Scrutiny of the MPS Directorate of Public Affairs

Report: 10b
Date: 6 July 2006
By: Chief Executive and Clerk

Summary

This report outlines an approach to scrutinising the MPS’s Directorate of Public Affairs.

A. Recommendations

That members

1. approve the request to scrutinise the MPS’s Directorate of Public Affairs on the basis outlined below;
2. agree who will chair the Scrutiny; and
3. consider whether bringing in expertise to support the panel would be appropriate.

B. Supporting information

Introduction

1. At the full authority meeting on 29 June 2006 Members raised concerns about the approach taken by the Metropolitan Police to managing the press coverage of Forest Gate. Members agreed that they would conduct a short scrutiny of the Directorate of Public Affairs (DPA) to consider what lessons can be learnt from that experience.

Scope of the review programme

2. Clearly, any objectives will be subject to approval by the scrutiny panel and this committee. It is suggested that the review concentrates on the following objectives:

• Establishing the current strategies, staffing and structures in place within DPA and its relationship with other parts of the MPS with regards services and support;
• assess how DPA engages with other parts of the MPS to manage communication to the media, Londoners and stakeholders, particularly during sensitive operations, and how DPA strategies are influenced or controlled internally or externally;
• identify the media and PR needs of the Commissioner, ACSO and others as seen appropriate and identify any gaps in current delivery or ways in which its services could be more effective.

Methodology

3. It is suggested that a scrutiny panel is convened and meets no more than four times. This would include an initial meeting to agree the terms of reference, confirm who would be invited to give evidence and to task the scrutiny and review team. Two meetings would be used to hear evidence. It is suggested that these are held in quick succession. A final meeting should happen shortly afterwards to discuss report findings and any recommendations that are deemed necessary in response to the issues raised.

4. It is suggested that the timescale is as follows:

• Initial meeting July 2006
• Evidence hearings Early Sept 2006
• Report discussion late Sept/Early Oct 2006.

5. This timetable and methodology could be varied depending on the views of the scrutiny panel.

Scrutiny panel membership

6. Members are asked to identify a Chair for the scrutiny. Invitations to join the panel will be sent out by the scrutiny and review team.

7. Members are also invited to consider whether it would be appropriate to co-opt an independent advisor to the panel, for example someone with experience of press and media management for a large organisation working in a sensitive political environment.

C. Race and equality impact

This scrutiny was prompted by concerns about the handling of the operation to search a house in Forest Gate in June 2006. This has lead to concerns amongst the Muslim community in particular and could potentially damage the relationship between the MPS and London’s diverse communities. The scrutiny will consider what strategies DPA has in place to manage relationships with London’s diverse communities and the press organisations that cater for these Londoners.

D. Financial implications

There are no direct financial implications to undertaking this project. Existing scrutiny and review team resources will be used.

E. Background papers

None

F. Contact details

Report author: Siobhan Coldwell, Head of Scrutiny and Review, MPA

For more information contact:

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

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