Governance & Integrity Meetings

The PCC has a role in the complaints system to maintain oversight to ensure that the complaints process is operating effectively and efficiently and to hold the Chief Constable to account for this.

The oversight arrangements set out below, are designed to ensure that public trust and confidence is maintained by providing reassurance about the integrity of complaints handling by Sussex Police.

Governance & Integrity Meetings

The PCC, Chief Executive [within the OSPCC] and the Assurance & Complaints Manager meet on a quarterly basis with the Head of the Professional Standards Department (PSD) and a representative from the People Services Department within Sussex Police. A report is provided by the Force which considers complaints data; register of interests, gifts and hospitality data, business interests and reports to the 'Break the Silence' confidential reporting system, alongside other People Services and organisational matters. A further report is also provided about investigations of note and Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) data for consideration. The meeting provides an opportunity to consider the complaint reviews data, dip check results, together with an update on gross misconduct hearings and police appeals tribunals. 

Further Oversight Meetings

Representatives from the OSPCC also attend a quarterly meeting with the IOPC and PSD to look at the latest police complaints information bulletins; Force performance issues; lessons learnt by other police forces in England and Wales; OSPCC oversight, targets and police complaint reviews, and local and national policy development work.

Officer Meetings

In addition, officers representing the OSPCC and Sussex Police meet on a monthly basis to discuss any outstanding issues and individual complaints to ensure the efficient and effective sharing of information and knowledge.