MINISTRY OF DEFENCE POLICE COMMITTEE

Independent Chair

CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK

Applications must be received by

2300 on Friday 14 July 2017

(Late applications will not be accepted)

Ref: 20027 (please quote in any communications)

June 2017

CONTENTS

Page

1.Introduction 3

2.Role of the MOD Police Committee 3

3.The Ministry of Defence Police 4

4.Chair of the Committee

a) Roles and Responsibilities 6

b) Skills and Qualities 7

5. Terms and Conditions of appointment 8

6.Selection process and application instructions 9

7.Equal Opportunities 10

9.Guaranteed Interview Scheme 11

10. Official Secrets Act 11

11. Data Protection 11

1. Introduction

The Police Committee is a statutory requirement of the MOD Police Act 1987 and its members are appointed by the Secretary of State for Defence.

The role of the Committee is to provide an independent assurance that the MDP is delivering policing services in accordance with the MDP Act 1987. The Committee also advises on issues of MOD Police performance management, efficiency and effectiveness.

The Police Committee has an independent chair and the membership comprises of a police adviser, independent members and senior MOD officials.

Details of the current membership and other documentation that may be of interest to applicants can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/mod-police-committee

THE MOD POLICE COMMITTEE

2. Role of the Committee

The Secretary of State for Defence requires the Committee to advise him by:

  • Providing independent scrutiny and assurance that the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) is delivering policing services in accordance with the MDP Act 1987;
  • Giving advice to the Top Level Budget holder within whose organisation the MDP sits on the efficiency, effectiveness and performance of the Force.

In order to perform its role the Committee is required to;

  • Provide scrutiny and guidance to ensure that police powers and authority are impartially and lawfully exercised by the Chief Constable;
  • Confirm that MDP is meeting the standards required of a police force;
  • Confirm that MDP’s exercise of its authority is responsible, proportionate and impartial;
  • Confirm that MOD’s use of the MDP is appropriate in relation to the exercising of policing powers and authority;
  • Provide scrutiny and guidance on matters of efficiency and effectiveness and on any other matter in relation to the use of policing powers which fall within the responsibility of the MDP;
  • Consider the MDP’s targets, financial performance and risk management arrangements;
  • Provide advice once a year to the TLB Holder covering financial performance and risk management for inclusion in the Annual Assurance Report.
  • Assist in the appointment of Chief Officers to the MDP;
  • Consider all complaints made against MDP Chief Officers. This responsibility may be delegated to a sub-panel of the MOD Police Committee;
  • Undertake all responsibilities required of the MOD Police Conduct and Appeal Regulations (Statutory Instruments);
  • Submit an annual report to the Secretary of State for Defence on the MDP’s discharge of policing powers, and to provide advice to Ministers and the Department, on matters concerning value for money and efficiencies;
  • Publish the operating costs and expenses of the independent members of the Police Committee each year.

3. THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE POLICE

The Ministry of Defence Police (widely known as the MDP) was formed in 1971. Its legal basis and jurisdiction is defined in the MoD Police Act 1987

The MDP is a national and wholly civilian police force and is quite separate from the service police (Royal Military Police, Royal Navy Police, and Royal Air ForcePolice). All MDP officers are warranted constables provided with constabulary police training. They also receive additional training relevant to their specialist roles, a number of which are unique to MDP (e.g. armed defensive policing to protect the nuclear deterrent). In particular, most officers are trained to carry a firearm to deter and react to a terrorist attack and for their own protection.

The Force currently numbers some 2,500 police officers and 200 civilian support staff. Numbers and tasks have reduced over the last few years as part of the MOD programme to re-balance its budget under the Comprehensive Spending Review.

The MDP’s constabulary powers are derived from common and statute law. The range of people who are subject to the exercise of their police powers now extends beyond direct employees of the MOD, to include, in some circumstances, the general public outside of the Defence estate. These powers are only lawful if they are exercised impartially, reasonably and proportionately, without undue influence, prejudice or constraint. All members of the MDP, from a constable to the Chief Constable should have regard for the interests of the MOD, but in the actual exercise of constabulary powers and authority, they are answerable to the law alone. The Chief Constable must exercise impartial discretion in deciding to investigate offences and initiate judicial action, free of any departmental or ministerial interference.

The MOD’s Requirement for the MDP

The MOD faces a range of crime and security related threats and risks that require specialist and dedicated civil policing capabilities. These include:

  • Terrorist attack and the threat of such attacks.
  • Disruption and disorder caused by protestors.
  • Theft or compromise of, and damage to, key assets and material that would have a significant impact upon Defence capability.
  • Major financial fraud and corruption that would have a significant impact upon Defence capability.
  • Unauthorised intrusion onto the Defence Estate.

The MOD requirement for the MDP is based on the following Defence Tasks (DT):

  • DT1: Defence, Security and Resilience of the Homeland and Overseas Territories.
  • DT2: Nuclear Deterrence and the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.
  • DT3: Understanding (intelligence).
  • DT5: Overseas Defence Activity.
  • DT6: UK Prosperity and Civil Society

The MODdefine the detailed requirement for MDP services and capabilities. This will be driven by Departmental Security policy, the specific services and specialist capabilities contained within a Statement of Requirement for the MDP and the funding allocated to meet crime and security threats and risk.

The MDP Chief Constable, after consultation with the Departmental Chief Security Officer and internal MOD customers/external customers from Other Government Departments (OGDs),will determine, via the tasking and complementing process, the operational MDP resources needed to deliver the requirement in the most efficient, effective and proportionate manner.

The MOD does not seek to maintain a civil policing capability and capacity to meet every eventuality. In the event that the MDP is unable to fully meet a specific policing requirement the Department will look to the Chief Constable to resource this through a request for assistance from local Police Forces or national police agencies, accepting that this will be subject to local policing priorities.

The MDP is also required to maintain an ability to work in partnership with local police forces during day to day operations or in response to terrorism, public order or other critical incidents.

In addition to Defence requirements, the MOD has agreed the MDP may support US Visiting Forces, and other Government Departments andcustomers on a repayment basis where resources are available.

4. CHAIR OF THE MOD POLICE COMMITTEE

a)Role and Responsibilities

  • To lead the members and work of the committee to ensure effective oversight and governance of the MOD Police (MDP) and, on behalf of the Defence Secretary, to hold the Chief Constable to account for delivering the Departmental mandate for the MOD Police;
  • To demonstrate a clear appreciation of the MOD’s responsibility to set the strategic priorities and budget for the MOD Police, the operational independence of the Chief Constable, and the MOD Police Committee’s role to hold the Chief Constable to account;
  • To meet regularly with the Chief Constable of the MOD Police and the senior team, to provide challenge and to act as a critical friend;
  • To maintain contact as necessary with Ministers and with Senior Civil Service Members of the Committee , to provide an independent assessment of MDP, and to be prepared, if necessary, to challenge departmental policies and processes in the interests of securing effective and efficient policing by the MOD Police;
  • To produce an Annual Report for the Defence Secretary to confirm that the MDP is delivering itspolicing services in accordance with the MOD Police Act 1987 and that it meets the standards required of a UK police force;
  • To chair MOD Police Committee meetings and thePerformance and Risk Management Sub-Committee. Meetings will usually be held in London;
  • To allocate portfolios and activities to the independent members of the committee, making best use of their non-executive skills and experience;
  • To agree and implement an Annual Work Programme for independent members, including reviews and visits to provide assurance and to make any necessary recommendations for change or improvement to be implemented by the MOD Police;
  • To participate in selection panels for chief officer appointments and to chair the selection panels for the appointment of independent members of the Police Committee (as required by the Department);
  • To chair the Complaints and Misconduct Sub-Committee (as required) and fulfil any requirements of the MOD Police Conduct, Performance and Appeals regulations;
  • To participate in events and visits as required and to act as an ambassador for the MOD Police in wider policing circles.

b)Skills and Qualities

Essential:

The successful candidate will demonstrate that they have:

  • Substantial experience of board level governance in an executive or non-executive capacity in the public or private sector;
  • An ability to probe and challenge constructively, to shape and influence strategy, and to reach a balanced and independent judgement on critical issues;
  • Ability to analyse complex issues and evidence, for example, around financial management, risk, or organisational performance, and to make informed, insightful and impartial interventions to support and challenge the Chief Constable;
  • A proven track record of experience in organisational transformation or change management, with a focus on securing value for money and increasing performance and effectiveness
  • Experience of leading a senior team and building effective bilateral relationships, both inside and outside an organisation

Desirable

  • Previous experience of policing governance
  • Experience of handling disciplinary issues, grievances or complaints against senior personnel
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to engage authoritively and constructively across all ranks and grades of personnel.

5. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE APPOINTMENT

Time Commitment:

Approx 25 days per year.

Training:

Induction training and briefings will be arranged at MOD and MDP HQ prior to taking up appointment or soon after.

Location:

Most meetings will be held in MOD Head Office, London or MDP HQ in Wethersfield, Essex (although the force is due to re-locate to another site in 2020-21).

The Police Committee will meet four times a year in London.

The Sub-Committee for Performance and Risk Management meets 4 times a year in London.

There will also be an opportunity to visit MDP HQ and MDP stations around the UK when contributing to the Police Committee’s annual work programme.

Remuneration:

Remuneration willbe £600 per day.

The position is non-pensionable and remuneration is subject to income tax and national insurance contributions.

Additionally you will be able to reclaim reasonable travel and subsistence expenses when conducting authorised Police Committee business. Claims should be based on receipted expenditure and will be in line with normal MOD civilian Travel and Subsistence provisions.

Period of Appointment:

The appointment will begin on 1 Oct 17 and be for a term of 3 years. The appointment will be on a Non-Executive Director/Fee Earner basis and nothing in any agreement shall be construed as forming or intending to form a contact of employment with the MOD.

Appointments will be subject to regular review and may be terminated at one month’s notice on either side. It may also be extended by mutual agreement at the end of the appointment and in this event, a new letter of appointment will be issued.

Eligibility/Conflictsof Interest:

During the application process you will be requested to disclose any personal or business interests which may, or may be perceived to be, relevant to or in conflict with the MOD Police or MOD Police Committee.

If appointed you will be expected to adhere to The Seven Principles of Public Life. You will also be required to complete a declaration of interests in line with the MOD Police Committee Code of Conduct and this will be published on the Government internet.

This post is not open to serving police officers and members of the Armed Forces.

Nationality and Security Clearance:

You must be a UK citizen to apply for this post.

The successful candidate will need to undergo limited security clearance to SC level before any appointment is confirmed.

Further enquiries:

Any questions regarding the terms and conditions, or your eligibility for this appointment should be addressed to the Clerk of the MOD Police Committee [Tel 020-7807-8245 or .

6. SELECTION PROCESS AND APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Whilst this appointment is not a Civil Service position it is being made in accordance with the principles of the Civil Service Commissioner’s Recruitment Code ensuring fair and open competition at all stages of the process. The recruitment process is being undertaken by the Ministry of Defence.

To apply please complete the Expression of Interest form and the Diversity Questionnaire Form, also enclosing:

-A statement of suitability which clearly sets out how you meet both the essential and desirable criteria for the role (no more than 2 sides of A4 paper). Decisions about shortlisting will be based on this document.

-A CV setting out your career history, educational and professional qualifications (no more than 3 sides of A4 paper).

Please send your application by e-mail (preferred) to:

(quote ref: 20027)

Or by post to:

DBS Civ Personnel

NSAT #6030-8,

Abbeywood North,

Oak Level 2 East,

Filton,

Bristol, BS34 8QW (quote ref: 20027)

The closing date for applications is Friday 14 July 2017 at 2300

(Late applications will not be accepted).

  • The shortlisting sift will be done w/c 24 July and invitations to interview will be issued by no later than w/e 4 August 2017.
  • All interviews will be held in the MOD Head Office in Whitehall, London on Friday 18 August 2017.
  • The selection panel will comprise:

Chair:Julie Taylor

Director General Head Office and Commissioning Services, MOD

MOD Member Alison Stevenson

Director – Head Office

Independent member: Sir Charles Montgomery

Director General Border Force

  • The selection panel will submit their recommendation to the Secretary of State for Defence who will make the appointment. The appointment will be with effect from 1 October 2017.

The MOD reserves the right to make an offer of appointment conditional upon references and satisfactory conclusion of security enquiries.

The provision of false or misleading information by a candidate who is appointed will be grounds for termination without notice.

7. Equal Opportunities Policy

The MOD is an Equal Opportunities employer aiming for the widest possible diversity in its workforce, drawing recruits from every part of the community. However, we particularly welcome applications from ethnic minority people, women, and people with disabilities who are currently under represented in the Senior Civil Service. Our policy is to provide Equal Opportunity for employment, career development and promotion to all eligible personnel, on the basis of ability, qualification and fitness for work.

Under the Equalities Act 2010 we are legally required to consider making reasonable adjustments to ensure that disabled people are not disadvantaged in the recruitment and selection process. We are therefore committed to meeting, wherever possible, any need you specify in your application. We will also consider any reasonable adjustments under the terms of the Act to enable any applicant with a disability (as defined under the Act) to meet the requirements of the post.

8. Guaranteed Interview Scheme

The MOD operates a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled people (as defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1995), who meet the essential criteria for this appointment as outlined in the person specification. Applicants who wish to apply for consideration under this scheme are asked to complete the enclosed form and return it with their application. In addition, please state this clearly in your letter of application and ensure your application sets out clearly your credentials, in particular with respect to essential experience.

Please also advise us of any special adjustments for interview you will require, enabling us to make the appropriate arrangements.

9. Official Secrets Act

This post is covered by the Official Secrets Act.

10. Data Protection

We take our obligations under the Data Protection Act seriously. Any data about you will be held in secure conditions with access restricted to those who need it in connection with dealing with your application and selection process. Data may be used for the purposes of monitoring the effectiveness of the recruitment process, but in these circumstances, all data will be kept anonymous. The ethnic monitoring form is used for monitoring the appointment process only. If you do not wish to have these details recorded please return the form uncompleted. If you are unsuccessful, personal data relating to your application will be destroyed after 12 months. If you are successful, data will be retained by the DBS.

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