Meeting with Independent Advisory Groups

Report: 15
Date: 10 January 2005
By: Clerk

Summary

The report sets out the outcome of a meeting held with Independent Advisory Groups which took place on 15 December.

A. Recommendations

That

1. the outcomes of the meeting be noted; and
2. further meetings be held.

B. Supporting information

Background

1. On 15 December the Equal Opportunities and Diversity Board (EODB) held a meeting with the Independent Advisory Groups (IAGs) at the MPA offices.

2. Representatives of the following IAGs attended:

• The “main” race equality IAG
• Disability IAG
• Gypsy and Travellers IAG
• LGBT (Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) IAG

3. Following introductions from the IAG members, MPA members and MPA officers present, the IAG members were each given the opportunity to speak about their IAG and the issues that they were facing It was recognised that not all IAGs were represented, including borough IAGs and Project Sapphire and Operation Trident IAGs.

4. It was generally felt that the meeting provided a very useful forum for members of the groups to meet each other and to outline their work to members of the Board. Amongst the points which were raised were the importance of keeping a record of proceedings at meetings and that groups would find it useful to learn what other groups are doing – for example through the circulation of a note of the main points discussed at meetings or ways of making full minutes available e.g. on a website. There were also ways in which the IAGs could support each other and build up working relationships which would mean they would be in a better position to make a joint approach to the MPS on matters of concern to more than one IAG. It was agreed that it was important that the IAGs retained their independence both of the MPS and each other.

5. The meeting identified some of ways in which the groups could use some of the existing systems in place to help with their work. This included for example, the London wide Race Hate Crime Forum, local anti racism forums, the MPA link members and borough advisory groups. One of the representatives of the Disability IAG referred to discrimination in Havering and it was agreed that the supporting material be forwarded to the MPA link member for that borough.

6. It was agreed that it would be useful for the MPA to hold further meetings with the IAGs and that this might include the advisory groups that were not represented at the meeting. Points raised at the meetings will help to inform the work programme of the Board.

C. Race and equality impact

The IAGs provide advice/perspectives to the MPS from their insights as members of London’s diverse communities. This is invaluable both in the creation of policy and in operational situations. This system allows the MPS to have the views of those most likely to suffer adverse effects from such MPS decision making. Communication between the IAGs and the EODB can only strengthen this process.

D. Financial implications

None as the cost of the meeting was met from within existing resources.

E. Background papers

None

F. Contact details

Report author: John Crompton

For more information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

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