Decision details

The Programme Challenger Board is the executive function of the Programme Challenger partnership in Greater Manchester. Membership of the Challenger Board comprises senior managers from key partners from the public and third sectors. The Challenger Board scrutinises partnership progress against the implementation of the Greater Manchester Serious and Organised Crime strategy and provides strategic assistance to the Programme Challenger partnership in respect of delivery of the Challenger action plan.

The Board directs the activity of its working groups and monitors activity of other governance groups that report into the Board. Members commit to ensuring that the work of Challenger features on other strategic and executive partnership boards across Greater Manchester, including safeguarding boards and community safety partnerships across the ten districts.

In 2023, the board underwent a review and one of the recommendations arising was to recruit a dedicated independent chair to drive its agenda. A competitive tender process was run, and Elizabeth Jenkins was recruited into the role for a fixed term period of 2 years. Elizabeth is a senior solicitor with a wealth of experience, and the Programme Challenger team- and wider board- wish to retain Elizabeth for a further 2 years

GMCA Safer & Stronger Communities (Programme Challenger team) wish to recommission Elizabeth Jenkins as independent chair of the Programme Challenger Executive Board for a further 2 years from June 2025 to June 2027. This recommission would be via a new 2 year contract to commence upon expiry of the current 2 year contract. Costs for the 2 year contract will be the same as the previous contract; £20,400.