Cilla Davies has been re-elected for the fourth year running as Chair of the Gwent Police Authority.
Before becoming Chair in 2007, Mrs Davies had been a member of Gwent Police Authority for 6 years, including spending two years as Vice-Chair. She was the first female Chair of Gwent Police Authority and the first female Chair of any Police Authority in Wales.
Mrs Davies comments;
“It is a privilege to be reappointed as Chair – I am delighted.
The Authority has performed well when faced with a number of challenges during my time as Chair, the most notable being the fundamental review and reorganisation of the Force.
Alongside the Chief Constable, we have made some important and often difficult decisions. The results of which have significantly contributed towards achieving future sustainability, and ensuring that a consistently high level of policing is maintained in Gwent.
Following our recent inspection the Authority was congratulated for being one of the highest performing Police Authorities in Wales and indeed across the UK. This is testimony to the good professional relationship that the Authority enjoys with the Force which allows for an open and transparent working relationship. This I believe, enables good governance.
We are a strong team and I would like to thank the members and Authority staff who, led by our Chief Executive, provide invaluable support in an increasingly demanding environment.
Despite recent successes we are far from complacent and are continuing to work hard to uphold good governance and deliver a high performing, citizen focused police service to the people of Gwent.
I am delighted that Mr Robert Derricott has agreed to continue as Vice Chair and thank him for his hard work and support. ”
Steve Thomas, Chief Executive of the WLGA which represents police authorities in Wales stated,
“We are delighted in terms of the strong inspection results which are emerging across Welsh police forces, many of which compare more favourably than results achieved in larger English forces. An excellent police authority plays a clear improvement role in terms of setting strategic direction, scrutinising performance, community engagement and value for money.
In terms of Gwent Police Authority the results of the recent inspection report by Wales Audit Office and Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary confirmed that all these essential building blocks are in place.
In this respect WLGA is delighted to see Cilla Davies reappointed as the chairperson of this Police Authority with her huge insight into the community safety agenda and wider understanding of the importance of working within a devolved context.”
