THERE is a chance for someone from Ludlow and south Shropshire or Tenbury and the Teme Valley to serve as an independent lay co-opted member of the West Mercia Police and Crime Panel for a four-year term.

The panel covers the geographical areas of Shropshire, Herefordshire, Telford and Wrekin and Worcestershire. Support for the Panel is provided by Worcestershire County Council.

The panel is part of the governance arrangements for policing in the West Mercia area. Its role is to maintain a regular check and balance on the performance of the directly-elected West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner.

The role of the panel member is an important and demanding one. The commitment required from a panel member will vary but is expected to average one day a month, including preparation time. Meetings will generally be held during normal working hours at County Hall in Worcester.

All panel members can claim a reasonable amount for travelling and subsistence expenses and will receive induction and other appropriate training. This is not a paid position.

Applicants must be resident in or work within the West Mercia police force area.