Guidance for Local Returning Officers administering a Police and Crime Commissioner election in England and Wales

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Local Returning Officer - skills and knowledge

You should have a working knowledge of the legislation governing the conduct of the election. This means that, in addition to having a clear understanding of your statutory functions, you should have an overview of what the legislation contains and an understanding of how it affects the administration of the election, so that you can review, question where necessary, and quality-assure the whole process.

There are management responsibilities attached to your role. For example:

  • commanding the required staff and resources to deliver a well-run election 
  • draw in the necessary support, skills and expertise from across your own local authority
  • overseeing the planning, project management and risk management of the election and incorporate any lessons learnt from previous polls
  • identifying and oversee any actions necessary to mitigate any issues arising
  • ensuring that staff are appropriately trained to deliver the roles required of them
  • supporting the staff administering the election and provide appropriate oversight of their work
  • providing direction to staff, monitoring progress and receiving regular feedback on activities
  • if you are not also the PARO, maintain an effective working relationship with the PARO
  • if you are not also the ERO, maintain an effective working relationship with them  
  • maintaining an effective working relationship with your police Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
  • ensuring that election accounts are completed in a timely manner
Last updated: 26 May 2023