Rebecca Tregarthen is seeking the Conservative nomination to be the Police and Crime Commissioner in Avon and Somerset. If you are intending to stand to be Police and Crime Commissioner where you live, you can submit your own Candidate Statement, so get in touch. Others are on the way, and we are looking for 400 words, a photo of you that you have rights to, and preferably an imprint, which will be needed for the formal election period later this year.

I’m currently seeking nomination as the Conservative candidate for Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset Constabulary, with the public election to be held on the 15th November 2012.

This role is for the public and voted for by the public. It’s hugely important and deserves to be of the highest profile. The fact that I was specifically asked to consider standing for the position as a newcomer with new ideas and new thoughts on established situations can only be an advantage and I regard it as a fantastic opportunity to present a fresh approach.

I have no direct political or policing experience in my career; I’m currently a small business-owner working with both private and public sector clients and it’s my job to approach all obstacles with objectivity, clarity and with the aim of getting results.

People – and their management, motivation and development of skills, situations and solutions – are at the heart of everything I’ve done so far. Throughout my career I’ve continually proved that I can listen, assimilate and act; I bring a professional, objective and value-added angle to everything and my energetic and capable approach is a well-known hallmark. It’s this that I will bring to the role within my nomination.

I’ve lived in Bristol for 20 years and now live in Stoke Gifford with my partner, an architectural designer and former Royal Engineer. My initial background as a teacher is constantly valuable for organisation, leadership and collaboration; I’ve spent 15 years working with both main contractors and consultants in the construction and property sectors within marketing and business development.

For this role, I believe there will need to be an initial ‘discovery’ phase – listening, assimilating and formulating solutions and strategy to focus on outcomes for:

• Reduction in crime

• Enabling and ensuring community safety

• Increased visibility of police personnel

• Control and management of costs

• Adding value

• Relevant collaboration to release resources, increase efficiency and enhance the good practice already present

• Effective communication to and from the public; regular and accessible workshops, public presence and information gathering

Throughout it all, I’m going to be objective, questioning, inquisitive…I want to know how we can make the police better, more efficient, more innovative so they can continue to operate at a high standard in a challenging environment. It’s accountability for the public at all stages.