is
an experienced senior leader in the policing and fire
sectors. For nearly nine years, she has been the
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) for North
Yorkshire, during a period of substantial change and
challenge. She will stand down from her role as PFCC on
13 May.
Julia has held a number of national roles, including
six years as a Director of the Association of Police
and Crime Commissioners (APCC), the national body for
Police and Crime Commissioners. Her national portfolios
included Transparency and Integrity, and joint lead for
Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, as well
as co-chairing the APCC’s Race Disparity Working Group.
In May 2020, Julia was appointed as a Non-Executive
Director of the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority,
which works to protect vulnerable and exploited
workers. She is also a member of Dame Sara Thornton’s
Advisory Panel which provides support and advice to the
Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, and a member of
the national Fire Standards Board. Julia has a keen
interest in supporting victims and vulnerable people,
which is reflected in her role as Chair of Independent
Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS), one of the largest
specialist domestic abuse charities in the North of
England.
said:
I’d like to thank the Home Secretary for placing her
confidence in me. Having served nearly nine years as
a Police and Crime Commissioner, taking on the role
of independent Chair represents a change in
direction, but one in which I can continue to use my
skills and experience to support policing.
The PABEW considers important matters, and I’d like
to extend my thanks to out-going Chair, Elizabeth
France for her excellent work, as well as to the
secretariat for their expertise and support. Looking
ahead, we have a lot of work to do, which will need
very careful consideration as the impact will be
lasting. Getting things right for both the police
workforce and public is important, as it will help
put policing in the best possible position to
continue its critical work of cutting crime and
protecting the public.
The role of the PABEW is to advise the Home Secretary
about matters such as recruitment, diversity and
collaboration between forces affecting the police in
England and Wales. The PABEW was established as a
non-departmental public body under section 46 of the
Police Act 1964, now section 63 of the Police Act 1996.
The Chair of the Board oversees several statutory
functions including:
- advising the Home Secretary on general questions
affecting the police in England and Wales
- considering draft regulations on matters other than
hours of duty, leave, pay and allowance such as the
issue, use and return of police clothing, personal
equipment and accoutrements
- considering draft regulations related to pensions
under section 1 of the Police Pensions Act 1976
- establishing the Scheme Advisory Board (SAB) for
the Police Pension Schemes, in accordance with s7 of
the Public Service Pensions Act 2013
It may also consider any matter relating to conditions
of service and any other matter affecting the police
which has been referred to it by the Secretary of
State.
Julia has been appointed for 3 years from 16 April
2021.
