Agenda item

To elect a Deputy Chairman in accordance with Standing Order No. 30.

The Committee proceeded to elect a Deputy Chairman in accordance with Standing Order No. 30. Simon Duckworth, as the immediate past Chairman, in Common Council and willing to serve, was accordingly declared as the Deputy Chairman for the ensuing year.

Vote of Thanks to the Past Chairman

Deputy Joyce Nash paid tribute to Simon Duckworth, the immediate past Chairman.

resolved UNANIMOUSLY:

          That at the conclusion of his four year term of office as Chairman of the Police Committee, his colleagues wish to express to

SIMON D’OLIER DUCKWORTH, DL

          their sincere thanks and appreciation for his most exceptional dedication to the work of the Police Committee.  

          SIMON has fostered a positive environment for change which has brought about a more modern and dynamic form of policing governance. One key milestone was the introduction of two members from outside the Common Council, thus furthering the Committee’s ability to represent and engage with our business and resident communities. He was also instrumental in driving forward a more rigorous and structured system to monitor and scrutinise the performance of the Force through the creation of more focused and effective Sub-Committees.

HE has provided the Committee with a consistent, reasoned and visionary strategic direction. He played an essential role in the two most recent senior appointments made at the Force, thus shaping the new style of leadership needed to secure the continued delivery of excellent policing services to the Square Mile and the nation. This very aim has been a foremost theme of his Chairmanship, despite the financial and operational challenges faced by the police service during in this testing year for London.

IN this regard, utmost recognition should be given to Simon’s unparalleled commitment to ensure the City remained at the heart of the national policing agenda. His unfailing endeavours to argue the City’s case for protecting our counter-terrorism capability, as well as for consolidating and expanding the Force’s national responsibilities in respect of Economic Crime have been a major step in securing a sustainable position for the Force. With insight and talent, he has built effective relationships with Her Majesty’s Government as well as with a number of crime-fighting agencies. His positioning no doubt influenced his appointment, in 2011, to the strategic management board of the Serious Fraud Office, a key partner to the City of London Police.

HIS skilfulness and competence have indeed been recognised not just within the City, but by others in the policing world. Over the past few years, he has represented the Association of Police Authorities at several national entities overseeing Olympic security preparations. He has also more recently been appointed to assist on the creation of the new body which will represent police and crime commissioners from November 2012.

IN taking leave of him as their Chairman, his colleagues wish to thank Simon for the gracious and energetic way in which he has presided over the meetings during the past four years, for all the accomplishments under his leadership, and wish him much success in his continued service in the City Corporation and in other bodies.

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That it be referred to the Town Clerk to arrange for the Vote of Thanks to be presented in a manner acceptable to the recipient.