This week I’d like to talk about the important role that the Newham Independent Advisory Group plays in policing your community.

Like all public authorities in London, the Metropolitan Police Service can only succeed by recognising and responding to the needs of the diverse communities it serves, from making neighbourhoods safer to policing major public events.

The Met has a responsibility to liaise with individuals who can represent influential groups within their communities and every borough now has an IAG made up of people who represent the diverse communities that either live or work in the borough, advising us on local issues.

The Newham IAG works with the police in Newham, in a role best described as a “critical friend in time of need”.

The first MPS IAG was introduced in 1998 following the McPherson Inquiry into the death of Stephen Lawrence.

It was identified as a way to help build a “genuine partnership and trust and confidence between the police and all sections of the community”.

Newham’s IAG is long standing and provides invaluable support and guidance to the police in times of need and plays a key role in deciding how the Met here in Newham responds to policing situations across the borough.

MPS IAG members have recently assisted the Gold Group of Mark Duggan, the Azelle Rodney Public Inquiry and the Kevin Hutchinson-Foster case, providing advice and expertise to the MPS.

Advisors are there to help by providing a sounding board that enables the police to understand the potential impact of operations on communities.

They provide advice and guidance to the police to help prevent critical incidents escalating (these may be external or internal incidents) and also provide independent, strategic and specialist advice.

This means that the police will look to an advisor to critically appraise police actions from the perspective of a receiver of police services and a member of the community.

If you would like to become a part of the Newham Independent Advisory Group or find out more information, then please get in contact!

Your views and advice will support the police in making London a safe place to visit, work and live.

This is a key volunteer role that will give you the opportunity to help shape one of the most respected police services in the world, while gaining crucial skills that will help with your career. Qualifications aren’t required.

It’s more important that you are willing to be an advocate for local community issues and make a positive impact on communities. Strong communication skills are essential.

You will be talking to senior staff, participating in group discussions, stating your case internally and communicating to external communities.

If you have integrity, good problem solving skills and the ability to attend meetings which are held between four to six times a year, whilst being available to provide advice when required this could be a fascinating opportunity to help the MPS connect with Newham’s diverse population.

To apply, please contact Acting Chf Insp Roger Mitham at roger.mitham@met.police.uk.