A NEW Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, was confirmed at a meeting of the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Panel yesterday.

Following a recruitment process, Joel Charles is the Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, and Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst MBE was on hand to welcome him to the position.

This is a key role in enabling effective partnership working across the county. Joel will work closely with a wide range of partners, actively contributing to partnership boards, community initiatives and stakeholder forums, and supporting the collective delivery of the Police and Crime Plan and the Fire and Rescue Plan.

Joel brings wide-ranging experience across public protection, community safety, policy development and partnership working at both local and national level.

Commenting following the decision of the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Panel to back his appointment at yesterday’s confirmation hearing, Joel Charles said: “It is an honour to be appointed the Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, supporting the work of two key blue light public services. First responders run towards danger to keep us safe. They are the best of us.

“We are living through a period of significant change in Essex. New police reforms, local government reorganisation and the sharp focus on building fire regulations are just some of the issues that will have a material impact on public safety in the future. It will be important to maintain continuity, supporting the delivery of existing community safety, criminal justice and fire prevention initiatives, particularly during the upcoming transitional period in local leadership.

“I am working with the Commissioner to make sure Essex is a safe, secure and prosperous county.”

Joel is a Councillor on Harlow District Council, where he has served as Cabinet Member for Public Protection. He previously held the roles of Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member responsible for Business and Community Resilience in the period following the Covid-19 pandemic. 

In recent years, Joel served as the Cabinet Member for Public Protection on Harlow Council, and in this capacity was an active member of Safer Essex and wider community safety partnerships.

Before entering local government, Joel worked in Parliament as a Senior Parliamentary Assistant to Sir Julian Brazier and was part of the executive team that established the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners. During this time, he acted as Secretary to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Policing.

Joel also has more than ten years’ experience in senior leadership roles across the charitable and private sectors. His career includes director-level positions in policy, communications, public affairs and government relations, as well as serving as Deputy Chief Executive of a health and social care think tank.

Alongside his professional roles, Joel continues to serve as a charitable trustee and has worked closely with youth charities in Harlow to develop educational opportunities aimed at diverting young people away from county lines involvement. He has also supported initiatives to improve mental health and wellbeing within the youth justice sector.

Jane Gardner, the previous DPFCC, retired in December, following an incredible 43 years of public service and nearly a decade at the PFCC office. For more: Essex Pays Tribute to Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Jane Gardner on her retirement – News – Essex PFCC