An independent review carried out by governance expert Professor Catherine Staite recommended the Committee take steps to address this – something that its President Mary Lowe said was already underway.
“While it is well-known that the committee members do not recognise many of the claims made in the recent review by Professor Staite, we know that, as with any organisation, there is always room for improvement,” she said. “For this reason, and in the spirit of good governance, we recognise the merits of the recommendations and are working to progress them as quickly as possible. This work will support the steps already being taken to implement the recommendations made by HMICFRS.”
The review by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services’ (HMICFRS) of Bailiwick Law Enforcement also highlighted some issues with Home Affairs’ relationship with local Law Enforcement.
That has seen the introduction of a protocol to “formalise and give greater clarity” in the relationship between the Home Affairs Committee and the Head of Law Enforcement.
The protocol has been developed jointly by the Committee and the Head of Law Enforcement Ruari Hardy, pictured, and is expected to evolve over time.
The Committee is also developing “a structured plan” for implementing the recommendations from the governance review. The staff who work within the Committee’s various service areas will be a part of that process.
The Home Affairs Committee has also invited HMICFRS inspectors to return to the Bailiwick later this year to carry out an update review and assess the progress being made.
Pictured top: The Home Affairs Committee.