Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, Kate Green, Professor Dame Robina Shah, and Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham
Safer Stronger Deputy Mayor Police + Fire

New independent chair of the Greater Manchester Ethics Committee appointed


  • New independent chair of the Greater Manchester Ethics Committee appointed
  • Professor Dame Robina Shah appointed to advise Deputy Mayor Kate Green and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) on the complex dilemmas that policing faces in the modern world
  • Ethics Committee first of it's kind when it was set up in 2014

A new independent chair of the Greater Manchester Ethics Committee, which looks into ethical policing decisions, has been appointed.

Professor Dame Robina Shah will Chair the Greater Manchester Ethics Committee which advises Deputy Mayor Kate Green and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) on the complex dilemmas that policing faces in the modern world.

When first established in 2014 the Greater Manchester Ethics Committee was the first of its type in the country due to its wide-ranging remit and GMP’s commitment to giving access to their systems and people, all with the aim of building trust and public confidence in policing. 

The committee decides which issues it wants to consider, as well has having issues referred in by both GMP and the Deputy Mayor. Members of the public can raise issues with the committee - but it does not consider individual complaints about police.

Robina was born in Chorlton-cum-Hardy and went on to complete her graduate and postgraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Manchester. She is a Consultant Chartered Psychologist and Professor of Pyschosocial Medicine and Medical Education at Manchester Medical School. Robina has held an extensive public service portfolio across Greater Manchester, current roles include Non-Executive Director (Vice Chair) Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, former roles Non-Executive Director of Manchester Football Association, Chair, Seashell Trust, Chair, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust and Lay Magistrate, Manchester City Bench.

She has national leadership roles with the Football Association, NHS England Assembly, and the High Sheriffs Association.

Robina has also served extensively in civic roles: including Deputy Lieutenant for the County of Greater Manchester and Past High Sheriff. 

Having previously been awarded an MBE in recognition for her research into the experiences of disabled children she was further awarded with the title Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in the 2023 New Year’s Honours list for services to patient care.

Dame Robina said: "I am delighted to join the Ethics Committee at this crucial time, especially with its focus on integrating and sustaining core principles of ethics in policing. As former Chair of the Professional Standards Board at Greater Manchester Police and Board Advisor to the College of Policing, I hope to share this specific experience to further strengthen the Committees role in ensuring independent scrutiny of policing practice, behaviour, and professionalism. It is essential we build and earn trust with all our key stakeholders and therefore active collaboration, partnership and engagement with my colleagues, the police, and the community we serve will be a top priority. 

The committee considers both broad thematic issues - such as discrimination, safe drug use, and surveillance - and practical day-to-day issues, such as the use of body-worn cameras by police officers.

The ethics committee represents the Mayor’s and Deputy Mayor’s explicit and public commitment to transparent, ethical policing in Greater Manchester that is subjected to rigorous independent scrutiny.

Kate Green Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire, said: “We’re delighted to have Dame Robina join us as chair. She will bring a wealth of skills to the role from her wide-ranging experience leading work in complex public sector organisations throughout her career.

“The Ethics Committee helps to ensure that ethics are front and centre of policing in Greater Manchester and I’m sure Dame Robina will drive that approach building on the successful work of outgoing chair Biship David Walker, who we are all extremely grateful to for his dedication.”

The committee is a diverse group of people to try and best represent all our communities in Greater Manchester and there are some board vacancies available. You can find out more about the committee and it’s work here, and apply to join to board Ethics Committee - Greater Manchester Combined Authority (greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk)

Article Published: 25/01/2024 12:09 PM