Independent Advisory Groups

Nationally, Independent Advisory Groups (IAGs) have been a feature of policing since the end of the 1990s, following the tragic events surround Stephen Lawrence's death. The 1999 Macpherson Report at the time highlighted a need for improved community partnerships with the police.

The main purpose of IAGs is to provide independent advice on police policies and procedures, act as a 'critical friend' to the police, and ensure no section of the community is disadvantaged due to misunderstanding.

Due to the size of the county, the decision was made to have four local IAG groups:

• Northampton
• Wellingborough and East Northamptonshire
• Corby and Kettering
• Daventry and South Northamptonshire

The Chairperson for each of the IAGs form the County Strategic Independent Advisory Group (SIAG), who share best practices and discuss common issues, together with offering each other assistance with their issues where necessary. They also work closely and support the Local Policing Structure.

The primary role of an IAG is to act as a 'critical friend' to the Police. As critical friends, IAG members provide constructive advice and challenge Northamptonshire Police to ensure policing powers are used transparently. They also consider the impact of police activity on affected communities and help identify measures to manage or address any concerns that arise. By becoming Independent Advisors, members play a pivotal role in the improvement of service delivery to all of Northamptonshire's communities.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the IAG are:

• To function as a bridge between the community and Northamptonshire Police, fostering open communication and understanding
• To provide advice and feedback on policing strategies, policies, and procedures from a community perspective
• To assist in building trust and confidence in the police among diverse community groups
• To offer recommendations on ways to improve police services and address community concerns

To assist these objectives, members of the IAG are active contributors to:

• Rural Action Group (RAG)
• Local Identified Priorities (LIPs)
• Various police scrutiny panels
• Police stop and search reviews

Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet said:

“Our priority is to improve trust and confidence. We must always be open to independent scrutiny and work with the public to ensure we provide the best possible police service we can. Independent Advisory Groups (IAGs) play a vital role in shaping how we serve our communities by providing an essential perspective—one that reflects the voices, concerns, and aspirations of those who live, work, and study in our county.

Our approach to policing by consent includes policing by involvement. Through the IAGs, we create meaningful lines of communication that help us understand the impact of our decisions and ensure that no section of our community is disadvantaged. These groups act as critical friends, constructively challenging us and offering independent advice that strengthens our policies, tactics, and engagement.

By working together, we promote transparency and build confidence in the actions we take to keep Northamptonshire safe. I encourage everyone to see the IAGs not just as advisory bodies, but as partners in shaping a policing service that is fair, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all.

Thank you to every member of our IAGs for your commitment and contribution. Your insight helps us deliver a service that truly reflects the values of our communities.”

How to join an IAG

If you are interested in joining the IAG for the area in which you live, please keep an eye on the IAG home page for your area. When the IAG is recruiting new members it will be announced on the page and a link added for you fill out an application form. Please follow the instructions on the application form and a member of the team will make contact with you to discuss your application.