Members’ “Job Profiles”

On 30 January 2003, the Authority agreed the following “job profiles” as a description of the role of its members and the consequential responsibilities that they are expected to fulfil.

Metropolitan Police Authority Member

Role

• To ensure that there is an effective and efficient police force for the metropolitan police district
• To ensure that local communities receive best value in local policing services
• To set the strategic direction for the force and exercise effective oversight of force performance
• To represent the interests of all those who live in, work in, or visit the police authority area and to ensure that the views of local people are reflected in the nature and style of local policing
• To ensure that policing services are provided fairly and in a way which does not discriminate against any group or individual
• To participate constructively in the good governance of both the authority and the force

Responsibilities

1. To carry out collectively all statutory and locally determined requirements of a police authority member, including participation in the formulation of policy, decision making and other activities of the full authority (such as determining the budget and precept, determining local policing priorities, agreeing the annual policing/best value plan and other strategies).
2. To participate effectively as a member of any committee, panel, task group or other authority forum to which the member is appointed
3. To participate in best value reviews, as nominated by the authority
4. To comply with all relevant codes of conduct and maintain the highest standards of conduct and ethics
5. To maintain an up to date knowledge and awareness of national and local policing issues
6. To maintain a good working knowledge of force policies and practices and to establish good working relationships with officers of both the authority and the force
7. To scrutinise, challenge and monitor all aspects of force performance
8. To participate fully in local consultative arrangements and actively engage in communication and dialogue with local people about local policing services. In particular this responsibility will be discharged through the member’s link member role
9. To represent the views of the police authority within local communities and the views of local communities to the authority
10. To participate actively in any outside body or forum on which the member is appointed to represent the authority
11. To be involved in the appointment, discipline or dismissal of senior officers, as appropriate
12. To monitor the way in which complaints are dealt with by the force and deal with complaints against chief officers, as appropriate
13. To promote equality of opportunity and work to eliminate unlawful discrimination both internally within the authority and force and in the provision of policing services
14. To attend local, regional and national conferences/seminars/briefings, if nominated by the authority
15. To participate in inspections and audits of the force and authority, as appropriate

The remuneration for MPA members – the basic allowance – is based on the estimate that a member has to make a time commitment of 1 to 2 days per week to fulfil his/her responsibilities.

Chairs of Major Committees or Panels

Role

To fulfil the basic responsibilities of an authority member and to chair a major committee, panel or similar of the authority or act as a lead member for a particular portfolio which attracts a special responsibility allowance (currently audit and estates issues)

Additional responsibilities

1. To lead the work of a major committee of the authority
2. To act as the authority's lead member and spokesperson on the areas within the committee's remit
3. To develop and maintain up to date knowledge and specialist expertise in the area for which responsible
4. To liase closely with authority and force staff in developing and managing the work of the committee
5. To contribute to national policy development, national events or APA networks or initiatives on the areas for which responsible

The Special Responsibility Allowance for Chairs and portfolio holders is based on the estimate that a member has to make a time commitment of 1.5 to 2.5 days per week to fulfil his/her responsibilities.

Deputy Chairs of the Authority

Role

To fulfil the basic responsibilities of a police authority member and to hold the office of deputy chair of the authority

Additional responsibilities

1. To deputise for the Chair when necessary
2. To liaise closely with the Chair and assist him/her in overseeing conduct of the authority's business as described in the Chair's job profile
3. To represent the authority on the APA, if nominated to do so

Chair of the Authority

Role

To fulfil the basic responsibilities of a police authority member and hold the office of chair of the authority

Additional responsibilities

1. To provide leadership, ensuring that the authority works as a coherent and corporate body
2. To preside at authority meetings, applying standing orders and ensure that members have a fair opportunity to participate in debates
3. To represent the authority to the press and outside organisations
4. To oversee co ordination of police authority business at member level and develop, review and monitor implementation of the policies and strategies of the police authority
5. To liaise with the Clerk, Treasurer and Commissioner to facilitate authority business
6. To hold regular strategic meetings with the Commissioner and to maintain the tripartite arrangement with the Home Secretary and the Commissioner
7. To liaise with the Mayor of London on policing issues
8. To attend GLA Functional Bodies Question Time to answer questions on policing issues
9. To satisfy himself/herself that arrangements are in place for effective management of the police authority
10. To be involved in the performance appraisal and objective setting for the Clerk and Treasurer of the Authority
11. To represent the authority on the Association of Police Authorities
12. To attend regional networks and national tripartite gatherings, as required

Where the Chair is an independent or magistrate member the position will attract a special responsibility allowance which is based on the assumption that a time commitment of 2.5 to 3.5 days a week is required.

Send an e-mail linking to this page

Feedback