THE West Mercia Police and Crime Panel is looking for two members of the public to serve on the panel for four years.

The role of the independent panel member is an important and demanding one - while the commitment required will vary, it is expected to average one day a month.

Meetings will generally be held during normal working hours at locations within the West Mercia policing area - but mainly at County Hall, in Worcester.

The panel is part of the relatively new governance arrangement for policing in the West Mercia area. Its role is to maintain a regular check and balance on the performance of the directly-elected Police and Crime Commissioner.

The role offers residents the chance to review the key strategic actions and decisions taken by the commissioner, including whether the police and crime plan and annual report properly reflects the priorities of community safety partners and the public.

The position is unpaid, but all panel members are able to claim an amount for reasonable travelling expenses and will receive an induction and other appropriate training.

Applications from people with experience in community safety, victim support, criminal justice and related issues would be particularly welcomed.

Applicants must be a resident or work within the West Mercia Police force area.

A recruitment pack is available at worcestershire.moderngov.co.uk/mgCommitteeDetails.aspx?ID=147, which includes further information about the role of the panel, eligibility for co-option and an application form.

The closing date for applications is Thursday, August 18.

For more information, call Simon Mallinson, head of legal and democratic services for Worcestershire County Council on 01905 766670 or smallinson@worcestershire.gov.uk.