24 Feb 2021
For the third year running, the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office has been awarded the Transparency Quality Mark, a sign of high quality standards in relation to transparency of governance structures and information publishing.
Every year since 2013, CoPaCC, the police governance experts, has assessed how offices of police and crime commissioners (OPCCs) fulfil their statutory obligations for transparency as required by the statutory transparency factors contained in The Elected Local Policing Bodies (Specified Information) Order 2011, based on the information delivered through the OPCC websites.
Each year those OPCCs judged as reaching a satisfactory standard are awarded the CoPaCC Open and Transparent Quality Mark. Over the years the process, criteria and rigour of the assessment have been refined and strengthened, to support OPCCs to improve standards of transparency.
OPCCs were assessed during November 2020 and January 2021 with a CoPaCC researcher acting as a ‘mystery shopper’, reviewing websites to determine how Commissioners fulfil their statutory responsibilities. This year, a record number of 39 OPCC's have been awarded the Transparency Quality mark, including the Dyfed-Powys Office of Police and Crime Commissioner.
Dafydd Llywelyn, Police and Crime Commissioner said, “I am delighted to have been awarded this Quality Mark on behalf of the office. Being open and transparent is a key element of the Police and Crime Commissioner role and something that both myself and the Office take very seriously.
“In receiving this Quality Mark for the third year running, you can be confident that I meet my publishing responsibilities. The compliance function within my office ensures that any changes and updates to legislation are acted upon and members of the public have an avenue to request information that we hold.
“As one of 39 OPCCs to be presented with the award, my office has proven that they providetimely, consistent and clear information which demonstrates their commitment to transparency.
Grant Thornton, the leading police assurance provider, sponsors CoPaCC’s Open and Transparent Quality Mark analysis and the associated awards. Paul Grady, Head of Police for Grant Thornton, commented that: “Transparency is an essential part of the democratic process. For the public to be able to gauge how successful their PCC is in delivering their electoral mandate, they need access to information that is accessible, easy to understand and fit for purpose. Grant Thornton is proud to once again be supporting these Transparency Awards and we congratulate all those who have been successful in meeting the standards required.”
ENDS
More information:
Gruff Ifan
Policy and Engagement Advisor
