HC Deb 02 November 2000 vol 355 cc594-5W
Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 23 October 2000,Official Report, column 16W, on the police service, on what date the Chief Constable initiated the review of the RUC appraisal system to take account of human rights performance; who was instructed to take charge of this review; what is this officer's rank; and what are the terms of reference of the review. [135823]

Mr. Ingram

A review of the current appraisal system commenced in the autumn of 1999. Since the spring of 2000, the review has been widened to take account of Patten's recommendations. The review is proceeding in tandem with the work of the national appraisal group and the revised system will incorporate human rights issues. The Assistant Chief Constable, Personnel and Training, has overall responsibility for this work and in addition to considering the human rights issues, is undertaking periodic reviews to address the following areas:

  1. (a) the general effectiveness of the appraisal system;
  2. (b) that the interviews and forms are being completed in accordance with the timetable;
  3. (c) that the policing priorities agreed by the appraisee and appraiser are consistent with local and strategic objectives;
  4. (d) the quality of the completed forms;
  5. (e) the quality of the development plans;
  6. (f) that appropriate procedures are in place, both at headquarters and at local level, to deal with those matters which arise from the process;
  7. (g) the perception of all those involved in the process in terms of openness, fairness and value.

Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 23 October 2000,Official Report, column 13W, if he will place a copy of the revised conduct regulations for the police in the Library. [135804]

Mr. Ingram

Copies of all the new regulations pertaining to the Royal Ulster Constabulary and covering conduct, complaints and appeals have now been placed in the Library of the House.

Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 23 October 2000,Official Report, column 19W, what representations he has received concerning possible venues for annual conferences of police services north and south of the Border; what dates are being considered for the first such conference; and if this conference will be open to attendance by (a) the Police Ombudsman, (b) the Human Rights Commission, (c) the Equality Commission, (d) nongovernmental organisations and (e) the press. [135731]

Mr. Ingram

I have nothing to add to my previous answer.