Could you help shape future strategies in your community?

Two independent people are needed to join a panel that works to help keep communities across Greater Manchester safe.

The Greater Manchester Police and Crime Panel is seeking two new independent members to help support, scrutinize, challenge and hold to account the Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire, Beverley Hughes.

The panel helps to give direction and shape future strategies on police and crime issues that affect Greater Manchester.

Ms Hughes said: “Joining the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Panel provides a great opportunity to members of the public who want to make a real, lasting and positive change to their communities.

"The successful candidates will play a vital role in scrutinising our actions and decisions to help make our city-region a safer place to live.

“Independent panel members are so important because they bring a fresh perspective to the panel and help us to make better decisions for our communities.

"If you want to help make a difference, and have knowledge, skills and experience in the criminal justice system, and of community safety issues across Greater Manchester, we want to hear from you.”

The successful candidates will sit on the panel for three years, starting from October 2018.

Some of the responsibilities include scrutinising the Deputy Mayor’s proposals for the police budget and Police and Crime Plan, and ensuring that the actions and decisions made by the Deputy Mayor reflect public priorities.

Making up the rest of Greater Manchester’s 12-strong panel are ten councillors from each of Greater Manchester district councils.

It is chaired by Cllr Tamoor Tariq of Bury Council.

Cllr Tariq said: “I am really proud of the work the Police and Crime Panel has done so far and I want to continue to make sure that our priorities match the priorities of our communities.

"We are standing together as we deliver the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Plan.

“It’s really important that on the Police and Crime Panel we have people who reflect, understand and are able to represent our communities.

"You will play a key role in making sure everyone across Greater Manchester is represented.

“If you have knowledge and experience of policing and crime, you understand some of the issues and challenges which are affecting our residents and have a passion for making a difference, then this is the opportunity for you.”

Maqsood Ahmad is stepping down from his role as an independent member on the panel following the completion of his term.

Applications must be submitted by 5pm on September 12, 2018, with the successful candidates to be agreed at the Police and Crime Panel on October 25.

For more information on the role, the panel and to request an application form visit: https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/saferandstronger

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