Minutes

Minutes of the meeting of the Communities, Equalities and People Committee of the Metropolitan Police Authority held on 16 July 2009 at 10 Dean Farrar Street, Westminster, London SW1H 0NY.

Present

Members

• Cindy Butts (Chairman)
• Victoria Borwick
• Chris Boothman
• Valerie Brasse
• Kirsten Hearn
• Clive Lawton
• Faith Boardman

MPA officers

• Catherine Crawford (Chief Executive)
• Alan Johnson (HR Policy Officer)
• Siobhan Coldwell (Head of Oversight and Review)
• Martin Davis (Head of Engagement & Partnerships)
• Lynne Abrams (Oversight and Review Officer )
• Chris Benson (Committee Services)

MPS officers

• John Whitaker (Director of Logistical Services)
• Dave Reed (OCU Commander, Patrols)
• Steve Allen (Commander HR)
• Denise Milani, (Director Diversity & Citizen Focus Directorate).

1. Apologies for absence

(Agenda item 1)

1.1 Apologies for absence were received from Reshard Auladin, Kit Malthouse and Steve O’Connell.

Victoria Borwick apologised for leaving early.

2. Declarations of interests

(Agenda item 2)

There were none

3. Minutes: Communities, Equalities and People Committee 21 May 2009

(Agenda item 3)

3.1 The minutes of the meeting held on 21 May 2009 were approved and signed as a correct record subject to Valerie Brasse being record as present.

4. Communities, Equalities and People Committee work programme and equality objective

4.1 Martin Davis, Head of Engagement & Partnerships, introduced the report. The Committee was asked to agree its outline work plan, its terms of reference and its equality objectives.

4.2 The Committee noted that the work plan supported the Met Forward initiatives.

4.3 It was agreed to add the following reports/items to the work programme:

• MPS revised diversity strategy
• Annual report of the Committee ( to assess its impact on the work of the MPS and the advice given to other Committees on cross cutting issues)
• Review of Form 696
• Coordination of the strategy to reduce violence against women

4.4 The Committee’s terms of reference were approved, subject to the changes as set out in the report.

4.5 The Committee agreed the following equality objective.

The Communities Equalities and People Committee is the lead committee of the Metropolitan Police Authority concerned with:

• the delivery of crime and disorder reduction services to the communities of London

• equalities issues including MPA and MPS policy and the delivery of services

• overarching human resources issues for both the MPA and the MPS

In doing so, the Committee will:

• ensure that the terms of reference of all scrutinies include the need to conduct an equalities impact assessment (EqIA); and

• in receiving scrutiny reports, ensure that the equalities issues have been adequately addressed and equalities impact assessment have been correctly carried out.

In addition, the Communities Equalities and People Committee will ensure that equality and diversity issues are adequately considered within all performance reports.

Resolved

1. to approve the work plan as amended.
2. to approve the Terms of Reference for the Committee.
3. to approve the Equities objective for the Committee.

5. Amendment to standing orders

5.1 Catherine Crawford, Chief Executive introduced the report. The Committee was asked to approve a number of amendments its Terms of Reference and those of the Human Resources & Remuneration Sub-Committee. The amendment, would allow the CEP Committee to monitor MPS activity in relation to employment tribunals and grievances, with the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee to retain the function to agree any proposed financial settlement of any employment tribunal or grievance.

5.2 The report also sought to make an addition to the terms of reference of the main committees to include the monitoring of MPS compliance with Human Rights Act 1998.

Resolved to approve the amended Terms of Reference as set out in the report.

6. Appointments to sub-committee

6.1 Catherine Crawford, Chief Executive introduced the report. The Committee was advised that the annual meeting of the full Authority on 25 June agreed that committee membership and current appointments of Chairs, Vice Chairs and should stand until they are reconsidered by the full Authority in October.

6.2 Members were asked to note the reappointments of Chairs and Vice Chairs to the sub-committees made by the full Authority and confirm their membership. The appointments as set out below will be effective until the full Authority meeting in October 2009.

• Citizen Focus and Community Engagement Sub-Committee
  • Clive Lawton (Chair)
  • Victoria Borwick
  • Valerie Brasse
  • Joanne McCartney
  • Faith Boardman
• Equality and Diversity Sub-Committee
  • Kirsten Hearn (Chair)
  • Clive Lawton
  • Cindy Butts
• Human Resources and Remuneration Sub-Committee
  • Faith Boardman (Chair)
  • Reshard Auladin
  • Cindy Butts
  • Jenny Jones

6.3 The Committee was concerned at the lack of resilience and the implied message that equality and diversity was not an MPA priority resulting from only three members sitting on the Equality and Diversity sub-committee.

6.4 A view was expressed that equality and diversity should be an integral part of every committee functions. It was noted that whilst this was the ultimate aim, in the interim the Equalities and Diversity sub-committee would continue to give special scrutiny to specific issues or areas of work.

6.5 The Chair agreed to discuss with the Chief Executive creative ways to encourage members to sit on the Equalities and Diversity sub-committee

Resolved accordingly

7. Guidance for the scrutiny of crime and disorder matters implementing sections 19 and 20 of the Police and Justice Act

7.1 Martin Davis, Head of Engagement & Partnerships, introduced the report. The Committee was advised of the new statutory powers that enabled Local Authority Councillors to scrutinise Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships and ensure their accountability.

7.2 The Committee noted the recommended models proposed by the Home Office for the co-option of Police Authority representatives onto the scrutiny committees.

7.3 The officers recommended the adoption of Option 2. This option would enable the MPA link member to receive a standing invitation to attend the scrutiny meetings as an ‘expert advisor’ or nominate an officer to attend.

7.4 The Committee agreed to recommend the adoption of Option 2. to the meeting of the authority in September.

7.5 It was agreed that the Home Office’s definition of the role of ‘expert advisor’ and that of MPA link members had to be clarified as did the expectations required from them.

7.6 The Committee was advised that an audit of Crime and Disorder scrutiny by the Boroughs was to be undertaken by Engagement and Partnerships Unit. The results will be circulated to all members on completion.

Resolved

1. to recommend that the authority adopts option 2
2. that clarification of the role and expectations of the ‘expert advisors’ to be sought from the Home Office.
3. that the results of the audit of the Crime and Disorder scrutiny by the Boroughs to be circulate to member of the authority on completion.

8. MPA response Mayoral London Violence Against Women Strategy

8.1 Lynne Abrams, Oversight and Review Officer, introduced the report. The Committee was asked to endorse section two of the report as the MPA corporate response to the Mayoral Violence Against Women strategy for London.

8.2 The Committee made the following comments;

• that more emphasises could have been put on the services and facilities available for women with disabilities, it was however recognised that this could be attributed to a need to be more aware of their needs.
• the strategy would benefit from being more positive, it was currently very passive.
• the report would also benefit from a timetable setting out and monitoring the date by when key milestone would be achieved.

8.3 The sub-committee was advised that the MPS had drafted its response to the strategy. The draft was currently being revised to ensure the MPS met its responsibilities under new legislation and guidelines.

8.4 The Committee agreed that it would be helpful to have considered the MPS’s and the MPA’s response to the strategy at the same time.

8.5 The Committee recognised the possibility that the consultation process for the Mayors strategies could result in the Chair of the MPA being in conflict with decisions taken as the Mayor of London. The Committee asked to be advised of what mechanism was in place to avoid such a conflict from arising.

Resolved to endorse section two of the paper as the MPA corporate response to the Mayoral Violence Against Women Strategy for London

9. Women’s safety and the policing of the 2012 Olympics

9.1 Lynne Abrams, Oversight and Review Officer, introduced the report. The Committee was asked to note the preparations currently underway by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) in relation to women’s safety during the 2012 Olympic Games.

9.2 It was noted that a number of other issues relating to women’s safety had to be addressed, not just those highlighted within the report.

9.3 A concern was expressed that people trafficking and prostitution appeared to be automatically linked together. It was noted that some women choose to be prostitutes and had the right of freedom of movement.

9.4 It was agreed that the Olympics & Paralympic sub-committee should consider the implications of the report and identify any further issues that had to be addressed.

9.5 It was considered essential that an Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) was carried out prior to the completion of the strategy to identify any further issues to be addressed.

9.6 Steve Allen advised that he would take back the suggestion of focussed leadership and a single strategic point of contact.

9.7 A concern was expressed that some of the data on which the report was based may be out of date. It was agreed that this would be raised at the Domestic Violence Board

Resolved that

1. the report be referred to the Olympic & Paralympic sub-committee.
2. a report be commissioned for submission to CEP that sets out the areas of concern identified by the Equality Impact Assessment and how these issues will be addressed.

10. Development and activities of the Safer London Foundation 2008-09

10.1 Martin Davis, Head of Engagement & Partnerships, introduced the report. The Committee was asked to note the progress made by the Foundation since it started three years ago and its move towards financial independence through a fundraising programme.

10.2 The Committee welcomed the significant contribution the Foundation had made to a safer London by supporting community safety and crime reduction projects at a local Level. The difficulties of fundraising in the current economic climate were recognised, and the Committee wished the Foundation continued success.

Resolved to note the report.

11. Annual learning and development business plan 2009-10

11.1 Alan Johnson, Human Resources Policy Officer introduced the report. The Committee was advised that all Home Office Police Services are required to produce an Annual Learning and Development Business Plan and submit it to their Police Authority for approval. The Committee noted that the plan had to comply with the Home Office specifications and templates. A full copy of the report, consisting of 200 pages had been placed in the member’s room.

11.2 The Committee was reluctant to approve the business plan without benefit of a discussion of the full report to identify and reach an informed view.

11.3 The Committee was concerned that reports requiring approval on an annual basis did not appear to be programmed into the work plans for the Committee. As a result there was not sufficient time for a meaningful debate and any revisions, when required to be made.

Resolved to refer the report to the Human Resources & Remuneration sub-committee.

12. Home Office Borough Command Unit Fund 2009/10

12.1 Martin Davis, Head of Engagement & Partnerships, introduced the report. The Committee was advised that the Home Office Borough Command Unit Fund has been in operation since 2003. This was the funds last year of existence and responsibility for the administration of the fund had been jointly delegated by the Home Office to the Commissioner of the MPS and the Chief Executive of the MPA.

12.2 The Committee was asked to support the proposed methodology for approving borough programmes, monitoring their delivery and informing members of the progress over the next 12 months

12.3 The Committee noted that Martin Davis would be meeting with the MPS to commence a joint MPA/MPS process for obtaining Borough Commander Approval for projects and quarterly monitoring.

Resolved

1. That members support the proposals contained in section 3 of the report for the compliance and monitoring of the use of the Home Office BCU fund.
2. That members receive an update concerning the development and delivery of the Borough Command Unit Fund programme in January 2010

13 Equality standards for the MPA

13.1 Siobhan Coldwell, Head of Oversight and Review, introduced the report. The Committee was advised that for the past several years the MPA had followed the Equality Standard for Local Government (ESLG). The ESLG is a voluntary best value performance indicator designed to assist councils recognise the importance of fair equal treatment by providing a framework to enable local authorities to mainstream age, disability, gender, race, religion &/or belief and sexual orientation into council policy and practice at all levels.

13.2 The Committee was asked to consider whether the ESLG, and its successor, the Equality Framework for Local Government (EFLG), was the best mechanism for the MPA to mainstream equality or if alternative measures should be explored in the form of its own Generic Equality Scheme (GNES) and the Association of Police Authorities (APA) Minimum/Gold Standard for equalities compliance.

13.3 The Committee agreed that the ESLG and the EFLG were not the best frameworks to deliver the MPA’s equality commitments.

13.4 The Committee agreed that the standard for equality compliance adopted by the MPS had to be practical, sensible and not resource intensive.

13.5 It was noted that the Equalities & Diversity sub-committee would make a contribution to the development of a smarter, clearer and leaner generic scheme for the MPA.

Resolved that MPA develops its own generic equality schemes to provide a framework within which to mainstream equality and diversity, rather than continue with the ESLG (or EFLG).

14. Sponsorship and grant aiding voluntary projects

14.1 John Whitaker Director of Logistical Services introduced the report. The Committee was advised how the MPS funds projects, and sponsors initiatives and one-off events requested by the voluntary sector and community groups. The report also provided an update on the development of MPS work on partnership working.

14.2 The policy had been in place since 2005, and was currently going through its first major review. Following consultation with all the Business Groups across the MPS relevant changes had been made. The review was currently with the relevant Officers in the MPA for comment.

14.3 Before inviting discussion of the report the Chair expressed her concern at the lateness of the report and the effort that MPA staff had to expend to extract the information from the MPS.

14.4 The Chair advised the MPS, that the Committee did not intend to scrutinise every funding decision, but did want to know how much had been spent , what the money had been spent on, the process for allocating the funding and any guidelines on how the money could be spent.

14.5 The Committee noted that a number of budgets had been omitted from the report due to the rigid and literal interpretation of the commissioning brief for the report.

14.6 It was agreed that a report to be submitted to the Committee on 10 September that provided a complete understanding of the extent of MPS sponsorship and grants and the governance of the use of those grants.

14.7 The report should enable the Committee to thoroughly understand the programme for 2008-09 which includes both Section 92 and Section 93 of the Police Act 1996 funding and the monitoring of the spend . It should also provide a picture of what policies have applied and what ones are being created in this field for 2009-10.

14.8 The Section 92 and 93 funding should include all grants received for activities whether from local, regional or central government or from international funding related to the European Union. The information should include both funding held and distributed centrally and funding held and distributed locally (in BCU’s).

14.9 The Committee also expected the revised process and procedures for the allocation of grant aid and the sponsorship of projects and events to be submitted to its meeting on the 10 September 2009.

Resolved accordingly

15. Reports from the sub-committees

15.1 The Chair introduced the report and invited the Chairs of the sub-committees to comment.

15.2 The Committee noted the report and agreed that a short summary of the discussions and actions taken by the Hate Crime Forum and the Domestic Violence Board should also be reported.

Resolved

1. to note the report.
2. that the discussions held by and any decisions at the Hate Crime Forum and the Domestic Violence Board should also be reported.

End of meeting 4:00

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