorities, Reduction of Violence Against Women and Children and Prevention: Prevention, Early Intervention and Diversion, in additional to multiple improvements within Bedfordshire Police including licensing management, potential for awareness of fraudulent printing and reduction of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) or anti-social offences.

Strategic aims /objectives supported:

• To Increase feeling of safety for customers using venues across Bedfordshire.
• To act as a visible deterrent for anyone underage as well as those with intention to do harm.
• To support venues in recording details of those entering their establishment.
• To be used as part of the identification process if crimes are committed.
• To support Venues and Police in being seen to be taking an active part in making the NTE setting safer.
• To enable enforcement if conditions are added to a premises license, police could add a condition to use these scanners, and if they are found to, then considerations can be given to review their license which could range from no further action to license being terminated.
• If persons attend with fake ID’s, these can be identified and seized by the venue, taking them out of circulation.
• Additionally, intelligence could be sought from ID copies if there are commonalities in the fake documents being used which could allow Police to intervene.
• To support the Police and Crime Plan in terms of reducing VAWC offences and promoting a county-wide approach to tackling violence against women and children.

 

Financial and other resource implications:

Below shows the cost of one wall/desk unit and the cost of one floor unit.

It also shows the cost for 10 units and the discounted offered to Police.

	Single Unit Cost		Price for 6 Units
Wall / Desk Unit	£3,333		£19,998
installation	£200		£1,200
license	£600		£3,600
Total inc 1 year license	£4,133		£24,798
Normal Hardware Cost	£3,999		£23,994
Normal install Cost	£270		£1,620
Normal Support cost	£1,188		£7,128
Total Regular price	£5,457		£32,742
Total Police Saving			£7,944
	Single Unit Cost		Price for 6 Units
Floor Unit	£3,999		£23.994
installation	£200		£1,200
license	£600		£3,600
Total inc 1 year license	£4,799		£28,794
Normal Hardware Cost	£4,398		£26,388
Normal install Cost	£270		£1,620
Normal Support cost	£1,188		£7,128
Total Regular price	£5,856		£35,136
Total Police Saving			£6,342

Recommendation:

To note decision.

Bedfordshire Acting Chief Executive Wayne Humberstone

I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/027
Subject: Domestic Abuse Services for Black Women in Bedfordshire
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 19/10/2024

Summary:

Bedfordshire Police informed to the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office that a local organisation supporting domestic abuse victims, predominantly minority ethnic victims, had raised a concern over a perceived lack of funding for services to support Black women who are victims of domestic abuse in Bedfordshire.

Following these statements and trends being recognised, the Commissioning Team completed a needs assessment as detailed below, to uncover any gaps in service provision across Bedfordshire, in terms of ethnicity, religion, and cultural identity.

The Commissioning Team make a recommendation to procure a service to provide practical and emotional support for Black women in Bedford on the basis of this research. We propose to procure the service via Single Tender Action (STA) following advice sought from 7 Force Commercial Services, awarding funding to The Ebonista Project as they are deemed most appropriately placed to provide this support. The recommendation is to fund The Ebonista Project for an initial period of 18-months to embed a pilot into Bedford as there is less engagement from this community. The commissioning team have a view to extending the grant agreement after the 18-month period, with a potential extension for a further two sets of 12-months. Extension would be accepted only on the basis that the service continues to be fit for purpose as per demand and need analysis and continues to align to the PCC Plan.

The Commissioning Team will ask The Ebonista Project for a proposal to ensure funding equates to a meaningful amount, up to £10,000 for the first 6 months (Oct 2024 to March 2025).

The Commissioning Team will ask The Ebonista Project for a proposal to ensure funding equates to a meaningful amount, up to £20,000 to £30,000 each financial year from April 2025 to March 2028.

It is recommended that the Chief Executive on behalf of the PCC supports the decision to fund the Ebonista Project via a Single Tender Action (STA) for an initial period of 18-months to embed a pilot into Bedford, with a view to extending the grant agreement after the 18-month period, with a potential extension for a further two sets of 12-months. Extension would be accepted only on the basis that the service continues to be fit for purpose as per demand and need analysis and continues to align to the PCC Plan.

Recommendation:
To note decision
Bedfordshire Acting Chief Executive Wayne Humberstone
I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/028
Subject: Domestic Abuse Services for Eastern European Women in Bedfordshire
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 19/10/2024

Summary:

During the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office’s quarter one monitoring meetings, many of the current providers raised the issue of a lack of support in Bedfordshire for domestic abuse victims from an Eastern European background, particularly those from Albanian and Romanian communities as they are newly developed communities in the UK.

Following these statements and trends being recognised, the Commissioning Team completed a needs assessment to uncover any gaps in service provision across Bedfordshire, in terms of ethnicity, religion, and cultural identity.

The Commissioning Team make a recommendation to procure a service to provide practical and emotional support for Eastern European females, including Romanian, Albanian and Polish Women in Bedfordshire on the basis of this research. We propose to run a ‘mini competition’ following advice sought from 7 Force Commercial Services, awarding funding to the bidding organisation that are deemed most appropriately placed to provide this support. The ‘mini competition’ will give smaller organisations that are unknown to the Commissioning Team an equal opportunity to bid for this funding and will ensure all organisations that wish to offer this service are considered. Additionally, this pilot project will enable the PCCO to explore the needs within the Eastern European community and discover if support is most needed in specific areas.
The recommendation is to fund the winning bidder for an initial period of 6-months to embed a pilot into Bedfordshire, with a view to extending the grant agreement after the 6-month period, with a potential extension for a further two sets of 12-months.

Extension would be accepted only on the basis that the service continues to be fit for purpose as per demand and need analysis and continues to align to the PCC Plan.

It is recommended that the Chief executive on behalf of the PCC supports the decision to run a ‘mini competition’ and awarding funding to the bidding organisation that are deemed most appropriately placed to provide this support and to fund the winning bidder for an initial period of 6-months to embed a pilot into Bedfordshire, with a view to extending the grant agreement after the 6-month period, with a potential extension for a further two sets of 12-months. Extension would be accepted only on the basis that the service continues to be fit for purpose as per demand and need analysis and continues to align to the PCC Plan.

Recommendation:
To note decision
Bedfordshire Acting Chief Executive Wayne Humberstone
I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/029
Subject: Technical Surveillance Equipment – Violence Against Women and Children
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 19/10/2024

Summary:

Bedfordshire Police Central Intelligence Bureau (CIB) would like the OPCC to support the purchase of a piece of technical surveillance equipment that can support police searches to detect hidden surveillance devices, most commonly in a residential premises or on a vehicle. The surveillance equipment will reduce the cost to Bedfordshire Police, preventing the need for a search team, including a POLSA, 3 search trained Police Officers and a member of CIB, the surveillance equipment can be utilised by several police teams and officers to support victims of domestic abuse, harassment, and stalking.

The proposal is to pilot the use of the surveillance equipment in Bedfordshire Police, to achieve several outcomes relating to the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) agenda which features in the police and Crime Plan manifestos for 2024-2028, pertaining to the Reduction of Violence Against Women and Children.

Technical Surveillance Kit – Provider 1 determined
At a cost of £44,936.00, the surveillance equipment and training product are considered by CIB to be the most user friendly, deployable, and cost-effective model. Ensuring maximum benefit to Bedfordshire, the lack of accreditation/ formal training opens an opportunity to Bedfordshire Police to use the surveillance equipment using a broad range of officers, reducing impact on resources, while also enabling access to other force areas to hire the equipment should such an arrangement be put into place.

Income Generation

If deemed suitable by Bedfordshire Police, the surveillance equipment, due to its ease of use could be hired out to other Police areas, this would encourage mutual aid, partnership working and could generate income for Bedfordshire police should other Police areas pay to access the equipment.

Other options considered:

4.1 Technical Surveillance Kit – Provider 2 determined
At a cost of £52,371, the equipment was less cost effective and required a greater amount of training which reduced the flexibility of deployability across Bedfordshire Police and potentially other force areas. The item was more resource intensive to deploy. While the item potentially a greater accuracy through enhanced technology, the surveillance equipment was more appropriate to higher level surveillance needs.

4.2 Technical Surveillance Kit – Provider 3 determined
At a cost of £53,796, the equipment was less cost effective and required a greater amount of training which reduced the flexibility of deployability across Bedfordshire Police and potentially other force areas. The item was more resource intensive to deploy. While the item potentially a greater accuracy through enhanced technology, the surveillance equipment was more appropriate to higher level surveillance needs.

It is recommended that the Chief executive on behalf of the PCC supports this decision to purchase the surveillance equipment as per the detail contained within the document to achieve the outcomes against the Reduction of Violence Against Women and Children in accordance with the Police and Crime Plan, in addition to multiple improvements within Bedfordshire Police regarding solved rates, victim experiences and prevention of reoffending.

Recommendation:
To note decision
Bedfordshire Acting Chief Executive Wayne Humberstone
I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/030
Subject: Restorative Justice Service – Registration, Events and Business Cards
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 19/10/2024

Summary

This paper outlines the plans for the Bedfordshire Restorative Justice (RJ) service within the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office over the upcoming months, in line with stage 1 of the police and crime plan (October 2024 to March 2025) and with a view to achieving the objectives of:

• Double the current availability of staff able to deliver training of restorative practice to staff, officers, and key partners to an approved standard to deliver problem solving mechanisms.
• Finance the accreditation of restorative justice practitioners who can train officers and staff within the to deliver restorative practices for victims and perpetrators. The training offer will also be extended out to partners across Bedfordshire.

This will be achieved through:

• Renewing individual membership and Advanced Practitioner registration.
• Obtaining organisation membership and Training Provider registration.
• RJ Co-ordinators attending CPD events.
• Purchasing additional business cards.

Cost breakdown:

• The cost of the membership is £60 for one year or £165 for three years. It was recommended that the three-year membership would be more cost effective and shows commitment to the longevity of the service. Individual Membership | Restorative Justice Council
• The cost of renewing the Advanced Registered Practitioner status is a set cost of £156 for one year. Registered Practitioner | Restorative Justice Council
• The cost of the Organisation membership is £410 for one year and £1205 for 3 years. It was recommended that the three-year membership would be more cost effective and shows commitment to the longevity of the service and continuation of the objectives within stage 1 of the police and crime plan. Organisational Membership | Restorative Justice Council
• The cost of the initial assessment is £624, and subsequent years will cost £312 to renew the Training Provider Registration Registered Training Provider – Restorative Justice Council
• The cost for 2 people to attend the conference is £280. RJC Annual Conference 2024: Paving the way to a restorative future | Restorative Justice Council As the first day of the conference is in Cardiff, overnight accommodation will be needed. The cost of the accommodation for 2 people including breakfast will be £129. Both members of staff will be car sharing and the total cost for fuel will be £143.10 that includes the deduction of normal commute mileage.
• The cost of tickets for the event for 2 people is £180 SEND & the Restorative Movement | Restorative Justice Council. The event is in London and will require a train and travel card for the day which will cost £70 per person.
• The cost of five hundred business cards from Herts Printing will be £48.

 

It is recommended that the PCC supports this Decision Notice.

Recommendation:

To note decision

Bedfordshire Acting Chief Executive Wayne Humberstone

I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/031
Subject: Restorative Justice Service – Purchase of Roller Banner
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 19/10/2024

Summary:

To purchase a roller banner to raise awareness of and promote the Restorative Justice service within Bedfordshire.
The service has identified a need for a new roller banner due to the previous one having the incorrect contact details on. The roller banner will be used to advertise our service at meetings, events and pop-up stands. The roller banner will have the RJ services contact details on and a QR code to the services LinkTree.

To cut the costs of the roller banner, the design of the banner will be done on Canva and then printed externally. The cost of the roller banner will be £80 from Premium Roller Banners | Durable & High Quality | Printed.com. The Office have previously used this website for a roller banner.

Recommendation:
To note decision
Bedfordshire Acting Chief Executive Wayne Humberstone
I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/032
Subject: Restorative Justice Service – Purchase of Informational Business Cards
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 19/10/2024

Summary:

To purchase informational business cards to raise awareness of and promote the Restorative Justice (RJ) service within Bedfordshire.

Through conversations with partner agencies (namely the probation service) we have identified a need for small (wallet slot-sized) business cards which explain what restorative justice is and on the reverse side has the contact information for Bedfordshire Restorative Justice and a QR code to the service LinkTree.

Discussions with the probation service indicated that there is an appetite to engage with RJ amongst people on probation/offenders, but leaflets may not feel accessible – either due to difficulties reading or not wanting to carry a trifold A4 leaflet. It would also allow people to have the information to self-refer, alleviating the pressure on services and empowering people to decide and act for themselves. The cards compliment the leaflets and give people a choice in which they would rather receive/pick up but both assisting in complying with the Victim’s Code of Practice Right 3.4 (the right to receive information about restorative justice and how to access the service in their area).

The business cards will be shared with partner agencies who in turn, will pass them on to those who engage with their services and give them the choice to self-refer or to request support in making the referral to the RJ service.
Herts Printing have quoted £12.50 for the design of the cards and £48 for the print of 500 cards. This totals to £60.50.

Recommendation:
To note decision
Bedfordshire Acting Chief Executive Wayne Humberstone
I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/033
Subject: New OPCC website
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 07/11/2024

Summary: 

As a key tool for stakeholder engagement, the OPCC is legally required to publish a variety of information as well as local updates from the PCC. This is aimed at members of the public, members of the Police and Crime panel, local councillors and government etc. The website provides transparency on the activities and roles of each department within the OPCC, and allows us to publish updates via latest news, in different formats such as video, and also lets us advertise events, consultations and open dialogues with the community. The agreement with the current supplier is coming to an end in January 2025 and a new supplier was sought. Three quotations were sought and following a robust process, a contract has been awarded.

 

	CDS UK (Single Online Home)
Design	7,950.00
Development	4,676.25
Testing	3,225.00
Training	N/A – provided for free through the Force
Project support	8,760.00
TOTAL (£ +VAT)	24,590.00

Decision of the OPCC: To award the contract for development of a new OPCC website to the preferred supplier CDS UK (Single Online Home). CDS have successfully onboarded several PCC websites and this will ensure that there is a uniform approach across the Tri-Force PCC offices for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire. CDS UK (Single Online Home) currently provides websites for 39 of the 43 Home Office police forces across England and Wales, www.police.uk, as well as several PCC websites, British Transport Police website, National Police Chiefs Council (NPPC) and Regional Organised Crime Units (ROCU).

 

Recommendation:

To note decision

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner

I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/034
Subject: Changes in recording and publication of documents
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 12/12/2024

 

Summary: 

The Chief Executive has completed a review of the mechanism in place for drafting decisions and publication of information following the Police and Crime Panel meeting in December 2024.
The decision has been made that:

– Legally Qualified Advisor and Independent Member appointment will no longer be published, however will be monitored internally by the Governance Team.

– Financial Decisions will only be drafted and published when the expenditure/payment amount exceeds £500.

Recommendation
To note decision

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner

I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/035
Subject: Allocation of Ministry of Justice funding to ISVA and Therapeutic Service Provision Tender Process following an open tender process.
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 09/12/2024

Summary: 

This decision notice confirms the outcome of the open tender process which was completed for the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) and Therapeutic Service contract. The contract has been awarded to Synergy East Partnership (SERICC) in line with the Regulation 84 document which outlined Synergy as most relevant overall regarding price, technical quality and social value.
This contract is for 3 years from 1st April 2025-31st March 2028, with potential extension of 2 x 12 months until 31st March 2030.
The PCC agrees to allocate £1,049,904.24 for the 3-year period, with a potential extension of £699,936.16 for 2 X 12 months, subject to core funding.

Recommendation
To note decision

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner

I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/036
Subject: Pilot – Support for Eastern European female victims of DA
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 11/12/2024

Summary: 

During the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s quarter one monitoring review process, a lack of support in Bedfordshire was identified for domestic abuse victims from an Eastern European background, particularly those from Albanian and Romanian communities as they are newly developed communities in the UK.

As a result, the Commissioning Team completed a needs assessment to improve service provision across Bedfordshire, in terms of ethnicity, religion, and cultural identity and held a mini competition to identify a suitable provider.

PCC supports the decision to award £15,000 to PBIC Ltd.

 

Recommendation
To note decision

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner

I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/037
Subject: Pilot – Support for black female victims of DA
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 11/12/2024

Summary: 

As a result of the internal needs assessment, a recommendation was made to procure a specialist service to provide practical and emotional support for Black women in Bedford as this was identified as an area of specific need.

PCC supports the decision to award £10,000 to the Ebonista Project an existing and recognised supplier of similar services.

Recommendation
To note decision

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner

I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Title and Reference – PCC/D/038

Subject: Recruitment

Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner

Date: 27/02/2025

Summary

In line with financial regulations that any expenditure/ payment over £500 will be published; in order to support the recruitment of a Mission (Policy) Manager after local advertising failed to identify any suitable applicants, Guardian Recruitment were used to advertise the post at a cost of £690.

KEY DECISION

POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER FOR BEDFORDSHIRE

 

Title and Reference – PCC/D/039   Subject: Funding to RISE Mutual for Out of Court License   Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner   Date: 24/02/2025

 

Summary RISE Mutual provide out of court resolution intervention courses for assault on emergency worker and kerb crawling. These courses align to Bedfordshire Police priorities and the objective within the Police and Crime Plan to increase out of course resolution referrals.

 

Recommendation   To note decision

KEY DECISION POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER FOR BEDFORDSHIRE Title and Reference – PCC/D/040   Subject: Annual Subscription for Association of Police and Crime Commissioner Chief Executives (APACCE) - £3500.   Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner   Date: 25/02/2025

 

Summary The basic annual subscription is £1,000.00, the Evolve Legal Service is £2,500 (for the initial pilot to provide national legal advice to Chief Executives).

 

Recommendation   To note decision

 

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner   I hereby approve the recommendations above.     Signature                                                                                            Date 19.03.2025

KEY DECISION

POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER FOR BEDFORDSHIRE

Title and Reference – PCC/D/041   Subject: Policing Insight and Policing TV subscription   Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner   Date: 06/03/2025

 

Summary   Policing Insight and Policing TV subscription - £600. We have subscribed to Policing Insight, which is a leading platform to keep up with the latest in progressive policing. It is where the global police and criminal justice community both consume and share knowledge, opinion and analysis. Policing Insight’s subscription community consists of government, policing, third sector, academia and industry, all interested in working towards better policing outcomes.

 

Recommendation   To note decision

 

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner   I hereby approve the recommendations above.     Signature                                                                                           Date 19.03.25

 

 

 

Title and Reference – PCC/D/042
Subject: 2024-2025 Commissioning Cycle Underspend Award
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 19/03/2025

Summary:

During the 2024/2025 commissioning cycle an element of underspend has been achieved. These funds have been recommissioned:

MOJ Core underspend
• RJ victim leaflets – £326.00

MOJ SVDA underspend
• Smart Water – £5,250.00

CSF underspend
• Youth Hub Donation – £60,000.00
• Cyber Prevention – £4,417.41
• Hate Crime – up to £5,000.00
• Road Safety Prevention – up to £5,000.00

Recommendation
To note decision 

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner

I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Date 24.03.25

Title and Reference – PCC/D/043
Subject: Purchase of Bobby Scheme Equipment
Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner
Date: 20/03/2025

Summary

Purchase of equipment for the Bobby Scheme, to be used to support vulnerable elderly members of the community and domestic abuse victims.
Items:

ITEM	Cost
Defender Video Doorbell – SD inc chime & 32GB SD	£9,072.00
Defender Ultra Slim Window Vibration Alarm - SBD	£1,240.00
Solar Security Wall Light	£4,475.00
Total	£17,744.40

Recommendation
To note decision
Bedfordshire Police

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner

I hereby approve the recommendations above.

Date 24.03.25

KEY DECISION

POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER FOR BEDFORDSHIRE

 

Title and Reference – PCC/D/045 Subject: Allocation of Home office funding to Early Childhood Partnership for DA Specialist. Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner Date: 20/03/2025

 

Summary Following the introduction of Raneem’s Laws, the Home Office engaged with Bedfordshire Police and offered an opportunity to take part in a funded Phase 1 pilot for 6months. The Home Office provided information on the criteria, for an independent domestic abuse specialist to be funded to support FCR staff and advise on domestic abuse elements including risk management, signposting and escalation of process based on experience at point of call taking. Bedfordshire Police engaged the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner as the manager of the funds as the Home Office advised that the service should be independent to policing. As the project aligns with elements within the Police and Crime Plan, putting victims at the heart of the criminal justice system the Commissioning Team facilitated engagement with the service provider. The Home Office have approved 6 months cost of a domestic abuse/ ISVA at a cost of £27,468.50. Funding will be awarded to the Police and Crime Commissioner to fund early Childhood Partnership.

 

Recommendation To note decision

 

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner  I hereby approve the recommendations above.  Signature                                                                                             Date 24.03.2025

Title and Reference – PCC/D/046

Subject: Easy Read Rights and Entitlement document for all detainees - Copyright.

Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner

Date: 14/04/2025

Summary

Back in 2021 Hertfordshire Constabulary produced an Easy Read Rights and Entitlement document for all detainees. This document has a copyright and is owned by the three PCC’s (Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire).

All three PCCs have been approached by the NPCC Lead for Women in the Criminal Justice System and they have requested that the PCCs release the copyright of this document, so a full review can be completed by the NPCC lead to ensure there is relevant, up to date information which includes specific points with female detainees and to make this a national document to be used in Custody.

This has been agreed by all three PCCs.

Recommendation

To note decision

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner

I hereby approve the recommendations above.

17.04.2025

Title and Reference – PCC/D/047

Subject: Declaration of (Business) Interest – Blue Light Commercial

Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner

Date: 22/04/2025

Summary

John Tizard is a director of Blue Light Commercial and the vice chair of the board.

BLC is a trusted partner and 'go to' commercial service, working with blue light organisations to deliver value through commercial expertise and innovation, ensuring the responsible and sustainable use of public resources.

Current membership of Blue Light Commercial consists of the 40 Police and Crime Commissioners of England and Wales, Mayor’s Office of Policing and Crime, 2 Combined Authorities, College of Policing, Royal Gibraltar Police, Sovereign Base Areas Police (Cyprus), Civil Nuclear Constabulary, British Transport Police, Kent and Medway Town Fire Authority, Police Service of Northern Ireland, Ministry of Justice, Jersey Police Authority and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service.

Board membership is:

• Joy Allen, Police and Crime Commissioner for Durham (Chair) Lianne Deeming, Chief Executive Officer
• Heather Benjamin, Independent Non-Executive Director
•Matthew Scott, Police and Crime Commissioner for Kent
•Matthew Barber, Police and Crime Commissioner, Thames Valley Police
•David Allen PFCC for Cumbria
•Dan Price, PCC Cheshire
•Gavin Stephens QPM, Chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council Paul Sanford, Chief Constable Norfolk
•Stephen Watson QPM, Chief Constable, Greater Manchester Police
•John Tizard, PCC Bedfordshire

Recommendation

To note decision

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner

I hereby approve the recommendations above.

22.04.2025

Title and Reference – PCC/D/048

Subject: VERU – Continuing projects into 2025/26

Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner

Date: 22/04/2025

Summary

Approval of one-year additional funding (VERU) to the following organisations:

• Reactive8 – Custody Navigators - £55,000
• Bedfordshire Open Door – Trauma Therapies - £21,500
• Sorted Counselling Services - Trauma Therapies - £21,500
• Luton Town Football Community Club – Sports Inclusion - £30,000
• St Giles – A & E Navigators (Single Tender Action -STA) - £171,476.80

Recommendation

To note decision

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner

I hereby approve the recommendations above.

24/04/2025

Title and Reference – PCC/D/049

Subject: Project evaluation panels outcomes - VERU 25-26

Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner

Date: 24/04/2025

Summary

Luton Youth Offending Partnership – Pre Court-Diversion - £30,000

In 24/25 Luton Youth Offending Partnership delivered a successful Pre Court-Diversion programme for Luton, which is to be extended for a further year. This a high impact delivery within the Youth Endowment Fund Toolkit.

YouTurn Futures – School Navigators - £80,000

YouTurn Future were successful in their application for the School Navigators Programme. YouTurn Futures will be working in partnership with Link to Change to deliver the programme.  YouTurn Future are the main lead for the School Navigator programme who will receive the grant agreement. The opportunity would allow the service to continue in 25-26 which is a high impact delivery within the Youth Endowment Fund Toolkit.

The Children’s Society – Community Navigators - £99,902

The Children’s Society were successful in their application for the Community Navigators Programme.  The opportunity would allow the service to continue in 25-26, which is a high impact delivery within the Youth Endowment Fund Toolkit.

Everyone’s Gang – Mentoring & Community Outreach - £15,000

Everyone’s Gang were successful in their application for a Mentoring & Community Outreach project.  The opportunity would allow the service to continue in 25-26, which is a high impact delivery within the Youth Endowment Fund Toolkit.

Recommendation

To note decision

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner

I hereby approve the recommendations above.

24/04/2025

Title and Reference – PCC/D/050

Subject: Funding awarded to prevent and support victims of FGM, Forced Marriage, and Honour Based Abuse – 2025-2028.

Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner

Date: 25/04/2025

Summary

Decision paper for approval to work with Agency for Culture and Change Management (ACCM UK) and Centre for Youth and Community Development (CYCD) in prevention and support for victims of Female genital mutilation, Forced Marriage, and Honour Based Abuse across Bedfordshire.

The Commissioning Team met with ACCM UK and CYCD individually and as a collective to explore their qualifications, specialisms, and the possibility of collaborative working as well as reviewing their cultural awareness and expertise. ACCM UK and CYCD both expressed an interest in collaborative working and will agree upon a working arrangement and referral pathway.

The two organisations will be grant funded separately, however they will be granted with the expectation that ACCM UK are granted for the primary purpose of supporting FGM or if preferred by the victim and/ or refer directly to CYCD for HBA and FM support. Equally CYCD will be granted for the primary purpose of supporting HBA and FM or if preferred by the victim and/or refer directly to ACCM UK for FGM support.

With regards to education, training and preventative activity it is anticipated that ACCM UK will lead on the FGM work and CYCD can support this activity as required due to their reach as both organisations are established in different areas.

The OPCC will pay £30,000 to ACCM UK and £30,000 to CYCD each year from April 2025 to March 2028.

Recommendation

To note decision

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner

I hereby approve the recommendations above.

07.05.2025

Title and Reference – PCC/D/051

Subject: PCC.D.051 - Trauma Informed Training and VAWG - VERU Funding

Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner

Date: 25.04.2025

Summary

The Office and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire & Violence Exploitation Reduction Unit (VERU) will be commissioning training for Bedfordshire Police Officers on “Trauma Informed Training and VAWG” with VERU funding 2025-2026.

£15,000 has been awarded to Bedfordshire Police for Trauma Informed Training and VAWG. In line with PCC Strategic Direction and Mission.

Recommendation

To note decision

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner

I hereby approve the recommendations above.

30.04.2025

Title and Reference – PCC/D/052 Subject: S22A Collaboration Agreement - Regional Disaster Victim Identification Unit Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner Date: 07/05/2024

 

Summary Police Force and Policing Body Collaborative Service Agreement - for the Provision of a Regional Disaster Victim Identification Co-ordinator. Collaborating Partners: ·       The Chief Constable of the Bedfordshire Police ·       The Chief Constable of the Cambridgeshire Constabulary The Chief Constable of the Essex Police ·       The Chief Constable of the Hertfordshire Constabulary The Chief Constable of the Norfolk Constabulary ·       The Chief Constable of the Suffolk Constabulary ·       Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner ·       Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner ·       Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner ·       Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Norfolk Police and Crime Commissioner ·       Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner The agreement will cover the period between 1st April 2022 and 31st March 2027. The objective is to provide a more effective and efficient Disaster Victim Identification provision (DVI) for the service. The main benefit of the Function is to provide the most effective means of co-ordinating and delivering a key support function.

 

Recommendation  To note decision

 

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner  I hereby approve the recommendations above.   Signature                                                                                           Date 14.05.2025

 

Title and Reference – PCC/D/053 Subject: VERU Funding Crest Advisory Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner Date: 19/05/2025

 

Summary The Home Office have agreed 1-year funding for the Bedfordshire Violence Exploitation Reduction Unit (VERU). Part of the Home Office requirements are to complete evaluation of project work undertaken on behalf of the VERU.  Following a 3-quote process Crest Advisory (£44,894.03) were identified as the most suitable organisation to complete the review of the navigator schemes.

 

Recommendation  To note decision

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner  I hereby approve the recommendations above.  20.05.25 Signature                                                                                           Date

 

Title and Reference – PCC/D/054 Subject: Serious Violence Duty (SVD) Funding – Connect Futures Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner Date: 19/05/2025

 

Summary The Home Office have agreed 1-year funding for the Serious Violence Duty (SVD) of £78,409.58.  Consultation on the allocation of funding has been undertaken with strategic partners. The proposal has been accepted with labour costs (£57,781.28) for the SVD Coordinator, and non-labour costs of (£20,628.30) for the “Violent Misogyny and the Manosphere” professionals workshops delivered by Connect Futures.  The decision approved by Serious Harm Partnership Board (SHPB)

Recommendation  To note decision

 

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner I hereby approve the recommendations above.   Signature        20.05.25                                                                                    Date

 

Title and Reference – PCC/D/055 Subject: PCC Signed - Collaborative Service General Agreement - ROCU Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner Date: 22.05.2025

 

Summary This agreement replaces any earlier collaboration agreements entered into in respect of the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) – Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) (including the Original Collaboration Agreement) and governs the parties continued collaboration in relation to the ERSOU ROCU. The Parties consider that the continuation of the ERSOU ROCU would be in the interests of efficiency and/or effectiveness of one or more of the policing bodies or police forces and therefore the Parties hereby agree to exercise their collaboration functions so as to give effect to this Agreement. This agreement is made between Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Norfolk and Suffolk Chief Constables and Police (Fire) and Crime Commissioners pursuant to section 22A of the Police Act 1996 (as amended by the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011).

 

Recommendation To note decision

 

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner I hereby approve the recommendations above.   Signature      Date  30.05.2025

Title and Reference – PCC/D/056 Subject: PCC Signed – VEPP and SVD funding agreement with the Home Office Report of: Police and Crime Commissioner Date: 22.05.2025

 

Summary The PCC has signed the VEPP and SVD funding grant agreement with the Home Office. Serious Violence Duty Agreement – for the period of 01.04.2025 to 31.03.2026 Violence Exploitation Prevention Partnership (previously known as VERU) Agreement – for the period of 01.04.2025 to 31.03.2026

 

Recommendation To note decision

 

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner I hereby approve the recommendations above.   Signature                                                                                           Date 30.05.2025