FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

March 2008

What is an Independent Advisory Group?

It is, quite simply, a group of members of the community who provide independent advice to the Police, with the aim of improving the quality of policing services to all communities.

Why independent advice?

We are keen to make sure that we deliver the highest quality Police services to all of the communities within Hertfordshire. However, we need the advice from members of the community to make sure that our services match the communities’ needs as closely as possible.

What is an independent advisor?

Independent Advisors may be any members of the community. They need to have an interest in policing and its effects upon their community. We want the members to point out any criticisms they may have but also to be able to offer suggestions about things could be done better. Members’ own experiences, and those of friends and family may put them in a position to advise from experience.

On whose behalf will Independent Advisors provide advice?

We are asking for people who reflect the composition of our communities, not necessarily to represent it. Consultation through representation takes place in other ways. However, we may also ask Advisors to speak with family and friends to seek their opinion, too. Ultimately, the only person an Advisor represents is themselves. However, people from a community may have a better understanding of the issues affecting its members than someone who is not part of the community.

What qualifications are needed?

No formal qualifications, though we may ask for advice on formal documents. An ability to read English is desirable, but may not be essential. If the member needs to have the document in a specific format, e.g. on audio-tape or written in a specific language, we will endeavour to arrange for that to be done.

What will Hertfordshire Constabulary do with the advice?

The Police will carefully consider the advice and will be responsible for any actions they take. IAG members will not be responsible for the actions of the police. There may be occasions when Hertfordshire Constabulary do not take any action after members have advised them. This doesn’t mean that we don’t value the advice. However, if we do not respond to the advice, we will be responsible if anything goes wrong. We will also be expected to explain this to IAG members.

Will members get paid?

No, this is not a job and one of the most important things about these arrangements is that we are seeking independent advice. However, we do want to show that we value the advice that we are given and the time that members have given up, so we will seek to pay reasonable expenses for coming to meetings.

Will there be any training?

To ensure independence, we don’t generally provide any structured training. However, we believe that it may be helpful for members to have an understanding of the Police organisation. We will discuss what information and training is needed with the individual members and arrange for it to be provided as required. Most importantly, members do not have to attend any input sessions if they don’t want to and non-attendance will not prevent anyone becoming a member.

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