Working guidelines for members

Report: 8
Date: 26 September 2000
By: Clerk

Summary

This report proposes draft guidance for MPA Members in undertaking their 'Link Member' responsibilities.

A. Supporting information

Statutory responsibility

The MPA has been established to make a difference to the policing of London. Under section 96 of the Police Act 1996, as extended by the GLA Act, the MPA is required to consult people on matters concerning policing in the MPD area. Consultation responsibilities also arise under Best Value (Section 3 of the Local Government Act 1999) and in connection with crime and disorder partnerships (Section 6 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998).

Background

The MPA's decision at its meeting of 28 July to link individual members with the 32 London Boroughs was, in part, intended to ensure that members could interface directly with one or more local authorities, Borough Operational Command Units, and other local stakeholders and partners.

Because of the wide terms of reference of the CDO Committee, it was suggested that working practices and protocols should be developed to assist members in undertaking their responsibilities. It was recognised that any initial guidelines would need to be revised and developed as members gained experience of this new role. There would no doubt be scope for members to exchange experiences and working practices, with a view to assisting each other to identify what works and what does not work.

Guidelines for working practices

A draft set of initial guidelines (see Appendix 1). It is for members' comments, not approval, at this stage as it is recognised that the guidelines may need to be presented to the full Committee for its approval.

Protocol

A protocol is often based on a negotiated agreement between two (or more) people, about how they will work and/or relate to each other. Any protocol may need to be negotiated with other key stakeholders and partners that the CDO Committee may identify as such.

Such protocol(s) may be required in the future. However it is suggested that it may be inappropriate to develop anything firm at such an early stage. It may be more appropriate for CDO members to 'test' the role as link member with reference to the terms of reference of the Committee and that the role be reviewed, in, say, three months. The learning derived could then form the basis of a written protocol.

B. Recommendations

1. The development of a protocol on MPA link member working relationships and responsibilities be deferred until members have had time to gain experience of the role, exchange experiences and consult stakeholders and key partners.
2. Members note the draft guidelines at Appendix 1, subject to amendments, and that these be presented to the full authority for approval at the meeting on 9 November 2000.

C. Financial implications

There are no financial implications to this report.

D. Review arrangements

It is suggested that implementation of the link member role be monitored and reviewed over the next two months and that the learning gained should form the basis for the development of a link member protocol and guidance

Review mechanisms will include:

1. a reporting form for members to complete following meetings, visits etc. This form will ask for member feedback on issues identified where guidance may be required;
2. partner response form – a brief form asking partner organisations to identify the form of guidance/practices they would like in regulating their relationship with MPA link members.

E. Background papers

The following is a statutory list of background papers (under the Local Government Act 1972 S.100 D) which disclose facts or matters on which the report is based and which have been relied on to a material extent in preparing this report. They are available on request to either the contact officer listed above or to the Clerk to the Police Authority at the address indicated on the agenda.

F. Contact details

The author of this report is Julia Smith, MPA.

For information contact:

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

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