Chief Constable Richard Lewis was appointed on a Fixed Term Appointment (FTA) starting on 29 April 2019.
The contract runs for five years to 29 April 2024.
At the time of appointment, both the PCC and Chief Constable recognised the importance to Cleveland’s public of exceptional strategic leadership. They also felt there needed to be long-term stability in the role.
In June 2019, the PCC issued a Strategic Direction. Among other matters, it requires the Chief Constable to deliver a Strategic Assessment of the force.
In addition, the Chief Constable must deliver a plan to address the changes needed. This was to restore the force to sound operational and corporate health. Mr Lewis has done so.
In the public interest
We have discussed — and I have considered — an extension to his FTA. The PCC feels it is in the public interest to offer to extend the term to the maximum permitted by law. That is, three further years. Mr Lewis accepted that offer.
Mr Lewis has further agreed to the following:
- In accordance with my Strategic Direction, a shared vision will be embedded in respect of openness, transparency and effective co-working between Cleveland Police and the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner. This will underpin good governance and form the basis of an enhanced ability for the current and future PCC to hold Cleveland Police to account in the public interest.
- He will deliver a regular review of the Chief Constable’s Strategic Assessment. He will provide an annual report to the Police & Crime Commissioner.
- The Chief Constable’s personal Performance and Development Review objectives will be aligned with the Road to Improvement and the Strategic Assessment. This will allow the PCC to hold the Chief Constable personally and corporately to account for the delivery of the unprecedented range of improvements necessary in the Force.
Accordingly, this Decision Record Form records the decision to extend the FTA in respect of Chief Constable Lewis, to expire on 29 April 2027.