Independent Advisory Group
The Authority and Constabulary regularly draw upon the experience and advice of a group of volunteers who act as advocates between the police and the communities it serves.
Moira Chapman, the Authority’s lead Member for diversity said “The Authority has been extremely appreciative of the support they have given in a number of areas, including; their advice on the authority’s statutory duties and policy with regard to equality legislation such as the Race, Disability and Gender Equality Schemes.
Their assistance in providing advice about the likely impact of policing policies on diverse communities and their involvement with difficult and critical incidents has proved invaluable to the Constabulary in helping them to address the specific cultural needs of the affected community.”
Chair of the IAG Angie Marriot said “by being independent we are able to see things from a different perspective and can anticipate how police responses to problems may be interpreted by diverse communities. Through working together effectively as a partnership, we can increase levels of trust amongst minority communities and encourage them to actively engage with their local officers.”
Cheshire’s IAG was set up in February 2004. Its members are made up of representatives from ethnic minority communities, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community and from the disabled community.
As its name suggests it is run entirely independently from the police and is not political or representative of any other body. It is involved in a great deal of work behind the scenes, including liaising and advising on issues which might be sensitive and working with victims and families of victims to help stop misunderstandings or issues developing.
IAG Annual Report 2008/09
IAG Annual Report 2007/08
To find out about how the IAG recruits members click here
A summary of IAG meetings and activity can be found by clicking the links below:-
IAG Update June 2009
IAG Update January 2009
IAG Update October 2008
IAG Update July 2008