Independent Advisory Groups

Every six to eight weeks, each district commander in local policing holds a local IAG which is open to members who reside in that area of the county.

Each district IAG is chaired by an IAG member and attended by the local chief inspector or inspector who works with the group to agree the agenda and points of discussion. The purpose of these is to discuss local issues affecting the community and how HIOWC is performing and problem-solving. These meetings are a two-way discussion aimed at ensuring the community are included in the policing approach for their area.

The strategic IAG is a cohort of IAG members who support with high-level strategic policing challenges and work.

The members are sent opportunities as they arise and can choose what they would like to get involved in. The opportunities can vary but will generally involve being invited to strategic-level meetings to observe and offer a view on the subject being discussed.

Members of the cohort will also be given the opportunity to comment on policy and procedures being implemented, as well as ongoing operational matters which may be impacting communities.

The strategic IAG cohort is invited to attend the Strategic IAG Board which is held quarterly and chaired by the assistant chief constable, where the work of the cohort is discussed, and other policing issues and challenges can be raised for discussion by the police or members of the group.

Please note: not all opportunities will be sent to all SIAG members, some will be sent to a small group of members with relevant experience for the workstream.

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 (IAGs).

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.

Independent Advisory Groups (IAGs) were created to challenge conventional thinking, give an independent perspective on issues and work as genuine partners with the police inform improvements in service delivery.

IAGs create a platform for open conversation between the police and individuals who are representative of the communities of Hampshire and Isle of Wight, and can influence police decision making. IAGs should reflect the diversity of local communities and can advise the force on policies and procedures.

An IAG can help build trust and confidence within the community – enabling the police to understand the implications or effect of policies and actions on different communities within the force area.

IAG Members will:

• attend a minimum of three meetings per year
• proactively contribute through sharing individual lived experiences and knowledge
• constructively challenge the development and delivery of policing services in the area
• share open-source information with their communities and feedback on how information is received
• adhere to the expected behaviour, confidentiality agreements and the Nolan principals of standards in public life

In addition, IAG Chairpersons will:

• set actions in agreement with the district commander
• chair the meeting, set the agenda with the district commander
• outline the purpose of the meeting and ensure the agenda is followed
• provide appropriate opportunity for all present to voice their views

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 – although, a criminal record will not necessarily preclude you from being an IAG member
• notify Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary if you become subject to a criminal investigation while volunteering

It is desirable that members:

• have an interest in policing issues and current affairs, specifically in respect of the ways in which they affect Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary
• have knowledge of particular communities, or marginalised groups
• live in the locality relevant to the IAG and have knowledge of, and commitment to, issues of equality and diversity
• 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