Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche today released the findings of an independent review into the reference and probity checks undertaken prior to the 2023 appointment of former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming.
The purpose of the independent review, commissioned by Sir Brian in December 2024 and completed in March 2025, was to assess whether the checks conducted during the appointment process were thorough and appropriate, and to identify any improvements that could be made to future appointments.
The review was conducted by Miriam Dean CNZM KC. While the review found the Commission’s appointment processes overall were sound and well managed, it identified a number of practical recommendations to strengthen future appointments. The Commission accepted all the findings and has already implemented the recommended improvements.
“We take this extremely seriously,” said Sir Brian.
“The Commission responded immediately by strengthening our appointment processes and introducing new safeguards. This has been a wake-up call.”
As confirmed in the IPCA report, allegations of criminal conduct against Mr McSkimming surfaced only after he was appointed Deputy Police Commissioner. Later, during probity checks for the interim Commissioner role (October 2024) it emerged that the IPCA was investigating a complaint against Mr McSkimming.
Sir Brian said the Commission should have examined more thoroughly a referee’s mention of a “strange relationship,” but as identified by the review, that was unlikely to have changed the outcome.
“This doesn’t absolve us from the need to do better,” said Sir Brian.
The Commission has introduced a number of improvements to strengthen future appointments, including:
- Earlier and more deliberate focus on the fit and proper person test.
- Stronger interview questions and better documentation of candidate responses.
- A post-interview disclosure opportunity for candidates.
- Formal disclosure requirements for Police and other agencies.
- Enhanced referee and probity checks, including legal review where needed.
- Device history checks for candidates, in partnership with NZ Police.
“These changes were necessary to maintain public trust in how senior appointments are made,” said Sir Brian.
“I am confident that had these measures been in place earlier – alongside stronger disclosure controls within Police – it is more likely we would have identified concerns casting doubt on Mr McSkimming’s suitability for the role.
“We must be able to rely on full and timely disclosure from other agencies. That didn’t happen in this case, which is why we’ve taken steps to ensure it does in future.”
