Chief Constable recruitment – Consultation with the Chief Inspector of the HMICFRS.
Our Ref: Our Ref: NY8820 - Date: 1 November 2023
Our Ref: NY8820
Date: 1 November 2023
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST REFERENCE NO: NY8820
I write in connection with your request for information that was received by the Office of the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (OPFCC) on 12 October 2023
I note you seek access to the following information:
At the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel – (10:30am, 12 October 2023), the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner made a statement about consultation on Chief Constable Recruitment.
At that meeting Zoe Metcalfe, the PFCC said she had consulted with the Chief Inspector of the HMICFRS. (At 16min 18 seconds on the video,
For reference https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/your-council/councillors-committees-and-meetings/live-meetings
Please could I request copies of emails and documentation as to what the PFCC asked the Chief Inspector to advise on, specifically the wording that was put to him.
and please could I request copies of emails and documentation that formed his response, and the basis of the PFCC saying she had consulted, specifically that is response from Andy Cooke the Chief Inspector.
Extent and Result of Searches to Locate Information
To locate the information relevant to your request searches were conducted within the OPFCC.
I can confirm that the information you have requested is held by the OPFCC.
Decision
The information you have requested is already reasonably accessible at the following location DN 09/2023 – Chief Constable Vacancy – Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner North Yorkshire (northyorkshire-pfcc.gov.uk), with the full detailed report provided in the Appendix. I could therefore have decided to exempt providing you with a response pursuant to Section 21 Freedom of Information 2000 (the Act).
Exemptions Explained
Section 21 – Information Reasonably Accessible by Other Means
This exemption applies when the information sought is determined to be already reasonably accessible to the applicant by other means. Section 21 is an absolute class based exemption and I am not required to consider the harm or public interest when applying this exemption.
However, I have today decided to disclose the following additional information to you.
Please read in conjunction with Freedom of Information request NY8819.
Please could I request copies of emails and documentation as to what the PFCC asked the Chief Inspector to advise on, specifically the wording that was put to him.
The exact five options set out in the eventual published Report were put to HM Chief Inspector Andy Cooke by PFCC and Simon Dennis (OPFCC CEO and Monitoring Officer) during a face-to-face meeting.
HMCIC Cooke recommended the option of progressing immediate recruitment to a full fixed term (Option 5).
please could I request copies of emails and documentation that formed his response, and the basis of the PFCC saying she had consulted, specifically that is response from Andy Cooke the Chief Inspector.
A copy of the published material was sent to HMCIC Cooke along with a note of thanks on Zoe’s behalf for his time and advice. I attach a copy of the email, which includes his reply.
Please note that systems used for recording information are not generic, nor are the procedures used locally in capturing the data. It should be noted therefore that the OPFCC’s response to your questions should not be used for comparison purposes with any other responses you may receive.
Complaint Rights
Your attention is drawn to the attached sheet which details your right of complaint.
If you have any queries concerning this request, please contact me quoting the reference number above.
Yours sincerely,
Becky Cannon
Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, North Yorkshire
COMPLAINT RIGHTS
Are you unhappy with how your request has been handled or do you think the decision is incorrect?
You have the right to request that the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire (OPFCC) reviews their decision.
Prior to lodging a formal complaint you are welcome and encouraged to discuss the decision with the case officer that dealt with your request.
Ask to have the decision looked at again –
The quickest and easiest way to have the decision looked at again is to telephone the case officer that is nominated at the end of your decision letter.
That person will be able to discuss the decision, explain any issues and assist with any problems.
Complaint
If you are dissatisfied with the handling procedures or the decision the OPFCC made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act) regarding access to information, you can lodge a complaint with the OPFCC to have the decision reviewed. The OPFCC must be notified of your intention to complain within 2 months of the date of its response to your Freedom of Information request. Complaints should be made in writing and addressed to:
Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner
Harrogate Police Station
Beckwith Head Road
Harrogate
North Yorkshire
HG3 1FR
In all possible circumstances the OPFCC will aim to respond to your complaint as soon as practicable but within 20 working days.
The Information Commissioner
After lodging a complaint with the OPFCC if you are still dissatisfied with the decision you may make application to the Information Commissioner for a decision on whether the request for information has been dealt with in accordance with the requirements of the Act.
For information on how to make application to the Information Commissioner please visit their website at https://ico.org.uk. Alternatively, phone: 0303 123 1113 or write to:
Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane, Wilmslow
Cheshire, SK9 5AF