According to the PCC, it has responded individually to each of the 74 discrete recommendations, and has been able to accept almost all of the points raised by the review both in letter and in spirit. The result is an agreed framework within which the PCC can develop and improve its structures and processes.
The independent Governance Review was the first in the history of the PCC. In its response, the Commission has set out what its role entails and makes clear the areas of activity against which it should be judged. A re-designed website in 2011 will present complaints information more consistently and in greater detail. An enhanced register, available on the PCC website, will declare not only relevant outside interests of all public Commissioners, but the rules guiding editorial Commissioners when titles in their groups are the subject of complaints. The PCC will publish a document outlining the potential outcomes and sanctions at its disposal and will demonstrate their effectiveness. It has introduced new means of ensuring that action is taken following serious breaches of the Code.
As part of the implementation of the recommendations, Baroness Buscombe, Chairman of the PCC, has appointed public Commissioner Ian Nichol as the Deputy Chairman of the PCC. He is a former partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers, and a Member of the Criminal Cases Review Commission. He joined the PCC in 2006.
Baroness Buscombe (pictured), Chairman of the PCC, said: "Our response focuses on five key areas for the Commission: effectiveness, transparency, accountability, working independence and clarity about our function. We pledge that the work begun by the Governance Review will be continued by the Commission. I am delighted that Ian Nichol has accepted the position of Deputy Chairman. Both Ian and I are determined to ensure that the PCC operates at the optimal level of trust, performance and focus."
Ian Nichol said: "The publication of the Governance Review was a historic moment for the PCC, as it represented an opportunity for us to examine properly what we do, and how we can do it better. I am very happy to play my part in taking that opportunity."
To read the Commission's response, please click here.
The independent review of the PCC's governance was published in July 2010. It can be downloaded here.
The Commission will amend its Articles of Association to take account of the recommendations.
The enhanced register of interests and the explanation of the outcomes and sanctions available to the PCC are available to read in the appendices of the report. They have also been published on the PCC website here and here.
