West Yorkshire Police Seeks Interim Chair for Scrutiny Panel

Opportunity to oversee police conduct and vetting decisions

West Yorkshire Police is inviting applications for the role of Interim Independent Chair of its Professional Standards Scrutiny Panel. This voluntary position involves leading quarterly meetings to review and scrutinise police conduct investigations and vetting decisions, aiming to enhance transparency and public confidence in the police service.

Role and responsibilities

The Interim Independent Chair will be responsible for:

• Chairing quarterly Scrutiny Panel meetings held remotely via Microsoft Teams.
• Facilitating open and constructive discussions on assessments and outcomes related to police conduct and vetting.
• Providing independent oversight and challenge to the Professional Standards Directorate’s (PSD) decision-making processes.
• Ensuring transparency and fairness in internal investigations.
• Acting as a link between staff networks, associations, and the panel to communicate outcomes.
• Promoting public interest and confidence in the integrity of West Yorkshire Police.

Panel composition and meeting format

The Scrutiny Panel includes representatives from staff networks, associations, and community stakeholders. Meetings take place quarterly and are conducted remotely through Microsoft Teams, each lasting approximately two hours.

Essential and desirable criteria

Applicants should meet the following essential criteria:

• Experience chairing meetings or panels in a professional or public sector environment.
• A strong understanding of governance, scrutiny, or regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills.
• The ability to challenge constructively and promote transparency.

Desirable criteria include:

• Knowledge of police conduct regulations or public sector ethics.
• Experience working with diverse communities or staff networks.
• Understanding of issues related to vetting, misconduct, and public confidence.

Application process and deadline

Those interested in the role should submit a CV and covering letter outlining their suitability to Natalie.dawson@westyorkshire.police.uk by 10 November 2025. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an informal discussion with the PSD leadership team.

For further information, applicants can contact Detective Chief Superintendent Tanya Wilkins, Head of PSD, or Detective Superintendent Natalie Dawson, Deputy Head of PSD.

Equality and inclusion

West Yorkshire Police emphasises its commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. Applications from underrepresented groups are particularly welcomed.

Source: Doing Good Leeds