Encouraging a greater diversity of candidates for directly elected roles is the vision behind a new scheme inviting local people to follow Sue Mountstevens in her role as Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).
Ms Mountstevens is offering the opportunity for local people to shadow her to give a better insight into the role as the area’s elected PCC.
The scheme is open to all but it is hoped that under-represented groups – women, BME, LGBT and disability – will consider applying to ensure greater representation from across the communities of Avon and Somerset.
Ms Mountstevens said: “Our elected officials, like our policing service, should be representative of the communities we serve. Sadly this is not always the case and is the reason I feel so passionately about giving people a better insight into the role of PCC.
“As one of only seven women Police and Crime Commissioner’s I am familiar with the challenges associated with running for a senior elected position.
“People should not be deterred from standing for elected roles because of their gender, race, religion, sexual preferences or disability. If you love where you live and strive to represent the views of your local community, I believe this is all you need to make a difference.
“It is these building blocks, which in my opinion, underpin our future leaders who can influence the change needed to better our communities.”
Some of the ‘shadowing sessions’ will include looking at delivering the Police and Crime Plan, meeting with local people to listen to their views on policing and working with partners and other agencies to support community safety and victim services.
Ms Mountstevens added: “It’s important to me that local people are given the chance to find out about how decisions that affect policing are made, see how I hold the Chief Constable to account and gather the views of our communities.
“I hope more people will feel empowered to find out more about other elected positions and even consider becoming the next Police and Crime Commissioner.”
If you are interested in the PCC’s Shadowing Scheme, you need to be aged 18 years and over, you must not have ever been convicted of an imprisonable offence and have lived or worked in the Avon and Somerset area for at least three years.
For more information and to apply, visit www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk or call 01275 816377.
