The Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel is scheduled to convene on Thursday 29 October 2026 to consider the proposed appointment of a new Chief Constable for Staffordshire Police. The meeting agenda includes receiving representations from the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and hearing from the preferred candidate.

Appointment of Chief Constable for Staffordshire

The primary focus of the meeting is the consideration of the proposed appointment of a new Chief Constable for Staffordshire Police. Information from the report pack indicates that the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Ben Adams, has put forward David Gardner as his preferred candidate. The panel is scheduled to receive representations from Commissioner Adams regarding the recruitment and selection process, the criteria used to assess candidates, and the suitability of Mr Gardner for the role.

Following the Commissioner's presentation, the preferred candidate, David Gardner, is expected to present on their skills and experience. The panel members will then have the opportunity to question Mr Gardner to assess his professional competence and personal independence. The report pack outlines that the panel will evaluate candidates based on factors such as professional competence, including judgement and insight, and personal independence, referring to the ability to act operationally independently of the Commissioner.

The report pack details the recruitment process, which included advertising the role, shortlisting candidates, and a multi-stage selection process involving staff and external stakeholder panels, personality profiling, and a formal interview. A report from Louise Clayton, Monitoring Officer at the Staffordshire Commissioner's Office, and Darryl Eyers, Independent Member of the Interview Panel, provides assurance on the robustness, transparency, legality, and fairness of this process. They recommend the appointment of David Gardner, noting his demonstrated strengths and fit for the role.

The panel's decision-making process is guided by the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011. The panel can choose to endorse the appointment, make recommendations, or, in rare circumstances, veto the proposed appointment. A veto would require agreement from a minimum of two-thirds of the panel members. The outcome of the Confirmatory Hearing will be communicated to the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and published in a report.

The report pack also includes the role profile for the Chief Constable, which outlines key accountabilities such as setting organisational and operational strategy, developing strategic relationships with the Commissioner, ensuring effective co-operation with partners, and leading the force with a focus on inclusivity, diversity, and professional conduct. The role requires adherence to the College of Policing's Competency and Values Framework, with an expectation that candidates operate at Level 3 of the framework. Essential qualifications and experience include holding a senior rank within a UK police force and a demonstrable track record of strategic leadership.

The meeting is scheduled to be webcast live and archived for 12 months.