Staffordshire Police Authority

Governance is about how the Police Authority ensures that it is doing the right things, in the right way, for the right people, in a timely, inclusive, open and accountable manner.  It encompasses the system of leadership, direction and control that the Authority has established to ensure that both it and the Force achieve the objectives and targets set and meet the aims set out in the Authority’s Plan and Strategy.  This includes the systems, processes, culture and values by which the organisation is directed and controlled, and through which it accounts to and engages with its communities.

The Authority has developed a comprehensive governance structure to ensure that it:

• effectively monitors, evaluates, scrutinises and challenges the Force’s delivery and achievement of the objectives and targets set annually, in the Policing Staffordshire Strategy and Plan and the Business Plan and the longer term strategic objectives,
• engages and consults with citizens and communities and
• provides clear and useful information to the people it serves.

The governance structure comprises the Police Authority, which meets five times per year, and five strategic committees, namely:

• Performance, Citizen Focus and Reources Committee;
• Audit, Governance and Risk Committee;
• People Policy and Development Committee;
• Ethical and Professional Standards Committee;
• Custody Visiting and Volunteers Committee

that meet four times a year and a number of panels and committees specialising in specific areas.

The Authority has adopted a Code of Corporate Governance which is reviewed annually.  The Code describes how the Authority discharges its responsibilities and duties.  Additionally, the Annual Governance Statement reviews and evidences how the Authority has complied with the code on an annual basis.