Expressions of Interest Invited – Role of Chair

Cleveland PoliceStrategic Independent Advisory Group (SIAG)

Introduction

The Cleveland Police Strategic Independent Advisory Group (SIAG), Cleveland Police and the Cleveland Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) are actively seeking a highly motivated individual, a‘champion’for communities and visionary volunteer to lead and represent communities across Teesside in working together to make our neighbourhoods safer and fairer. This by means of leading the SIAG and assisting the Force and PCC with theirvital work in supporting victims of crime and anti-social behaviour and promoting community cohesion.

Members of the community who wish to make a difference to policing across Teesside,and the impact that it has within communities, can apply to become Chair of the established SIAG.

Cleveland Police currently works with a number of agencies across the area to help improve the service, which the Force provides to victims of crime and anti-social behaviour as well as promoting community cohesion. This currently includes four district IAGs as well as the SIAG which give community members the opportunity be part of this work and understand as well as on occasions ‘challenge’ the work of the Force and its partners.

The Chair will meet with other volunteers, senior police officers and representatives from partner agencies as well as chairing and actively participating within the Force SIAG meeting structure.

The Unique Strengths of Independent Advice to Cleveland Police are:

  • The ability to critically appraise police actions from the perspective of a receiver of police services and as a member of the community;
  • Access to key local police leaders and decision makers;
  • Appreciation of resources within communities that may assist to resolve particular incidents;
  • Ability and willingness to give constructive criticism to police and offer solutions; and
  • Briefing insight to contemporary local and national policing challenges and the chance to work with others to identify options for the resolution of policing problems.

Key Knowledge and Skills

In consideration of the effectiveness and capacity to carry out the role of the Chair of the Cleveland Police SIAG there are a number of key knowledge and skill areas that are considered to be desirable.

The Chair will:

  • Have knowledge of local communities and of ‘marginalised groups’;
  • Consider other peoples’ views, allowing them space to have their say;
  • Question and challenge the views of others in a constructive way;
  • Consider and understand their own biases and prejudices;
  • Work as part of a team coordinating the success of group initiatives;
  • Work with people from all areas of the locality;
  • Work with people from different diverse backgrounds including those from the protected characteristics;
  • Experience of interacting with people across the different strands of diversity
  • Have the ability to present and share information to a range of audiences;
  • Make a contribution to influence policing strategy, policy and training;
  • Contribute the time, energy and commitment to attend and chair regular SIAG meetings;
  • Live in the locality relevant to the SIAG and have knowledge of, and commitment to, issues of equality and diversity; and
  • Have a good understanding of the meaning on ‘Independent’ as it relates to the role and work of the SIAG.

A potential Chair should also have experience of:

  • Working with other people on issues of mutual interest over a period of time (e.g. voluntary and/or community based work);
  • Sharing their views and understanding of issues with others (e.g. in a family, community or work setting);
  • Situations where they needed to compromise;
  • Balancing commitments and time in an effective manner;
  • Interacting and working with people of all ages;
  • Interacting and working with people who have different view e.g. political or religious/faith beliefs;
  • Interacting or working with people who are physically and/or mentally disabled;
  • Interacting or working with people who may be lesbian, gay, bisexual and or transgender;
  • Attending and leading meetings, making a positive and constructive personal contribution whilst also encouraging others to do so; and
  • Working towards ‘consensus’ and making decisions as part of a team or group.

The Chair should have an interest in:

  • Policing issues and current affairs, specifically in respect of the ways in which they affect the people in the locality they live or work;
  • Understanding the concept of institutional discrimination and challenging/combating it;
  • How incidents of hate crime should be handled;
  • The issues associated with recruiting, promoting and retaining staff from under represented and diverse groups;
  • Developing training for police officers and police staff;
  • Developing sensitive and effective policing;
  • Challenging assumptions and mind-sets;
  • Demonstrating openness and accountability;
  • Providing an independent, community perspective; and
  • Building trust & confidence with families, individuals and communities who may experience disadvantage or feel marginalised.

Role Selection & On-going Support for Appointee

The selection of Chair of the SIAG will be by means of written expressions of interest from individuals who may wish to undertake the role. This will be followed by shortlisting against the key knowledge and skill sets (listed above) and finally a panel interview. The successful candidate will be required to undergo basic police vetting and background checks prior to appointment and will serve for a period of two years (further extension possible).

The appointed Chair will be provided with organisational administrative support as well as mileage and other reimbursed expenses as appropriate to support the role. They will be expected to contribute a number of hours each week to the role of Chair of the SIAG.

Your Statement

If you feel you would be suitable to undertake the role of SIAG Chair, just tell us why, and how. The questions are there to give you an idea of what we would like to hear about you. You do not need to answer them all. Aim for no more than 200 words that tell us about YOU rather than detailing qualification s or work history unless they are directly relevant.

  • Why do you think you would be a suitable SIAG Chair.
  • Work with any diverse communities.
  • About any documents you have helped produce in relation to any strand if diversity.
  • Any voluntary sector work that you have been involved with.
  • If you have worked with the police, an outline of what that involved.
  • Any experience of chairing or attending groups.

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