Agenda and draft minutes

No declarations of interest were made at the meeting.

Panel procedure note, background information and job description/person specification are attached.

Candidate information circulated to Members of the Panel separately.

A)  To receive representations from the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner on the criteria met by the chosen candidate.

B)  To receive a presentation by, and to questions, the proposed Section 151 (Chief Finance Officer) on their skills, experience and ability to meet the criteria for the post.

The Secretary to the Panel’s report explained that the Panel was required to hold a Confirmation Hearing following receipt of formal notification by the Police Fire and Crime Commissioner of his wish to appoint his preferred candidate for the post of Director of Finance Section 151 Officer. 

The report explained that guidance on the role of the Panel, recommended that through questioning of the candidate they should consider the ‘professional competence’ and ‘personal independence’ of the individual. To assist, the Panel had been provided with the preferred candidates CV in advance of the meeting and a job description/person specification was attached to the agenda.

Presentation by the Police Fire and Crime Commissioner

The Commissioner reported on the detailed and lengthy process followed by him to recruit a new Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer for the Commissioners Office. 

The Commissioner reported that Heather Lees was his preferred candidate.

Presentation by and questions to Ms Lees:

Ms Lees briefly summarised her career, work experience and achievements to date.

The Panel questioned her on various issues including how her experience would address the challenges faced by the Commissioners office and the qualities needed to deliver change.

The Panel adjourned at 12:15 pm to consider their decision.

The Panel reconvened at 12:20 pm.  The Commissioner and Ms Lees were re-admitted to the meeting and informed of the Panel’s unanimous decision.

RESOLVED – That the Staffordshire Police Fire and Crime Commissioner be informed that this Panel recommends that he proceed with the appointment of Ms Lees as the Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer.