Tribute to the Chair of the Thames Valley Police and Crime Panel who passed away last weekend

Cllr Robin Bradburn, the Chair of the Thames Valley Police and Crime Panel, sadly passed away last weekend.

On Friday, 13 September 2024, Robin chaired the meeting of the Panel with his usual characteristic professionalism. He was a staunch advocate for the Police and Crime Panel, taking his role of scrutinising and supporting the Police and Crime Commissioner very seriously. His even-handed approach in chairing meetings and his thorough questioning earned him the respect of the Police and Crime Commissioner and all Panel Members.

Robin was dedicated to representing the residents of Milton Keynes and the Thames Valley, striving to improve community safety and prevent crime and disorder.

As Chair, his notable achievements included pushing for the formation of auxiliary Task and Finish Groups which are in place to bring about additional scrutiny on critical issues such as Violence Against Women and Girls, Road Safety, Anti-Social Behaviour and Internet Fraud. These groups conduct in-depth scrutiny into critical areas and produce reports with recommendations submitted to the Police and Crime Panel, and then onto the Police and Crime Commissioner for his consideration and recommended adoption.

Robin became Chair of the Panel in June 2023, after serving as an active Member since June 2018.

His experience, passion, and drive will be deeply missed.

Reading Borough Council’s Cllr Karen Rowland, Vice Chair of the Thames Valley Police and Crime Panel had this to add:

“The news of Robin’s passing over the weekend was deeply upsetting to myself, members of the Panel and indeed everyone who has the privilege of working with him over his years of service.

“Robin truly embodied the spirit of cross-party collaboration and fairness in scrutiny during his time as Chair. Instinctively, his first concern was always the well-being of the communities and people we all serve and in that, he fulfilled his duty as a public servant in the truest sense. He was a genuine champion for the job of scrutiny and his measured calm and reasonableness applied to that process will leave a significant vacancy on the Panel.

“Above all, he was extremely supportive of everyone he came into contact with, irrespective of party affiliation. I know that will always be our overriding memory of Robin and he will be sorely missed by the Panel. Our thoughts are with his family, close friends and colleagues at this incredibly sad time.”