Proposed change to Terms of Reference, appointment of Vice Chairman, Terms of Reference of and appointments to sub committees

Report: 6
Date: 13 November 2008
By: the Chief Executive

Summary

The Strategic and Operational Policing Committee (SOPC) is asked to note the proposed change to its terms of reference, ratify the appointment of the Vice Chairman and agree appointments to, and terms of reference for, two of its three sub committees.

A. Recommendation

That

1. members ratify the appointment of Toby Harris as the Vice Chairman of the Committee;

2. agree the appointments to, and terms of reference for, the Counter-Terrorism and Protective Services and Olympics/Paralympics Sub Committees;

3. these appointments be effective until the Authority’s Annual Meeting in June 2009; and

4. that the Authority be recommended to approve the proposed changes to Committee terms of reference detailed in para 2 of this report.

B. Supporting information

Vice Chairman

1. At the informal meeting of members of the Committee held on 6 October, Toby Harris was nominated as the Vice Chairman. The Committee is now asked to ratify this appointment.

SOPC Terms of Reference

2. There have been further discussions since the 6 October full Authority meeting about the respective committee roles in relation to oversight of MPS performance. It has now been clarified that: -

• the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee will be responsible for the annual policing and performance plan and monitoring against that and other operational policing targets
• the Finance and Resources Committee will be responsible for the oversight of MPS performance in relation to, for instance, productivity, resource leverage and value for money

3. Accordingly, it is proposed that the following terms of reference currently given to the Finance and Resources Committee be transferred to the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee. This proposal will require the approval of the full Authority.

Policing Performance

12. a. To consider and monitor performance against the Policing Plan targets and any performance indicators set locally or by external organisations. In doing so, the committee will consider performance at both a corporate and borough level in order to identify best practice;
b. To consider and monitor MPS performance in relation to priority business areas
c. To advise on the setting of relevant performance indicators and targets in annual plans and corporate strategies

13. Working with the Commissioner, to prepare and recommend to the Authority an annual policing and performance plan.

14. To lead on the production of the Authority’s annual report and any joint annual report prepared in conjunction with the MPS.

15. To consider issues relating to criminal justice performance

Sub- Committees

4. At the meeting of the full Authority on 6 October a report containing the terms of reference for Strategic and Policing Committee (SOPC) were agreed. The report anticipated that the SOPC would be supported by three sub-committees dealing with Counter-Terrorism and Protective Services; Professional Standards Cases; and security preparations for the 2012 Olympics/Paralympics. The report noted that with regard to the 2012 Olympics, there were significant issues for both the SOPC and the Finance and Resources Committee and that thought would need to be given to the most effective way of ensuring that this was reflected in the make-up and operation of that sub-committee.

Professional Standards Cases Sub-Committee

5. This sub-committee was part of the pre-existing committee structure. Because the work of this sub-committee was ongoing and a meeting was already scheduled before the first meeting of its new parent committee, SOPC, the full Authority agreed the terms of reference and membership.

Counter-Terrorism and Protective Services Sub-Committee

Membership

6. It is proposed that the membership of the Sub Committee be as follows.

• Toby Harris (Chairman)
• Reshard Auladin (Vice Chairman)
• James Cleverly
• Neil Johnson

The quorum will be three sub Committee members

Terms of Reference

7. The following terms of reference are proposed:

• To ensure effective MPA oversight of MPS CT activity including the co-ordination of CT activity across MPS business groups
• To consider progress against national/international counter terrorism responsibilities and also the related responsibilities and duties under specialist crime directorate
• To monitor specialist crime policing in particular those that require appropriate vetting levels (e.g. covert policing)
• To work with the MPS to ensure improved transparency to the delivery of CT activity (as far as is practicable), and to improve the mechanisms in place to engage effectively with London’s diverse communities
• To ensure effective governance arrangements are established between ACPO(TAM) and the MPS
• To ensure the MPS is making the most effective, efficient and cost conscious use of resources (staff, money, IT etc.)
• To monitor progress against the four CONTEST strands
• To consider the work of the APA joint CTU oversight group, the implications for the MPA/MPS and how this might be taken forward.

Meeting dates

8. The following meeting dates are proposed:

• 27 November 2008
• 29 January 2009
• 26 March 2009
• 28 May 2009

(All at 2 pm, location to be confirmed)

Olympics/Paralympics Sub Committee

Membership

9. It is proposed that the membership of the Sub Committee be as follows:

• Dee Doocey (Chairman)
• Jennette Arnold (Vice Chairman)
• Christopher Boothman
• Victoria Borwick
• Toby Harris
• Kirsten Hearn
• Neil Johnson

The quorum will be three sub Committee members.

Terms of Reference

10. The following terms of reference are proposed:

• Oversee the development and implementation of the Olympic and Paralympic policing programme. This will include ensuring that the MPS is able to delivery ‘business as usual’ during the 60 day Olympic/Paralympic period in 2012, but also that in the run up to 2012, Olympic preparations do not have an adverse impact on delivering the MPA/S key strategic objectives.
• Scrutinise the financial arrangements supporting the programme, and advise finance and resources committee and full authority as appropriate. This should include ensuring compliance with relevant MPS policy and process (e.g. procurement) and budget monitoring and management.
• Ensure the MPS is developing comprehensive plans to address the Olympics legacy – this includes estates, personnel and skills.
• Ensure that the MPS and its partners are developing and implementing an effective community engagement strategy and to advise the MPA’s Community, Equalities and People Committee on the development of the MPA Olympics engagement strategy.
• Oversee the effective integration of equality and diversity work within the MPS Olympic programme, including ensuring that the MPS meets its statutory responsibilities under anti-discrimination legislation.

Meeting dates

11. The following meeting dates are proposed:

• Thurs 20 November 2008, 3.00 pm
• Thurs 18 December 2008, 11.00 am
• Thurs 22 January 2009, 1.30 pm
• Thurs 19 February 2009, 10.00 am
• Thurs 19 March 2009, 10.00 am
• Thurs 23 April 2009, 10.00 am
• Thurs 14 May 2009, 11.00 am
• Thurs 18 June 2009, 10.00 am
• Thurs 30 July 2009, 10.00 am

C. Race and equality impact

There is none arising directly from the report. The proposed terms of reference include reference to equality and diversity issues.

D. Financial implications

None arising directly from the report.

E. Background papers

None

F. Contact details

Report author: Ruth Hastings Iqball, MPA Committee Services

For information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

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