31 March 2021
On Thursday 6th May, voters will be turning out to elect Dorset Police's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC). PCCs are elected representatives who are responsible for setting out police force budgets, ensuring the force is efficient and effective, and providing a link between communities and police. The latest candidate to announce is Green Party’s Claire Seymour who will be the Green Party’s first candidate nominated for the role, and Dorset’s second ever female candidate.
"I believe that communities deserve the highest level of security, safety and service, and I am committed to providing just that.” Claire comments: “I will bring a fresh perspective and a strong stance on issues that affect everyone. My priority is to keep Dorset communities safe, and my plan revolves around my eight pledges.”
Claire’s eight pledges include tackling domestic abuse and sexual violence, preventing crime and anti-social behaviour, building inclusive communities, supporting victims and witnesses, protecting those within our community most at risk of harm, supporting police officers, staff and volunteers, investing in innovation, and creating a sustainable police force with a focus on improving financial efficiency.
In her current role, Claire is the strategic lead for the Anti-Social Behaviour Service for a large housing association, and works closely with partners across the Police, the NHS, community mental health teams, local authorities, social services, the fire service, probation services and charities to keep communities safe. The role has given her valuable experience for this nomination as she explains: “I provide solutions and guidance to customers, stakeholders and communities to resolve complex anti-social behaviour cases, ensuring safeguarding is a priority and to deliver community safety strategies. I provide a voice for the under-represented and under-served and bring together public services to deal with the challenges that communities face every day.”
Claire has a long background in local volunteering, and has gained valuable experience with Victim Support, Hampshire Police as a Police Special Constable, Dorset Police as a Media Tone Analyst, and Together We Can Volunteer for Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. She currently sits on Hampshire Safeguarding Adults Board, South West Domestic Abuse Forum, Dorset's Domestic Abuse Forum, and one of Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner's Scrutiny Panels.
“As the Green Party Police and Crime Commissioner Candidate, I'm here to work with the Police and partner agencies to help bring about positive change. I want to utilise my skills in understanding communities, housing, and policing to support and represent the local community and I also want to bring a modern approach to managing and governing public services. My background and education in Public Services inspired me to be a fair, transparent voice to represent all people, so I'm here to listen and take action to help drive forward improvements that can make a real impact on keeping our area a safe place to live."
