Independent Advisory Groups
Independent Advisory Groups (IAGs) have been a feature of policing in the UK since the end of the 1990s.
The purpose of IAGs for the force is to build genuine partnerships with local communities to encourage more active involvement of and with people from a range of diverse groups. The IAGs have become a network of individuals, independent of the force, drawn from across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland who offer a diversity of background, perceptions, ideas, knowledge, and skills, which support wider community consultation and engagement.
IAGs help the force build insight into the needs, wants and concerns of communities who are underrepresented in decision-making processes, by challenging conventional thinking and providing an independent perspective on issues, working as a genuine partner with the force to inform and promote improvements. This insight is used to shape service delivery to benefit all our communities.
The role of IAG members is to provide advice on how policing activities could be seen by communities and to share feedback which supports in the development of policies and practices, helping the force continuously improve and grow as an effective and efficient organisation working on behalf of the community it serves.
Leicestershire Police will have nine local IAGs who meet quarterly, covering each of the Neighbourhood Policing Areas (NPAs):
We welcome new members to join the different IAGs within Leicestershire. If you work or live within the Leicestershire Police area you are eligible to apply to become a member of an IAG in your local area.
If you are interested in shaping the way Leicestershire policing, please fill out this form (click here) and e-mail [email protected].
The IAG is convened by Leicestershire Police in partnership with communities and is supported and funded by the force, rather than existing as an external, self-sustaining entity. The term “independent” refers to the nature of the advisors and the advice provided, rather than the relationship with the police.
Whilst the IAGs are sponsored, co-sustained and co-organised by both the police and IAG members, members of the IAG network do offer independence of thought to their contribution to policing across the county. Moreover, they are not there simply to agree with the force but are encouraged to constructively challenge in the interests of benefiting service delivery from a community perspective.
Independent advice is defined as opinion, guidance or constructive feedback given by someone who is not part of the Force.
IAG members represent themselves and not necessarily the view of any group within the community, although this may be the case on occasions. They do not bear responsibility for the consequences of decisions based upon their advice. The autonomy of police decision-making is not affected, and the Force may or may not choose to follow advice that is offered because of consultation with any member or group within the IAG.
Strategic IAGs are held between the local IAGs. These meetings include two nominees from all nine locally operating IAGs, to represent them at Strategic IAG level.
The Strategic IAG will primarily be about providing the same type of independent advice, opinion and guidance but relating to non-operational matters or where a countywide view is required or beneficial.
There will be an expectation that representatives will seek the views of their IAG volunteers in their local area. For example, if the force needs advice on a proposal for a change to a policy or on a public consultation exercise.
Consequently, the force will provide a senior representative to Strategic IAGs. The chair will be nominated by the group itself. Primacy contact for communication will be Chief Superintendent of the Specialist Support Directorate.
The Chief Superintendent will be responsible for the arrangement of these meetings as well as matters for discussion, alongside the chair. Administrative support for Strategic IAG’s will be provided by the police.
Functions of the Strategic IAG will include:
- Contribution to the development and effectiveness of force strategic priorities
- Oversight of the effectiveness and impact of the local IAGs
- Policy and proposals consultation
We welcome new members to join the different IAGs within Leicestershire. We aim to have representation across the diverse communities.
People who want more of an insight into the way their local police can serve them.
Individuals who can commit to regular active discussions alongside other community representatives.
If you work or live within the Leicestershire Police area you are eligible to apply to become a member of an IAG in your local area.
If you are interested in shaping the way Leicestershire policing please simply fill out the form below and e-mail [email protected] .