Northamptonshire Police External Ethics Committee

Helping to shape ethical policing in our communities

Modern policing faces complex ethical challenges—from balancing public safety with privacy, to ensuring fairness in enforcement and protecting vulnerable individuals. The External Ethics Committee offers a unique opportunity for members of the public to help Northamptonshire Police navigate these dilemmas with integrity, transparency, and accountability.

What Is the External Ethics Committee?

The External Ethics Committee provides independent, objective, and diverse ethical scrutiny to Northamptonshire Police. It complements the internal Force Ethics Committee by reviewing its discussions and outcomes, ensuring that ethical decision-making is robust, inclusive, and free from internal bias.

As a member, you will:

• Offer insight on real-world ethical dilemmas in policing
• Review case studies and hypothetical scenarios
• Advise on issues such as justice, officer wellbeing, surveillance, and the use of emerging technologies
• Help shape policy and practice through courageous conversation and ethical reflection

We are now inviting applications to join this independent, forward-thinking committee

Why join?

By joining the External Ethics Committee, you will:

• Make a meaningful contribution to public service
• Influence how policing is delivered in Northamptonshire
• Be part of a diverse group committed to fairness, transparency, and public trust
• Engage directly with senior police leaders and decision-makers

What’s expected of you?

This is a voluntary role designed for individuals who are passionate about ethical public service and want to make a difference in their community.

As a member of the External Ethics Committee, you will be expected to:

• Attend quarterly meetings: each session lasts approximately two hours and involves open, courageous discussion of ethical issues in policing
• Complete our vetting process: all members must undergo standard police vetting to ensure appropriate access to sensitive information
• Engage between meetings: occasionally, you may be asked to review materials or contribute to discussions outside of formal meetings
• Observe operational policing: you may be offered opportunities to observe real-world policing activity. This helps build understanding and context for the ethical issues under review

Your time, insight and lived experience will help shape a more transparent, fair and accountable police service in Northamptonshire.

Who we’re looking for

We’re seeking individuals with qualifications or experience in areas such as:

• Ethics, Philosophy, or Law
• Policing and Criminal Justice
• Health and Social Care
• Media and Communications
• Public Accountability
• Community Engagement

You should be able to contribute informed perspectives, communicate effectively, and commit to quarterly meetings and occasional additional work.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, especially those with lived experience and perspectives that reflect our communities—including individuals from minority ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ communities, and people with disabilities.

The full role description can be found below.

Apply Now

To apply, please send:

• A cover letter explaining your interest and what you would bring to the committee
• A short CV relevant to the appointment
• Email your application to: [email protected]