The Warwickshire Police and Crime Panel unanimously recommended the appointment of Claire Morris as Acting Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC). The panel reviewed the proposed interim appointment, which followed the departure of the previous Chief Executive, Polly Reed.

Appointment of Acting OPCC Chief Executive

The Warwickshire Police and Crime Panel reviewed and unanimously recommended the appointment of Claire Morris as the Acting Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC). This decision was made following the departure of the former Chief Executive, Polly Reed, on 24 August 2026.

Philip Seccombe, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire, presented the proposal, explaining that an internal acting appointment was considered the most appropriate course of action to ensure continuity and immediate statutory cover. He highlighted that Claire Morris, who had been acting in the role since 24 August 2026, was well-placed due to her current position as Head of Governance and Performance and Deputy Monitoring Officer. The Commissioner confirmed that he had considered all available options, including external recruitment, before deciding on an internal appointment.

During a confirmation hearing, Claire Morris outlined her experience and the support mechanisms available to her. She detailed her four and a half years as Deputy Monitoring Officer and Head of Governance and Performance, emphasizing the support from the OPCC's Section 151 Officer (Chief Finance Officer), regional Chief Executives, and local partnership networks. While confident in her governance, statutory responsibilities, and performance oversight, she identified financial matters and commissioning as areas where she would particularly value support.

Morris presented her achievements, including the development of a revised governance framework that integrated risk management and assurance into the delivery of the Police and Crime Plan. She also highlighted the upcoming launch of a digital performance dashboard designed to enhance transparency and accountability. To manage her workload, she explained that responsibilities from her substantive role would be redistributed within her team, with arrangements in place for longer-term resilience.

Discussions also covered strengthening communication and engagement with partners, with Morris stressing the importance of partnership working, victim services, and community engagement. She noted her commitment to maintaining and building upon existing relationships with key stakeholders, including councillors and Members of Parliament. Her priorities as Acting Chief Executive were identified as maintaining effective governance and statutory compliance, supporting the delivery of the Police and Crime Plan, and providing continuity for the OPCC workforce during a period of organisational uncertainty.

Regarding equality, diversity, and inclusion (DE&I), Morris emphasised the importance of ensuring all communities have an equal voice and highlighted ongoing work within the OPCC to improve understanding and awareness through staff training. She also addressed leadership during uncertain times, stressing the importance of visibility, collaboration, open communication, and staff support while maintaining focus on organisational priorities.

The Panel members explored the balance between Morris's roles as Head of Paid Service, Monitoring Officer, and trusted advisor to the Commissioner. Morris expressed confidence in her ability to maintain the independence, objectivity, and resilience required for these roles, drawing on her experience of working closely with the Commissioner on complex matters. She also welcomed the continued scrutiny and accountability provided by the Police and Crime Panel.

Following the hearing, the Panel deliberated and unanimously endorsed Claire Morris's appointment. Sue Gill, Chair of the Warwickshire Police and Crime Panel, commended Morris's performance and reiterated the Panel's commitment to supporting her in the role. The Panel's recommendation was formally recorded in the minutes of the meeting.

The appointment is interim, intended to provide continuity until 31 March 2027, with a formal review scheduled for 31 December 2026. The interim appointment does not predetermine any future recruitment process for a permanent Chief Executive. The financial implications are estimated at approximately £18,000 in additional salary costs, which are expected to be met from the existing staffing budget and offset by savings from the vacancy in the substantive Chief Executive post.

The full details of the proposed appointment and the assessment of Claire Morris's suitability can be found in the Public reports pack Tuesday 22-Sep-2026 15.00 Warwickshire Police and Crime Panel. The agenda for the meeting was available in the Agenda frontsheet Tuesday 22-Sep-2026 15.00 Warwickshire Police and Crime Panel, and the Public minutes Tuesday 22-Sep-2026 15.00 Warwickshire Police and Crime Panel provide a record of the proceedings.