Terms of Reference

Aim

The Office of the Oversight Commissioner was established as a result of the recommendations in the Report of the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland (the Patten Report). The Oversight Commissioner will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the changes in policing arrangements and structures decided on in the context of the Patten Report.

Functions

The Commissioner will monitor and review progress achieved in implementing change; receive reports, information and explanations, as required, from the agencies responsible for progress; and provide public assurance about the progress of the implementation process.

As part of the process, the Oversight Commissioner will:

• be provided with periodic reports, which will include objectives and timetables, by the Government, the Police Service and the Policing Board covering the changes in policing arrangements and structures for which they are responsible
• conduct periodic progress review meetings on the implementation of change in policing arrangements, structures and related areas with Government Ministers and officials, the Chief Constable, the Policing Board (and in due course the District Policing Partnerships) and with others as appropriate. Such meetings will take place at least three times a year and each of the specified agencies will:
  
  - report to the Commissioner on progress achieved in implementing the changes for which they are responsible
  
  - provide explanations for any delays or failures to achieve objectives for which they are responsible
  
  
• provide a report to the Secretary of State after each periodic review. The Secretary of State will place these reports before Parliament and publish them. Such reports will include:
  
  - an account of the progress which has been achieved in implementing the required changes
  
  - the Commissioner's observations on the extent to which any delays or failures are the responsibility of the agencies themselves or due to matters beyond their control
  
  
• meet with the Police Ombudsman and other relevant organisations or agencies, including the political parties and community leaders, to discuss progress with the implementation of the required changes

Support

In carrying out his duties, the Oversight Commissioner will be supported by a permanent Chief of Staff, based in Belfast, and by a team of evaluators. The roles of the Chief of Staff and the Evaluation Team will be to:

Chief of Staff

• Manage the office and staff of the Oversight Commissioner.
• Act as the Commissioner's finance officer.
• Serve as the principal point of contact in the absence of the Commissioner.
• Liaise with NIO/PSNI/Policing Board/Police Ombudsman and other interested parties regarding reports required by the Oversight Commissioner.
• Analyse submissions made to the Commissioner.
• Assist in drafting the Commissioner's periodic reports.
• Carry out any other duties as agreed by the Oversight Commissioner.

  Evaluators

• Assist the Commissioner in initially assessing the current position of the NIO/PSNI/Policing Board and other interested parties vis-à-vis implementation.
• Assist the Commissioner to design systems aimed at facilitating the monitoring of implementation.
• Provide advice to the Commissioner thus assisting him in the exercise of his functions.

Assessment of the Security Threat

In undertaking periodic reviews of progress, the Oversight Commissioner will be bound to respect the confidential detail of the assessment of the security threat provided by the Chief Constable.

Accountability

Nothing in these terms of reference should be taken as affecting the responsibilities of the Secretary of State, or encroaching on the operational independence of the Chief Constable in controlling and directing the police service, or on the responsibilities of the Policing Board.