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Independent Ethics Committee

The Durham Independent Ethics Committee is a forum for discussing ethical dilemmas in relation to policing and for providing advice on those dilemmas to Durham Constabulary.

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The Durham Independent Ethics Committee is a forum for discussing ethical dilemmas in relation to policing and for providing advice on those dilemmas to Durham Constabulary. Members of the Committee act as‘critical friends' to the Force and through this role the Committee seeks to enhance the trust and confidence of the public in the ethical governance and actions of the Force.

In fulfilling these responsibilities, the Committee:

  • Monitors the Force's alignment against its values and the National Police Code of Ethics.
  • Analyses issues and provides advice on ethical dilemmas raised by the Force, by the OPCC, members of the public and members of the Committee.
  • Raises and analyses issues of local and national public interest.
  • Promotes the highest standards of ethical conduct.
  • Provides a source of support to Senior Leaders and others.
  • Interacts with other groups and committees when appropriate (e.g. Independent Complaints Scrutiny Panel, Joint Independent Audit Committee).
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The areas where the Ethics Committee will provide added value include the following examples and agendas will be enhanced to reflect these areas:

Policy and Procedure:

  • Articulate and promote the importance of ethics in all aspects of policing.
  • Provide advice and support as the ‘ethical conscience’ and critical friend of the Force on the development of strategic direction.
  • Influence ethical changes to organisational policies.

Decision Making:

  • Review the decision making of others and provide advice on the ethical nature of both the decision and the process taken to reach it.
  • Provide support to senior leaders on:
  • Defining ethical outcomes.
  • Quality testing of decisions.

Leadership:

  • Anticipate ethical challenges facing the Police service and proffering opinion as to an appropriate way forward.
  • Support and challenge the ethical conduct of leaders.

Culture:

  • Provide advice on whether Force values support the diverse nature of the policing environment.
  • Support the development of the ethical culture of the Force.
  • Influence police culture.

Conduct:

  • Consider potential and actual ethical conflicts in relation to matters such as procurement, hospitality, allowances/expenses and personal association.

The Panel will meet four times per year. (Quarterly)

The terms of reference for this panel can be downloaded here.