Independent Ethics Panel – Terms of Reference

 

The IEP’s responsibilities are as follows:

a) The PCC delegates to the IEP areas that are part of his statutory responsibilities (e.g. seeking assurance from the IEP relating to his   responsibility to ‘hold the Chief Constable to account’, specifically in the areas of the Chief Constable’s complaints-handling and       compliance with Equality Act duties).

b) The PCC commissions the IEP to undertake work that is explicitly referenced as areas of focus within his Police and Crime Plan.

c) The PCC (and SYP) ask the IEP to be continually horizon-scanning; identifying future issues, events, initiatives, approaches,          technological and other developments and discussing and advising on the ethical issues that the PCC and Chief Constable should consider if these things are to arrive in South Yorkshire. The PCC encourages the IEP to be proactive in identifying topical issues for discussion themselves.

These responsibilities are achieved by:

  • Articulating and promoting the influence of professional ethics in all aspects of policing.
  • Supporting the PCC and Chief Constable to consider ethical dimensions of their work.
  • Anticipating ethical challenges facing the police service and considering SYP’s proposed response.
  • Promoting compliance with the Code of Ethics for police officers and the wider police family.
  • Supporting the Chief Constable in developing and delivering organisational approaches to fundamental cultural change based on ethical values.
  • Encouraging a culture of learning lessons.
  • Promoting the influence of ethics in delivering excellent quality of service.
  • Assuring the PCC and Chief Constable that ethics, diversity and compliance standards and procedures are effective in South Yorkshire Police and effectively communicated to the public.
  • Assuring the PCC and Chief Constable that complaints procedures are effective and complaints are effectively handled
  • Influencing changes in policy.
  • Regular reporting on its work and findings.
  • Supporting those who wish to use the Panel as a forum for whistleblowing.
  • Considering referrals from the PCC and  / or the Chief Constable on matters that fall within the remit of the Panel.