Bolton Division
Independent Advisory Group
Index
Introduction.3 - 6
Application.7 - 17
Terms of Reference.18
Training.19
Independent Advisory Groups and Critical Incidents
A community perspective
One of the most important and probably profound changes to come out of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report for the Police was the proposal to use independent advisors when dealing with issues which are defined as Critical.
A Critical Incident is defined as any incident where:
- An individual is believed to be seriously endangered
- And/or the confidence of that person, their family and/or the community cannot be assumed
- And/or police early response is critical to safeguard the person’s interests and subsequent enquires
The Current Situation
Over the last few years the role of both Family Liaison Officers and Independent Advisors has both developed and grown. In the case of the FLO’s, it has been easier to support and understand their role as they are police officers. But independent advice comes from a number of sources and has the potential to be inconsistent.
Who are Independent Advisors?
Independent Advisors can be drawn from all sections of the community. However, they can and should be created in relation to community needs. For example, if there is a significant lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community which experiences high levels of hate crime, an LGBT IAG advisor should be appointed.
It may not prove possible to find representatives from every section of the community, but the effectiveness of a Group can be affected if they do not draw from a wide range of experience and expertise. It is vital for every IAG, wherever it is based, to win and maintain the confidence of the community they serve. For this reason an IAG which draws largely from Magistrates or other “pillars of the community” may not enjoy the confidence and trust of grass roots people.
Advisers should therefore reflect the range of individuals who make up the area with particular emphasis on those who have the most difficult relationships with the police.
It is vital that all individuals who join the IAG are willing to work constructively with GMP, however they must also be able to challenge police officers when the need arises, in other words they must be critical friends.
What they will have in common, in general terms, is that they are not police officers or former officers and are able to bring the perspective of the communities previously unheard by the police.
Who should be Independent Advisors?
Independent Advisors should be drawn on the basis of their expertise and knowledge of the situation rather than the relationship they may have with police officers. If, for example, a member of the community is known to have knowledge of, or is a member of the traveller community, and the critical incident has a bearing on the traveller community, it should follow that advice should be sought from that person. Independent advice should therefore be task-specific or expertise-specific. It may require, during the course of one incident, a range of independent advisors, each able to add a new dimension of knowledge or expertise to the police operation.
It is only a person’s unwillingness to assist the police that should act as a barrier to being an Independent Advisor. If someone who has previously been hostile to the police is willing to offer advice and support on a particular critical incident this would be an asset to the police rather than a problem, since they are more likely to be accepted as being independent.
How do Independent Advisors retain their independence?
There may not be a guarantee that Independent Advisors remain independent given the size, history and structure of GMP, but every effort must be made to minimise Independent Advisors being compromised. If Police officers determine who is giving advice and who is invited to meetings, members of the community would have good grounds for assuming that the police were trying to manipulate them, even if this were not the case. Independent Advisors involved in a critical incident will need to nominate a person from their ranks to be the Gold Community representative. That nominee will convene meetings of other Independent Advisors involved in the critical incident and allocate responsibilities. In other words, a structure similar to the police chain of command should be set up to work alongside the police. This would be particularly useful when cases are lengthy and complex and not all Advisors will have the time or opportunity to attend all meetings. That some people who are offering independent advice are not present at all meetings with the police, might ensure that they question and hold the Gold Community representative to account for their actions and advice, In other words setting up structures of accountability for Independent Advisors will safeguard the integrity of the process.
Should Independent Advisors be paid?
Membership of the Independent Advisory Group is on a voluntary basis due to the potential that it would undermine the independence of those who offer advice if they are receiving payment by GMP. The solution is not to pay IAG members for attendance at IAG events. Refreshments will be provided where required at events and meetings.
How long will an IAG member be eligible to serve the Group?
IAG members will serve no more than 3 years at any one time and they will be eligible to reapply formembership after 12 months. In this way it is likely to reduce the risk of individuals becoming over familiar with police officers or dominating the Group. These issues can adversely impact upon the dynamics of the Group or the perception of outsiders to the Group.
The Scope of Independent Advice
The following two sections describe the training needs and personal attributes of those who would be Gold Community Advisors. This range of skills will not need to be possessed by everyone offering independent advice. TheGold Community advisor will need to ensure that other independent advisors adhere to the outline principles below.
As has been indicatedabove, the definition of a critical incident is wide, and it therefore follows that the range and scope of advice needed will vary case by case. It will not be possible to define absolutely what the scope of independent advice might be, but some issues will be common to all cases. These might be defined as:
- The clarity of the role - not police spokesperson or advocate for the family.
- The relationship with the community - communications from and to.
- Recording information - how and why.
- Identifying strategic and operation learning points for agencies involved.
The role of Independent Advisor is unique and distinct. If done well the Independent Advisors will provide members of the public who are involved in incidents with information about what is happening and how the process works. They will also provide the police with insights into the ways that communities, or sections of communities, operate. For example, the police may have little detailed knowledge of the Black Evangelical Churches. An Independent Advisor will be able to interpret community information for the police and guide the police in communicating with the community especially if there has not been a history of trust in the past.
Additional attributes
Advisors should have knowledge of other communities.
Advisors must be confident enough to challenge police officers when necessary.
They will need to understand the importance of confidentiality and be capable of exercising sound judgement when speaking to the media or the families about evidence.
Above all they must be take responsibility for the advice they offer, especially if a case proceeds to a public inquiry or court hearing, and be willing to give evidence if required.
Liability
Independent advisors are to all intents and purposes members of the public. The advice they give has no legal liability attached to it, as it is up to the officer in the case whether they accept it or not and how much weight they put on it. Any liability for consequences lies with the force, as it is they who make the operational policing decisions not the advisors. Independent Advisors are not negotiators or mediators; they simply provide advice from their perspective.
Where will these Independent Advisors come from?
Individuals must be recruited through open and transparent processes. They will be interviewed to ensure that they meet the essential criteria. It is vital that Advisors are seen to be independent and that they are clear as to their roles and responsibilities.
Application for the
Independent Advisory Group
to Greater Manchester Police Bolton Division
OPENING STATEMENT AND INTRODUCTION
The creation of Independent Advisory Groups (IAG’s) is one of the recommendations of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report. GMP has used the expertise of a Consultant who has herself been an IAG member who worked with the Metropolitan Police Service as an Independent Advisor. It is important that DivisionalIAG is not recruited by the police and is not directed by the Police; otherwise it will not be seen to be independent.
The purpose of this pack and process is to recruit to the Bolton Division IAG, a community-led Group that is accountable and works co-operatively with the community and the police. The recruitment of members to the IAG is determined by a panel of independent individuals who are not participating as candidates, who will assess each application. Recruitment decisions are based solely on the criteria outlined in this pack. The recruitment panel has expertise and experience in recruitment and equal opportunities.
The Independent Advisory Group will have a key role to play in the following:
- To provide a source of advice and independent scrutiny on all aspects of policing that impact on the community within the Bolton area.
- To help develop an atmosphere of trust, confidence and transparency between members of the community and the police by establishing an open two-way flow of views and information.
This means that we are looking for people with wide range of skills and experiences.
This is your chance to make a positive contribution to the local community in the context of policing. It is a unique opportunity to ensure that community issues and needs are addressed and that liaison and trust continues to be built between the police and our communities, especially in areas where police service delivery is not as good as it should be.
Membership of the Independent Advisory Group is on a voluntary basis. GMP has a commitment to meeting the access requirements of people with disabilities, including the translation of documents, etc.
If you feel that you do not have the time or skills to become an Independent Advisor but know someone else who does, please pass this pack on to them.
We look forward to having you on board.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
Purpose of Role
To work co-operatively within the Independent Advisory Group as follows:
- Advise Greater Manchester Policein community policing matters
- Listen to, reflect on and advocate the often diverse experience of the various communities within the Bolton area.
- Contribute your particular experience to the wider Group
- Work constructively as part of a team to advise the police and other agencies
Main Duties
1)To attend regularly meetings of the Group and any Sub-Groups to which you might be appointed.
2)To bring your personal experience and knowledge to the Group.
3)To access and prioritise the issues the Group needs to deal with.
4)To be prepared to work on issues that could include:
- Reviewing and improving the investigation and prevention of hate crime.
- Helping to create an anti-discriminatory police service.
- Assisting in critical incidents (murder, serious assault, repeat victimisation, etc.).
- Improving trust and confidence of communities in GMP.
- Dealing with external and statutory matters impacting on the community.
5)To work on a range of community-police issues which includes:
- Arrest and custody issues
- Critical Incidents
- Crime which has a disproportionate impact on certain communities e.g. Hate Crime
6)To maintain appropriate and accountable links with the relevant community.
7)To organise, attend and participate in the proposed community consultation meetings.
8)To contribute to the production of written reports when necessary.
9)To undertake and contribute to research as and when necessary.
Person Specification
Applications are invited from individuals. Membership of particular Groups and organisations may be relevant to the particular contribution you can make, but it is not essential.
Essentials:
1)Knowledge of, and commitment to, equality and diversity.
2)Knowledge ofminority communities.
3)Experience, interest and knowledge of police issues.
4)Willingness to work constructively with both the police and the Group.
5)Willingness to attend regularly the meetings of the whole Group and any Sub-Groups you are appointed to (i.e. at least 75% of meetings).
6)Commitment to the values of the Independent Advisory Group:
Transparency
Accountability
Diversity
Credibility
Desirables:
8)Involvement in the community in which you live or work.
9)Working or residing in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton.
10)Desire and commitment to advocate for all sections of the community.
11)Willingness to attend critical incidents at short notice and during unsocial hours.
OUR WORKING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The IAG will develop policies and procedures to govern our work so that we can be accountable to communities. In this way, we reduce the risk of us being seen to be representing only a part of our communities. By publishing our policies, we will demonstrate our openness.
ON EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY
The IAG will work in the interests of our diverse community, recognising that inequality based upon power is damaging to the community. We will therefore strive within the work of our Group to eliminate inequalities and abuse in relationships based upon power. Each member of the IAG will be expected to represent all aspects of community diversity whether or not it is part of their direct experience.
ON CONFIDENTIALITY
As part of the recruitment process, Greater Manchester Police will not be requesting details of any criminal convictions held by those applying to be an IAG member. In order to ensure confidentiality of information shared with IAG members, those successful applicants will be required to sign up to a confidentiality protocol; copy as follows:
UNDERTAKING OF CONFIDENTIALITY
I, ……………………………………………….(Print Name)
It is agreed that members shall not at any time during the continuance of engagement as a member of Bolton Independent Advisory Group (IAG), or at any time thereafter, directly or indirectly use, record or disclose any confidential data, except as may be necessary for the proper performance of their role. I shall ensure that information entrusted to me shall be treated at all times as confidential and that any documents will remain under my positive control and not be left unattended in vehicles or public transport.
Upon termination of my membership of the IAG (for whatever reason) and at any other time at the request of the Chief Constable of the Greater Manchester Police, I shall, without retaining any copies or records thereof, immediately return all such media, equipment and documents to the Chief Constable of the Greater Manchester Police and shall deliver up to him all copies of such documents or extracts of such documents and all other notes, memoranda, photographs, drawings, records or other material made or procured to be made by me or issued to me during my term of membership of the IAG.
For the purposes of this Undertaking I acknowledge that Confidential data means information in whatever form and on whatever medium, which is:
a)for Police use only in that it is intended for the use of Greater Manchester Police Officers and Staff only and the unauthorised disclosure of which beyond this purpose would be likely to be prejudicial to the interests of the Greater Manchester Police Force and/or
b)subject to restriction on disclosure of personal data in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998.
Signed ……………………………………….
Print Name …………………………………..
Date …………………………………………..
Where to send your completed forms to and get further information from
For further information please contact: Police Sergeant Rob Knight. Tel 01618567901. E-mail
Please send your completed application form to:
Julia Wharmby
Chief Superintendents Secretary
Scholey Street Police Station
Bolton
BL11HD
Please mark your envelope: ‘Private - IAG Recruitment Round’
The HR Unit will be responsible for administering the application process but will not be involved in selection decisions.
IAG Application Form
Part One - Contact Details
Please fill in the following sections with as much detail as possible.
Name
Contact Address
Contact Telephone/E-mail address
(Please include main contact no., fax, mobile, pager, text, minicom, etc.).
Part Two - Personal Information
The information on this page is used for monitoring purposes and is not passed to the Recruitment Panel.
IAG Application Form
Part Two – The information on this page is used for monitoring purposes and is not passed to the Recruitment Panel.