Martin McGartland

14 March 2018

Dear Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner,

This request is made under the FOIA and for the following information;

1. Was details concerning previous complaints and also allegations of corruption made against Winton Keenen (Martin McGartland cases - which NP PSD refused to record or investigate) disclosed to the panel? Either (a) in writing (b) verbally?

2. Regards part 1, was (will) the existence of the previous complaints and also allegations of corruption against Winton Keenen (Martin McGartland cases) disclosed to the Police and Crime Scrutiny Panel (PCP) at the confirmation hearing ((either in writing and or verbally)?

3. Regards part 1. If yes, were any enquiries made by the panel/s (and or any other person/s) with NP PSD, the IOPC/IPCC?

4. Where, in which what publication/s, was the post of Chief Constable advertised following the departure of Steve Ashman?

5. Regards part 1, I would like copy of the advertisement/s.

6. What were the costs of the advertising?

7. How many applications were received?

8. Of those applicants how many were shortlisted?

9. What are the names of each person on the interviewing panel?

10. Was the decision of the panel to appoint Winton Keenen as chief constable unanimous?

There is a significant public interest in the requested information and as a result I would expect you to be open and transparent while dealing with this matter.

Yours faithfully,

Martin McGartland

Martin McGartland

10 April 2018

Dear Enquiries,

I am not requesting an internal review at this stage.

In your reply you included a link to a page which includes the following information;

"Following the retirement of Chief Constable Steve Ashman on 6th November 2017 I implemented a comprehensive recruitment process to find the new Chief Constable for Northumbria.

The process used for the appointment of the new Chief Constable was in accordance with the requirements of the Act and the College of Policing guidance for the Appointment of Chief Officers published in 2012. This process ensured that there was transparency, openness and accountability. To ensure this I included an independent member on the appointments panel and also included stakeholders from local authorities, businesses and community organisations in the appointment process.

Following extensive advertising of the role nationally through various means which included a personal letter and candidate brochure being sent to all current Chief Constables and Deputy Chief Constables, one application for the position was received from Mr Winton Keenen who was the Temporary Chief Constable of Northumbria Police.

An extensive appointment process was undertaken to test candidate’s ability with each stage of the process explained below:

Formal Online Application
Potential candidates had to complete a formal application form as for any job, which included past experience and specific questions relating to the role and the challenges faced by Northumbria Police.

Application Shortlisting
As only one application for the role was received who met the criteria, this application went forward.

Stakeholder Engagement Process
The role of Chief Constable is an important role, which has a wider impact beyond the direct delivery of policing services. Given the Chief Constable is an important public figure and whose role has impact beyond the direct delivery of police services, the selection process was designed to provide an opportunity for a wide range of stakeholders to meet the shortlisted candidate and provide a valuable input to assist in selecting the preferred candidate. The event allowed the panel to interact with the candidate and assess their understanding of the issues and questions posed. Each group summarised their views and feedback at the end of their session.

Leaders of local authorities, Fire and Rescue and CPS across Northumbria area, community and voluntary sector leads were approached and asked to nominate suitable representation to participate in a stakeholder event. There was an encouraging response in the region of twenty representatives nominated providing a wide and diverse representation.

Two stakeholder groups were formed, representing the public sector, and Community and Voluntary communities.

The stakeholder event took place on Monday 5th March 2018 followed by the panel interview. The groups interviewed the shortlisted candidate for up to 45 minutes, questioning him on police and community safety issues of relevance and importance to them as stakeholders. It was evident throughout the event that the groups had embraced this opportunity and all stakeholders actively participated in the sessions.

Following the stakeholder panel’s feedback and observations on the candidate’s performance this was then provided to the Police and Crime Commissioner for consideration.

Formal Interview and Presentation
Following the Stakeholder engagement process Mr Keenan was invited to attend a formal interview and presentation to the Police and Crime Commissioner and interview panel made up of Dee Collins, Chief Constable West Yorkshire Police, Mr Nick Hall, Regional Chief Executive, Cumbria & Lancs, South Yorkshire and Northumbria Community Rehabilitation Company (Independent Member of the panel) and Mr Mike Tait, Director of Finance and ICT for Northumbria Police. HR advice for the panel was provided by Lesley Anne Knowles, Head of HR for Northumbria Police.

The presentation and interview was structured around a 30 minute presentation and 6 pre-agreed questions. The candidate was given the presentation topic upon arrival and allowed one hour to prepare. A detailed selection exercise was carried out and lasted approximately one and half hours.

Throughout the formal interview each panel member was free to challenge and test the candidate. All panel members kept notes and at the end of the interview the panel drew upon these notes to assist in assessing the performance of the candidate and agreed a score against each question / presentation.

Panel Assessment
The Panel used the following criteria to assess Mr Keenen at each stage of the process:

The selection criterion used to assess the suitability of candidates for the role of Chief Constable is summarised below:

Intelligent, creative and informed policing
Resolute, compassionate and committed
Inclusive, enabling and visionary leadership
Working relationship with PCC
Continued Professional Development (CPD)
The candidate was scored at the end of the formal interview on a scale of 0 (no evidence) through to 4 (very strong) against each of the structured questions and presentation. The interview panel agreed a minimum expected score before the interviews commenced.

Mr Winton Keenen scored highly during this process and it was the consensus of the interview panel that he was the suitable candidate for the position.

He demonstrated through his application form, engagement with key stakeholders and throughout his formal interview that he has the requisite depth of operational experience coupled with the desired leadership qualities, skills and ability to lead Northumbria Police in the future.

Police and Crime Panel Confirmation Hearing
Following the recruitment process as discussed above, the Commissioner proposed the appointment of Mr Winton Keenen as Chief Constable of Northumbria Police to the Police and Crime Panel on 26th March 2018.

At this meeting the Police and Crime Panel formally agreed the appointment of Mr Winton Keenen as Chief Constable of Northumbria Police. You can read a copy of the Police and Crime Panel Appointment report by clicking on the following link Report and recommendations to the Police and Crime Commissioner on Chief Constable appointment"

The information I requested has not been disclosed. The details, as above, do not answer my request. Also, the above text includes;

"Following the retirement of Chief Constable Steve Ashman on 6th November 2017 I implemented a comprehensive recruitment process to find the new Chief Constable for Northumbria." ... "Following extensive advertising of the role nationally through various means which included a personal letter and candidate brochure being sent to all current Chief Constables and Deputy Chief Constables......"

"I" being Ms Baird? Your reply includes; "No information held, process undertaken by Northumbria Police HR Department."

I would also like to know which part, if any, of the recruitment process - to find the new Chief Constable for Northumbria -was PCC Baird, her office involved with?

Part 7 of my request has not been answered. I asked; How many applications were received? The page you linked me to states; "Application Shortlisting As only one application for the role was received who met the criteria, this application went forward."

As above, part 10 of my request has not been answered, 10. Was the decision of the panel to appoint Winton Keenen as chief constable unanimous?

I would also like you to disclose full details regards the "criteria" that had to be met as part of the recruitment process for new Chief Constable for Northumbria?

Please also disclose copies of the each personal letter and copy of candidate brochure that Ms Baird, her office sent to "all current Chief Constables and Deputy Chief Constables"

Yours sincerely,

Martin McGartland

Martin McGartland

Dear Kevin Payne,

You have stated in your reply that; 2 - "There was numerous expressions of interest, one formal application was received."

Would PCC, OPCC Northumbria clarify what is meant by;

(a) "numerous expressions of interest"

(b) if the "one formal application was received" was the application of Winton Keenen?

I am very concerned that Vera Baird is not being either open or transparent with the public concerning a matter (recruitment of new Chief Constable) by her ignoring (and refusing) to supply information and documents that are in the public interest.

I am once again requesting that Vera Baird answer my FOI request and also supply me with the recorded information that I have been requesting relating to this matter;

In reply to parts 1, 2, 3 of my 14 March 2018 FOI request Vera Baird, OPCC Northumbria replied "No Information held". Those parts of my request have not been answered at all. You will note that those parts of my request include if information, details concerning allegations of corruption made against Winton Keenen were ; "disclosed to the panel? Either (a) in writing (b) verbally"?

It is my understanding that such information should be disclosed.

Did Vera Baird disclose such information, details to the panel?

4. Where, in which publication/s, was the post of Chief Constable advertised following the departure of Steve Ashman? Regards this part of the request I would also like;

- Copies of all advertisement/s

- The costs of the advertisement/s. Please supply copies of all invoices.

I would remind you that Vera Baird, OPCC Northumbria have been claiming; "Following extensive advertising of the role nationally through various means which included a personal letter and candidate brochure being sent to all current Chief Constables and Deputy Constables...."+

In part 8 of my request I asked; Of those applicants how many were shortlisted? Given that Ms Baird has now confirmed, as result of my FOI request, that ;"one formal application was received." Please clarify if any shortlisting process was ever carried out, or required, as above, when there was only one application ? Reading between the lines (as Ms Baird and her OPCC is not being very clear or open) it would appear that it was a case of Winton Keenen - Me, Myself and I, and no other applicant/s - can. It begs the question..... was there any need for panel etc. It was a one horse race?

I would like to add to my FOI request. If you would rather deal with it as a new request I am happy for you to do so. However, such requests made by me in the past have been dealt with at same time.

Under the FIOA I am requesting following information and documents (please supply copies of originals);

001: What is the total cost of the recruitment process for new Chief Constable of Northumbria Police?

002: Please supply a detailed breakdown of all amounts, payments which relate to 001 above.

003: Please supply a details of all, any payments (claimed or paid for whatever reason... including but not limited to expenses, travel, accommodation. mileage, allowances, fees, loss of earnings etc ) which are linked, connected to the recruitment process (for new Chief Constable of Northumbria Police) and to:

a. Dee Collins (Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police)
b. PCC Vera Baird
c. Mr Mick Hall
d. Mr Mike Tait
e. Lesley Anne Knowles
f. Winton Keenen
g. All/any other person/s

004: Please supply full details of the 6 pre-agreed questions.

004. You have disclosed a copy of one letter dated 24 January 2018 which was sent to Chief Constable of Hampshire Constabulary by Joscelin Lawson. PCC Baird, OPCC Northumbria have stated, as above, that; "... which included a personal letter and candidate brochure being sent to all current Chief Constables and Deputy Constables..." I would also like the following documents (copies of originals) and information;

a. Copies of all letters sent to "current Chief Constables and Deputy Constables";

And, I would like to now;

b. if Ms Joscelin Lawson has - at any state - raised and or recorded any issues concerning possible conflict of interest so far as Winton Keenen is concerned? If so, [please supply full details as well as copies of all recorded information and documents.

005. Please disclose copies of all correspondence (copies of originals) between PCC Baird, OPCC Northumbria and;

a. Dee Collins (Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police)
b. PCC Vera Baird
c. Mr Mick Hall
d. Mr Mike Tait
e. Lesley Anne Knowles
f. Winton Keenen
g. All/any other person/s

This part of the request is for everything, all recorded information, that relates to the recruitment process (for new Chief Constable of Northumbria Police) and also Winton Keenen. It must include all letters, emails, phone, meetings notes (and minutes) etc.

005. Of all of the ""current Chief Constables and Deputy Constables." that PCC Baird - others on her behalf (including Joscelin Lawson) how many many replied?

Yours sincerely,

Martin McGartland

Martin McGartland

18 May 2018

Dear Kevin Payne,

Thank you for your reply.

This is a request for an internal review on the grounds that;

1. This request has serious purpose and or value to the public, the tax payer who funded the recruitment process of new CC of Northumbria Police.

2. Vera Baird / her staff are failing to be open or transparent with the public, taxpayer when it concerns public funds. Has Vera Baird, her staff got something to hide?

3. That the request is not, could not be regarded as vexatious. And the false claims being made against me by Vera Baird and her staff of the request being vexatious are due to their attempts to cover up requested information that the public is entitled to from a public servant.

4. That Vera Baird, her staff are making false and damaging claims about me - when there is no evidence - of "campaign against the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner". And, false claims - total Lies - of a "campaign" by me against "Northumbria Police and its senior officers". Vera Baird, her office are well aware of the serious corruption by NP, some of its senior officers concerning me, my cases. Vera Baird has turned a blind-eye to it since she became PCC. What I am doing is exposing the serious corruption in her force.

5. The request would not take anywhere near 18 hours to answer. This too, I say, is an abuse of FOIA by Vera Baird, her staff to cover up information that has been requested. Information that the public, taxpayer have a right to know.

6. My request could not be regarded as a misuse of this process. Moreover, it can be shown that Vera Baird, her staff are abusing and misusing FOIA by failing to dealt with information requests and by relying on exemptions that do not apply.

Vera Baird, her staff are claiming that; "... the recruitment process is subject to audit and should anyone believe that the proper procedure has not been followed, a suitable complaint should be
made." There is no evidence at all, even after information requests have been made, that recruitment process was properly followed. Vera Baird, her staff are refusing to disclose information relating to it.

The claim; "Despite efforts to provide you information, you have remained dissatisfied with responses supplied to you." is also false. Very little or no information that I requested has been disclosed.

Regards; "Whilst a requestor cannot normally be classed as vexatious, the history of
a requestor can be a contributing factor when considering whether a request can fairly be classed as vexatious. This is certainly relevant in this case." You would say that. People who have something to hide, I say, will do and or say anything.

So far as; "You have submitted numerous requests both to the OPCC and to Northumbria
Police and many of your requests level unfounded accusations at public authorities and staff. Your requests also appear to be sent in a “scatter-gun” effort to fish for information to try to obtain some kind of
data to score points against the Office of the Police Commissioner." is concerned ... a, Requests I have made to other public authorities is none of your concern. And is in no way connected to the matter in hand. b, "unfounded accusations at public authorities and staff" this too is false, another lie, Unlike Vera Baird, her staff I have evidence to back up each every claim / statement I have ever made. Vera Baird, her staff need to include evidence to back up such lies and false claims. Put up or shut up. I trust that this WILL be dealt with in your reply to this internal review? Or don't lie about me and make false / damaging claims when you have no evidence at all.

This request can not be claimed to be "manifestly unjustified, inappropriate and
an improper use of a formal procedure. And, according to Vera Baird and her staff, my request It can therefore be classed as "vexatious" in accordance with Section 14(1) of the Act and accordingly no
response is required to be supplied.

It should be noted that no such "vexatious" claim was made by Vera Baird, her staff when they first dealt with my request. No, the first was when I push for answers on difficult questions. And when I asked for information regards costs, amounts spent. It all looks very much as if this is an abuse of FOIA to cover up requested information.

By the way Vera Baird, the former QC, you will be well aware that no one (including you new CC - Winton Keenen - has at anytime ever attempted to take any type of action (including Legal action) against me.; Why is that, if according to you - your staff, "unfounded accusations" have been made against them by me. You know the reason is because every statement I have made is based on the truth (facts and evidence).

You have ended by stating; "Please note that following this response, requests on this and related
matters will be classed as vexatious and no acknowledgement or response will be provided." Please explain what you mean by; "requests on this and related matters will be classed as vexatious". Do you mean any requests I make to Vera Baird, OPCC for information concerning amounts spent which are funded by the public?

Yours sincerely,

Martin McGartland

Dear Kevin Payne,

For your information and further to my internal review request ..... and because you included the following; "Please note that following this response, requests on this and related matters will be classed as vexatious and no acknowledgement or response will be provided." in your reply... I have this evening made a complaint to the ICO concerning this request.

Yours sincerely,

Martin McGartland

Dear Enquiries,

The malicious and false (lies) of my requests being "vexatious"(copied from Corrupt Northumbria Police replies( are being used )to cover up failings by Vera "Turn a Blind-Eye" Baird as well as for reasons of embarrassment. Put simply Vera Baird and her office (who are required to hold CC to account) are covering up details about complaints made against Winton Keenen. The public, the rate payers (who fund it) have a right to know information about such complaints . Vera Braid and her staff should not be covering up such information.

For the record the and in reply to the following Lie; " However when considered in context, your request can fairly be seen as a further attempt by you to seek information in the hope of finding something that may be of use in your efforts to target senior officers within Northumbria Police. You have used the Freedom of Information Act to attempt to further a campaign against Northumbria Police and its Officers and more recently you have also focused on the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner."

I am doing nothing more than exposing and highlighting serious corruption in my cases (including my attempted murder and smear cases). Vera Baird has turned a blind eye to that corruption in her force and has done so since she came into office as PCC. Vera Baird and her staff are simply repeat the NP false and malicious lies about me.

Yours sincerely,

Martin McGartland