National transparency award for Commissioner's office

For the second year running, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk (OPCCN) has received a prestigious national award for openness and transparency.

The OPCCN is one of a handful of Police and Crime Commissioners’ offices to receive the 2016/17 Quality Mark for Transparency from CoPaCC - a national organisation which monitors police governance.

Based in Wymondham, the OPCCN supports and promotes the work of the PCC for Norfolk. The Quality Mark, presented by CoPaCC's Bernard Rix, was collected by Chief Executive Mark Stokes and PCC Lorne Green on behalf of the OPCCN.

Recognised for its continued good practice, such as live tweeting key meetings and producing easy-read versions of important information, the OPCCN also produced a video in the run-up to the May 2016 elections, viewed by thousands online and used nationally to explain the role and responsibilities of PCCs.

Receiving the award, OPCCN Chief Executive Mark Stokes said: “This award is very much for the team at the OPCCN and recognises their hard work in making sure the office is open and transparent. This year we faced the added challenge of the PCC elections and transition between Commissioners but, despite being small in number, we continue to push boundaries, being innovative and engaging in interesting and accessible ways to spread the word about the role and work of Norfolk’s PCC.

“We’re delighted to be receiving this award for the second year running. It evidences that we don’t stand still, we keep learning and improving, and we know there is always more to do.”

PCC Lorne Green said: “This award confirms what I’ve known for a while now – that the team at OPCCN is a top performing one, highly-regarded both locally and nationally for what it does.

“I want to congratulate the office on being awarded this latest accolade. The team deserves my admiration and respect, and I am proud to be working with them.”

Awarding a total of 13 Quality Marks at an event in London today, CoPaCC Chief Executive Bernard Rix said: “These OPCCs have all demonstrated that they are transparent in what they do, meeting relevant legal requirements. They present key information in an accessible format on their websites and I congratulate them all on their good work.

"I look forward to what I trust will be continued excellent work by each and every one of them in this area.”

For more information about CoPaCC, visit www.policinginsight.com