Independent advisory groups
Independent Advisory Groups
Independent Advisory Groups (IAGs) are made up of trusted individuals who are prepared to listen to, observe and comment on the equality, diversity and inclusivity of activities and policies of Warwickshire Police. Members offer impartial advice to us the police, on a range of topics at quarterly meetings. It is important to us that local people are influencing and helping to shape the services delivered to our communities.
As well as four local IAGs covering the four policing areas of the county, there are two thematic groups that offer insight, advice and guidance based on their lived experience, on issues that may impact others similar to them, living and working in our communities:
- Disabilities IAG
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender IAG
- Nuneaton, Bedworth & North Warwickshire IAG
- Rugby District IAG
- Warwick District IAG
- Stratford District IAG
We recognise and are grateful to the IAG members for their valuable support in helping to improve all aspects of our service; giving operational advice through to policy review. We engage our IAGs on a number of issues, facilitated by our Engagement & Equality Officer and Safer Neighbourhood Teams. Agendas for each meeting are agreed in advance, with actions for police and IAG members.
The advice and support from the IAGs following a critical incident is very important to us. We see this as not only an opportunity to reassure the community, but also gain better insight and a richer picture. By engaging with and involving our IAGs at the earliest opportunity, we help reduce community tensions by demonstrating an open and transparent dialogue with the people most affected by whatever has happened.
Objectives
The aim of each group is:
- To provide advice and constructive criticism to the force, whilst remaining sensitive to the needs of the whole community
- To provide independent advice to Warwickshire Police, to help recognise diverse needs of the communities served and to deliver a fair and impartial service that secures greater trust and confidence.
What have IAGs achieved?
IAGs have been integral in providing advice and guidance to the Warwickshire Police in many areas, including:
- Critical and major incidents
- Use of firearms and Tasers
- Stop and search
- Community relations and engagement
- Equality, diversity and inclusion issues
- Disability access
- Community activities.
Join us
We are actively recruiting new members for all our IAGs. We need your valuable input to help shape and impact local policing. So, if you have a desire to improve what and how services are delivered to your community, then please, contact us for an application form. Your community and Warwickshire Police need you!
Want to know more?
To find out more, Email the Consultation and Engagement Team
Penny is a critical friend to Warwickshire Police, offering advice and guidance on a range of issues. She has done this by volunteering some time to become an IAG member. Penny has an interest in equality and diversity and has joined the LGBT IAG, where she is able to offer more specialised advice to the police on more sensitive issues. Take a look at what Penny had to say about the rewards and benefits of being an IAG member.
Independent Scrutiny Panels
Warwickshire Police is committed to equality, both in terms of operational activity and within the organisation. This includes the constant review of the use of stop and search and use of force powers by police.
When used fairly and appropriately, stop and search remains an effective tool when trying to keep communities safe.
In an effort to increase transparency with all communities across Warwickshire - as well as build trust and confidence in the force – Warwickshire Police is seeking to establish Independent Scrutiny Panels (ISPs). The establishment of the panels will allow local people to scrutinise the use of police powers.
Chief Inspector Faz Chishty and Chief Inspector Adrian Davis, said:
"We strive to openly learn how we can build better relations with our communities so that we can increase the trust and confidence.
"It vital for our legitimacy that our communities feel that we use our policing powers fairly and we are transparent in all that we do. Stop and Search and the Use of Force are highly intrusive powers which have a profound effect on our communities.
"This is why we are establishing Independent Community Scrutiny Panels in Warwickshire. This platform will build on the already existing framework we have with our Independent Advisory Groups (IAGs) and therefore add a different layer of scrutiny.
"We want to hear directly from our communities and get to the heart of issues that are affecting local people in the use of these powers.
"Only by hearing directly from the communities of Warwickshire can we truly understand how we can address any issues in the use of police powers so we would urge anybody who has been subject to stop and search or use of force, or who knows somebody that has, to consider applying.
"To those people who feel like they are less likely to be heard, we want to assure you that these independent scrutiny panels will give you a voice and we will listen."
Do you want to have your say? Do you want to learn about and see how the police should be using their powers and give us your honest opinion about how we are doing? If so, please email [email protected] for an application form.
ISP feedback - November 2022.pdf
Click here to go to the Independent Scrutiny Panel page
Jatinder S Birdi - Biography
Chair Strategic Independent Advisory Group (SIAG)
Warwickshire Police
I strongly feel that the Strategic and local Independent Advisory Groups have a very important role to fulfil by: being a critical friend, providing constructive criticism and supporting the good and challenging work done by Warwickshire Police. It is important for IAG’s to act as a conduit for information to flow to and from the Police and the Community.
I have been involved with Warwickshire Police IAG’s since 2011. As Chair of the SIAG, I aim to use my experience for the development of strong Independent Advisory Groups in Warwickshire.
The Warwickshire Police SIAG provides strategic guidance on various matters that cover the whole county, whereas Local IAG’s concentrate on local issues and matters.
After qualifying as an accountant, I set up my own practice in 1998. This has enabled me to be involved in Community and voluntary work and to manage my time more effectively, to achieve a balance between work, community work and family life.
Since June 2006, I have been Chairperson of the Warwick District Faiths Forum (WDFF), which I helped in setting up. The WDFF has been established to promote equality and diversity through mutual understanding, co-operation between faiths groups and engagement with the wider community. This has created many other opportunities to be involved with the local community, voluntary organisations and statutory agencies.
I have experience of being a Chair, leading meetings, following up on tasks, providing feedback and keeping people updated on progress and decisions made.
I enjoy community and voluntary work. When I get the opportunity, I like to play badminton and go walking.
Chair Strategic Independent Advisory Group (SIAG)
Warwickshire Police
I strongly feel that the Strategic and local Independent Advisory Groups have a very important role to fulfil by: being a critical friend, providing constructive criticism and supporting the good and challenging work done by Warwickshire Police. It is important for IAG’s to act as a conduit for information to flow to and from the Police and the Community.
I have been involved with Warwickshire Police IAG’s since 2011. As Chair of the SIAG, I aim to use my experience for the development of strong Independent Advisory Groups in Warwickshire.
The Warwickshire Police SIAG provides strategic guidance on various matters that cover the whole county, whereas Local IAG’s concentrate on local issues and matters.
After qualifying as an accountant, I set up my own practice in 1998. This has enabled me to be involved in Community and voluntary work and to manage my time more effectively, to achieve a balance between work, community work and family life.
Since June 2006, I have been Chairperson of the Warwick District Faiths Forum (WDFF), which I helped in setting up. The WDFF has been established to promote equality and diversity through mutual understanding, co-operation between faiths groups and engagement with the wider community. This has created many other opportunities to be involved with the local community, voluntary organisations and statutory agencies.
I have experience of being a Chair, leading meetings, following up on tasks, providing feedback and keeping people updated on progress and decisions made.
I enjoy community and voluntary work. When I get the opportunity, I like to play badminton and go walking.
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