Independent Advisory Group
The IAG is a group of people who are independent from Gwent Police but work in partnership with us as our 'critical friends' to advise on local and national issues.
An IAG is a genuine partnership between the Police and the Community where advice can be sought on policy, procedure and practices and in doing so protects both the reputation of the police service and safeguards against adverse impact on any section of the community. (College of Policing)
Gwent Police's IAG meets four times a year and has two main functions - firstly to scrutinise service delivery (for example how well we are engaging with the public, or how a policy will impact on the local communities) and secondly to work alongside us in the event of a 'critical incident'. A critical incident may be a serious crime, a policing operation, an event, or anything that may have an impact on public confidence or community relations.
Having an IAG helps to ensure that Gwent Police act fairly, without discrimination and consider how our actions will impact on communities.
Hilary from Newport:
I have been an IAG member for 6 years and really enjoy it. It's a good opportunity to gain knowledge on how Gwent Police operates and the issues they face. My visual impairment is never treated as an impediment to be doing anything. I've particularly enjoyed visiting the dog handling section and the Communications Suite. I have also made some lovely friends that I perhaps would not have met.
Nick from Abercarn:
Being a member of the IAG allows me the opportunity to really make a difference; not just to how the force improves as an organisation, but also to how the public receive services. What is particularly great about being part of the IAG is that it gives you access to senior levels of the force who are committed to constantly learning and improving. There is a real sense that your opinion matters, and what you say will assist in design and development of the force and service delivery.
To:
- attend quarterly IAG meetings
- provide advice and guidance to Gwent Police in the event of a critical incident
- visit and provide feedback on contact with local Policing Teams and other departments within the force
- develop and maintain appropriate links with relevant communities
- bring your personal knowledge and experience to the group
- actively contribute where you are able
- be prepared to lead, or be involved in, IAG activities that may include work around thematic areas (for example, hate crime and stop and search)
- assess the effectiveness of force policies or procedures (for example, mystery shopping exercises)
- contribute to the design of force services to the public (for example, the way we engage with the public, our policies or training).
You must be able to:
- consider the view of others
- question and challenge in a constructive way
- consider your own values and beliefs
- work as part of a team and contribute to the success of a group initiative
- work with people from diverse backgrounds
- work with people that may hold very different views or beliefs to you
- contribute the time, energy and commitment to attend regular meetings.
It would also be useful if you have experience of:
- working with other people on issues of mutual interest (eg voluntary work)
- sharing your views and understanding of issues with others (eg in a family, community or work setting)
- situations where you need to compromise
- balancing time and commitments in an effective manner
- attending meetings
- working and taking decisions as part of a group
Membership of the IAG tries to be reflective of the different communities in Gwent Police and no one is excluded from applying. Membership is on a voluntary basis, but travel or other reasonable expenses are refunded.
Members bring their life experience and knowledge of their particular community to the group, as well as any professional or voluntary experience they already have.
We especially seek members who identify as:
- lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender
- disabled
- from ethnic minority communities (including traveller and Eastern European communities)
- people with different religious/non-religious beliefs.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the IAG, then you can download an application form and equal opportunities monitoring form.
For more information and to send in a completed application, please email us.