Police and Crime Panel offers unanimous support for the Commissioner’s Deputy PCC re-appointment

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Panel have offered their undivided support for the Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones to re-appoint her Deputy, Mr Terry Norton, following a confirmation hearing on Wednesday 31 July.

Mr Norton was first appointed by the Commissioner in April 2022. Following the panel’s decision this week, Mr Norton will continue to hold the role for another four years.

Speaking after the outcome of the panel, Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones said: “I’m delighted the panel has approved Terry to remain as my deputy. He has offered me his unwavering support over the last two and half years and I’m pleased he will continue to do so in my second term.

“I rely on dedicated members of staff in my office to help me represent the two million people that reside in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. The role of the deputy is a key part of that effort and having him to support me means I am not only able to fulfil my statutory obligations which is what the public expect, I am also able to go above and beyond to deliver a best-in-class police force and tackle issues in the criminal justice system.”

Before joining the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner in April 2022, Mr Norton was a curriculum and pastoral leader in secondary education which rooted his passion for working with young people, a drive that has propelled his career.

After teaching, Terry served as an elected member for Portsmouth City Council as Opposition Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education. He also served on the Education, Children & Young People Scrutiny Panel and the Education Advisory Board.

The Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner carries out a range of functions on behalf of the Commissioner in addition to youth engagement. The deputy is also required to analyse force performance, legitimacy and take a lead role in conducting scrutiny panels on the Commissioner’s behalf. The role acts as a conduit between the OPCC and Health partners to champion the public health response to crime and safety. The deputy also regularly works with local residents and partner organisations to ensure the Commissioner receives and responds to community feedback.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Terry Norton said: “I am very much looking forward to continuing to support the Commissioner and the wider OPCC team to deliver the Commissioner’s priorities for the public.

“Through appropriate and timely scrutiny and public engagement, I will ensure I assist the Commissioner to deliver a best-in-class police force.

“Moreover, I will continue to advocate the voices of young people in policing and the wider criminal justice system to ensure organisations are set up to serve them now and in the future.”

The Chair of the Police and Crime Panel for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Councillor Karen Lucioni, said: “As the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner is extensive and demanding, the appointment of Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner was carefully considered by the Panel when making its decision at our confirmation hearing today, not least as the Deputy’s role includes a primary focus on scrutiny and partnerships, and engaging with key stakeholders such as councillors and Members of Parliament, who play an important role in representing and informing local communities and residents.

“Along with a background in local government and public services, the Panel heard evidence of the candidate’s experience in enhancing services for young people and of engaging with residents to understand their views on policing. Following robust questioning of the candidate, the Panel unanimously determined to recommend the appointment of Terry Norton to the position of Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner.”