Independent Advisory Groups (IAGs)

Following the 1999 Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report, it was found that more needed to be done to build trust and confidence in the police from diverse communities and embrace the challenge of diversity in its widest context.

It is acknowledged by His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) that it is good practice for forces to actively engage with their communities through Independent Advisory Groups.

Trust, confidence and community support is built and maintained where communities are involved in defining the problem being addressed, informed and listened to in solving it. The unique strengths of independent advice to Wiltshire Police provides:

• Ability to appraise police actions from the perspective of a receiver of police services and a member of the community.
• Access to resources within communities that may assist to resolve particular incidents.
• Ability and willingness to give constructive criticism to police and offer solutions.
• Ability to identify options for resolution of policing problems.

These strengths can be used to resolve policing matters at both strategic and tactical levels, resulting in a more understanding policing response that considers the needs of communities served.

The primary role of an IAG is to act as a ‘critical friend’ to the Police. As critical friends, IAG members constructively advise and challenge Wiltshire Police on policies, procedures and practices and advise the Force on how to do better.

Specific tasks might involve a critical assessment of an operation, policy or incident. The aim is always to identify ways to make policing better for all.

As a member of an IAG, your input will help us to be more effective, to engage better with our public, and respond better to the needs of the community.

You will look at issues such as rural crime, stop and search figures, police recruitment campaign, county lines drug issues, hate crime awareness and reporting.

IAGs support the police rather than scrutinise by advising, representing their communities, using their voices and inform decision making.

• Attend regular IAG meetings
• Give individual advice on policy (including policy development) and practices which impact on diverse communities
• Provide a view on how particular police activities are lively to be perceived by communities, for example, Stop and Search
• Give a personal perspective as an individual who is connected to a particular community
• Advise on issues relevant to the communities impacted by critical incidents or high-profile incidents and provide advice that takes account of communities and cultures
• Provide independent advice in response to critical incidents

It is essential that members:

• Do not have a conflict of interest through work or other volunteering roles (this will be considered on a case by case basis).
• Are not currently under criminal investigation (a criminal record will not necessarily preclude you from being an IAG member, it will be considered on a case-by-case basis).
• Advise Wiltshire Police if they become subject to a criminal investigation while volunteering.

It is desirable that members:

• Have knowledge of particular communities, or marginalised groups.
• Consider other people’s views allowing them space to have their say.
• Question and challenge the views of others in a constructive way.
• Consider, understand and challenge their own biases and prejudices.
• Participate as part of a team and contribute to the success of group initiatives.
• Work with people from diverse backgrounds within all areas of the locality.
• Contribute the time and commitment to attend regular meetings.
• Live in the locality relevant to the IAG and have knowledge of, and commitment to, issues of equality and diversity.

Whilst not essential the member would ideally have some experience of:

• Working with other people on issues of mutual interest over a period of time
• Sharing their views and issues with others
• Situations where they needed to compromise
• Balancing commitments and time in an effective manner
• Interacting or working with people who have different views to their own
• Attending meetings and making positive and constructive contribution
• Working with and making decisions as part of a team or group.

It would be beneficial if the member has an interest in:

• Policing issues and current affairs
• Understanding the concept of institutional discrimination and challenging / combating it
• The impact of Hate Crime on communities
• Recruitment, promotion and retention staff from underrepresented and diverse groups
• Developing and improving the training for police staff
• Developing sensitive and effective policing
• Building trust and confidence with families, individuals and communities who may experience disadvantage or feel marginalised