Independent Police Advisory Group (IPAG)

Could you represent and support members of your community?

Kent Police is looking for volunteers to chair the Kent Police Independent Police Advisory Groups (IPAG) and represent diverse communities across Kent.

We are currently seeking applications for the following vacancies:

• County IPAG Vice Chair
• Folkestone District IPAG Chair
• Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge IPAG Chair

What does the IPAG do?

Independent Police Advisory Groups make a difference to policing in Kent by:

• providing a link between the police and the diverse communities of Kent
• giving independent views to the police on incidents, procedures, policies and training, for instance
• helping the police to support victims of crime and anti-social behaviour
• encouraging witnesses of crime to come forward 
• sharing feedback from the communities with the police and other agencies to help improve their services they provide

How does the IPAG work?

The IPAG provides an opportunity to influence local policing and Kent Police policy.

The County IPAG will consist of up to 15 people: The County IPAG Chair, the County IPAG Vice Chair and the District IPAG Chairs. The County IPAG Chair and Vice Chair will meet with the District Chairs, other volunteers, senior police officers and partner agencies to help improve the services provided to communities in Kent. 

The District IPAG Chairs will meet locally with the District Commander, the local Community Liaison Officer (CLO) and a panel of people from the local communities.

We are looking for people who:

• have strong leadership skills
• have specialist knowledge of diverse communities
• have energy and enthusiasm
• are confident in talking with the police and other agencies
• are representative people from all parts of the communities e.g., race, religion and belief, disability, gender, age, LGBT+
• can dedicate time for regular meetings
• can give independent views on a range of issues

What is expected?

The County IPAG and district IPAGs meet quarterly in person. District Chairs are expected to meet with their District Commanders prior to district meetings to agree agendas and subjects for discussion.

For the role of the County Vice Chair you will need to be able to work strategically and ideally have knowledge of policing issues.

You would be expected to support the County Chair by attending various strategic meetings / engagements and have an understanding of diversity issues and an appreciation of diverse community matters.

District Chairs may be asked to support the County Chair / Vice chair by attending strategic Kent Police meetings such as the Hate Crime Forum, Stop and Search Scrutiny Panel, Protecting Vulnerable People Board and the Prevent Delivery Board.

District Chairs will be provided with opportunities such as training and attendance at relevant conferences and master classes.

They will be subjected to Non-Police Personnel Vetting to level 1, in accordance with the National Police Chiefs Council policy.

Applicants will be shortlisted and interviewed for the roles. The roles hold a tenure of two years and an honorarium payment and travel expenses will be available to successful candidates.

For further information or to apply for a role as County IPAG Vice Chair or one of the District IPAG Chair, please email the Diversity and Inclusion Academy for an application form.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 16 March 2022.