The Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel met on Thursday 17 September 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including an update on an independent review following a Court of Appeal judgement against Northamptonshire Police, an overview of the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner's (OPFCC) complaints and customer service functions, and the Joint Independent Audit Committee's Annual Report. During the meeting, Councillor Mark Arnull was appointed as the Panel's Deputy Chair for 2026/27, and the Panel endorsed its work programme for the upcoming year.

Update on Independent Review Following Court of Appeal Judgement

The Panel received an update on the independent review commissioned following the Court of Appeal judgement against Northamptonshire Police. The review, overseen by the Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Marianne Kimani, aims to assess how and why the force failed to comply with subject access requests and subsequent court orders, leading to a contempt of court ruling. The review is examining systemic and cultural barriers, leadership, and governance failings. While the review is ongoing and mindful of parallel investigations by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), initial findings indicate significant organisational failings in governance, leadership, information management, disclosure processes, and organisational culture, with substantial work already undertaken to implement improvements. The final report is anticipated for the December meeting, subject to IOPC investigation requirements.

Overview of OPFCC Complaints and Customer Service Functions

The Panel heard an overview of the work undertaken by the OPFCC's Customer Service Team, which has managed over 16,000 contacts from the public since its inception. The team is responsible for handling less serious complaints against Northamptonshire Police and, since April 2023, the Fire and Rescue Service's complaints process. The team has been expanded and now includes a Team Leader to enhance operational management and resilience. The report highlighted that the team is outperforming national averages in acknowledging and resolving complaints, with approximately 78% of complaints resolved to the complainant's satisfaction. The team also conducts thematic dip sampling of complaints finalised by the Professional Standards Department to hold the Chief Constable to account. The team's commitment to customer service excellence has been recognised with the Customer Service Excellence (CSE) Standard award.

Joint Independent Audit Committee Annual Report

The Panel reviewed the Joint Independent Audit Committee's (JIAC) Annual Report for 2025/26. The JIAC provides independent assurance on corporate and strategic risk management, governance, and financial reporting for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) and the Chief Constable. The report detailed the committee's activities, including reviewing corporate governance, internal controls, risk management, and audit reports. Key topics discussed included the fluctuating political and local landscape creating risks, the capital programme, medium-term financial plans, and governance frameworks. The report also highlighted the contempt of court finding against the Chief Constable in October 2025, which exposed significant weaknesses in data management and legal services, and noted that the JIAC awaits the outcome of reviews into this matter.

Police, Fire and Crime Panel Work Programme

The Panel endorsed its outline work programme for 2026/27, which includes statutory business such as scrutinising the PFCC's proposed precepts and annual reports, as well as discretionary business such as updates on the independent review and the Joint Independent Audit Committee's report. The work programme also incorporates business relating to the Panel's operation, including a review of its work programme and an update on complaints and conduct matters. The Panel also agreed to continue its membership of the East Midlands Police and Crime Panels Network and the National Association of Police, Fire and Crime Panels.

Complaints and Conduct Matters Update

The Panel received an update on complaints and conduct matters relating to the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner for the period March to August 2026. During this period, one non-criminal complaint concerning the conduct of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner was considered by the Panel's Complaints Sub Committee. The Sub Committee recommended that a further review of the original complaint about Northamptonshire Police be conducted by the OPFCC, with clear communication of the outcomes to the complainant. It was also recommended that the PFCC consider improvements to the OPFCC's approach to communications with disabled complainants. A conduct matter relating to a former Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner was also recorded and referred to the IOPC, which determined no further action was necessary.

Appointment of Panel Deputy Chair

Councillor Mark Arnull was appointed as the Deputy Chair of the Panel for 2026/27.

Minutes

The minutes of the Police, Fire and Crime Panel meeting held on 18 June 2026 were approved.