The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Panel met to conduct a confirmation hearing for the proposed appointment of Alex Rennie as Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (DPCC) for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The panel was scheduled to review the proposed appointment, hear from both the Police and Crime Commissioner and the candidate, and then convene in a closed session to discuss its recommendation. The panel planned to then communicate its recommendation to the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Here's a breakdown of the key items from the agenda:

Appointment of Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Panel convened to hold a confirmation hearing regarding the proposed appointment of Alex Rennie to the role of Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. This hearing was scheduled in accordance with Schedule 1 Part 10 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011¹.

The report pack included a report titled 2025-09-04 DPCC Confirmation Hearing Report, which outlined the process for the hearing. According to the document, the panel was to:

• Review the proposed appointment.
• Make a report to the Police and Crime Commissioner.
• Include a recommendation on whether or not the appointment should be made.
• Publish the report.

Prior to the hearing, the panel received notification from the Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner on 26 August 2025, regarding the proposed appointment. The Police and Crime Commissioner also provided documentation to assist the panel in reviewing Alex Rennie's suitability, including his CV, and a statement outlining the criteria used to assess his suitability, and how he meets the requirements of the role.

During the hearing, the panel planned to give Alex Rennie an opportunity to present his understanding of the role, and ask him questions related to his professional competence and personal independence.

Following the hearing, the panel was scheduled to hold a closed session to discuss and agree on its recommendations to the Police and Crime Commissioner. The panel was expected to consider whether Alex Rennie possesses the professional competence and personal independence required for the role.

The Confirmation Hearing Process document details the steps to be taken following notification of the proposed appointment, including convening a public meeting, arranging a private pre-meeting for the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Panel, and preparing a letter to the candidate.

The DPCC Confirmation Hearing Report also included a recommendation that the Police and Crime Panel support the appointment of Alex Rennie as Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner . It stated that Alex Rennie has experience across public service, politics, communications, and strategic leadership. It also included Alex Rennie's CV, which states that he was a political advisor and former Council Leader with over a decade of experience in policy, media and communications.

The report also included the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Role Profile, which states that the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner will assist the Police and Crime Commissioner in all aspects of her work as required, and support the Police and Crime Commissioner in securing an efficient and effective police force, demonstrating value for money, meeting the needs of communities and cutting crime.