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, from operations to policies. IAGs are 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 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 submit application form below. If you would like a paper application form sent out, please email [email protected]
Your community and Warwickshire Police need you!
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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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.