Independent Advisory Groups (IAGs) are made up of members of the public who meet to advise and offer ideas to police forces on a wide range of activities relating to local policing.

The main role of an IAG is to act as a ‘critical friend’ to the police. IAGs do not offer expert or specialist advice but exist simply to understand the viewpoints of the community that they represent.

District IAG groups also have the opportunity to support scrutiny panels, asking and exploring how and why police activity has been undertaken or is being considered.

Types of IAG

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary (HIOWC) has two different types of IAG and members can apply for vacancies in these roles that they would like to take part and support, when advertised.

District IAG

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.

Strategic IAG

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.

You are welcome to apply for both Strategic and District IAG teams. However, you are only able to sit on either the Strategic IAG or one District IAG (according to where you reside).

Join us!

Keep an eye on the website for opportunities in the future.

If you have a keen interest in policing, we want to hear from you and we are open to constructive criticism and ideas on how we can do things better.

Feel free to email any questions to the team at iag@hampshire.pnn.police.uk

History of 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 (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.

What do IAG’s do?

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.

Roles and Responsibilities

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

Person Specification

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