A RARE opportunity has opened to join a watchdog that guides the police and the fire and rescue service in North Yorkshire and York.

The North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel provides a check to the performance of the county's Crime Commissioner, currently Philip Allott.

The panel’s work includes reviewing the commissioner’s budget, the level of council tax to be set and key appointments.

It comprises ten councillors from the nine local authorities covering North Yorkshire and York.

In addition, it includes two independent members, who are co-opted by the panel, and applications are now open for those independent roles.

The panel is seeking people with the necessary analytical and scrutiny skills, enthusiasm and commitment to bring a fresh, external perspective to its work.

It would welcome not only those with experience in related fields, such as community safety, victim support and criminal justice, but also in areas including health, commissioning, advocacy and other sectors.

Applications are particularly welcome from under-represented groups.

County Council leader Carl Les, who chairs the panel, said: “Following last month’s election, this is an especially exciting time to join the panel as it supports the new commissioner as relationships are developed and contributions made to the future direction of these vital services.

“The role of panel members is important and demanding.

"The co-opted members are an essential component of the panel. They bring a fresh perspective and add valuable experience to the panel.”

Santokh Sidhu is an outgoing co-opted member who joined the panel when it was introduced in 2012 and has served two terms.

In addition to his seat on the panel, he has undertaken a diverse range of roles, including being part of an advisory group to the local police force.

He said: “I would encourage anyone who is interested in the role and who thinks they may have the skills needed to apply.

"Don’t be put off by jargon, acronyms or fancy titles. It is so important to have independent members on the panel who do not have a political background, to complement and reflect back some of the wider views and experiences of those in our communities.” Application forms are at nypartnerships.org.uk/pcprecruit