Scrutineer thanked after more than a decade of service
A scrutineer who has provided assurance to the Police and Crime Commissioner and Chief Constable in Nottinghamshire for more than a decade has been thanked for his years of service.
Father of three Stephen Charnock, who has been the Chair of the Joint Independent Audit Committee (JIAC) since it was formed in 2013, recently attended his final feedback meeting with Nottinghamshire’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Angela Kandola, and Nottinghamshire Police’s Temporary Chief Constable Steve Cooper.
Stephen was thanked for his efforts during his 12-year stint and rewarded with a token of appreciation to mark his commitment to the role at Joint Headquarters in Arnold.
Having served in the Royal Air Force for 34 years prior to retirement and subsequently taking on the role of JIAC chair, the 67-year-old feels an inquisitive mind and willingness to ask challenging questions has been key to his longevity.
He said: “I was always interested in what the Police did so when I saw an advertisement in my local newspaper it seemed like something that would suit me post retirement.
“The role is very important in that as an independent body you are operating for both the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Constable which are two separate entities in their own right.
“It gave me a real insight into what work is going on, and allowed me to make my own opinion based on facts rather than hearsay in the media.
“I will miss it because it was something which my passion genuinely grew for, and that is the reason why I wanted to continue in the role for so long.”
The Joint Independent Audit Committee is a key component of the corporate governance arrangements of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Chief Constable.
The panel meets four times a year and comprises at least four independent members.
The committee has oversight, and provides independent review, of the effectiveness of governance, risk management and control frameworks; financial reporting; and internal and external audit/inspection reports and recommendations.
Central to the Chair’s role is the responsibility to ask constructive questions of both the PCC and the Chief Constable’s staff and officers. The position demands not only a strong grasp of financial and risk management principles but also maintaining an up-to-date knowledge and awareness of national and local policing and crime issues.
It plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency, good governance, and value for public money. The committee serves as a critical friend — challenging where necessary, advising where appropriate, and always acting in the public interest.
Nottinghamshire’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Angela Kandola praised Stephen’s contribution.
She said: “Stephen’s dedication and leadership have been invaluable to ensuring transparency and accountability in Nottinghamshire’s policing.
“Over the past 12 years, he has played a crucial role in overseeing how public funds are spent, while holding the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Constable to the highest standards.
“I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to Stephen for his tireless commitment and exceptional service.”