Bedfordshire Police Authority is currently seeking four independent members to join the nine locally elected councillors and four other independent members of the authority. The appointment is for a period of four years from October 1 2008.

The authority, which has a total of 17 members, is the independent body that oversees local policing. Independent members help strengthen scrutiny of the police service on behalf of local people.

The current chair of the authority, Peter Conniff, is an independent member.

He said: "It's certainly interesting, it can be very challenging and I enjoy the fact that we really can influence local policing delivery.

"We set the targets for the police force and monitor its performance against those targets and, in consultation with the Chief Constable, we prioritise areas for improvement.

"Independent members use their experience, such as a background in finance, health, human resources or IT, to help the authority make informed decisions.

"We therefore hope to receive applications from across the diverse community we serve to ensure that the authority is genuinely representative of the whole community."

The role attracts an annual allowance plus expenses and in return will require a commitment of about ten hours per week. Members are expected to:

attend all Authority meetings and appropriate committees and panels;
participate in public consultation on local policing issues, including evening meetings and public speaking;
keep abreast of developments in both local and national policing
represent the Authority in discussions with interested parties.

To explain the role in more detail the authority is holding two information sessions of about one hour on Monday, June 2 at 2pm and Tuesday, June 3 at 6.45pm.

Anyone wishing to attend should contact Janet Wardell on 01234 842066 or email janet.wardell@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk by Friday, May 30, 2008.

For more information and to apply write or email Bedfordshire Police Authority, Bridgebury House, Woburn Road, Kempston, Bedford, MK43 9AX. www.bedfordshirepoliceauthority.co.uk. Tel: 01234 842066, Email: janet.wardell@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk

The closing date for applications is Friday, 13th June 2008 and the appointments will be announced during the summer.