MPS Independent Advisory Group Review 2006

Report: 11
Date: 18 January 2007
By: Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Diversity & Citizen Focus on behalf of the Commissioner

Summary

The report updates EODB on the progress of the MPS Independent Advisory Group (IAG) Review 2006.

A. Recommendations

That

1. Members note the report.
2. Members are invited to provide observations on the draft recommendations (Appendix 1)

B. Supporting information

The background and terms of reference of the review

1. MPS Independent Advisory Groups (IAGs), and the relationship between the MPS and independent advice, has been reviewed on a number of previous occasions but each time to only a limited degree. The purpose of the current work is to conduct a more comprehensive review looking at IAGs and independent advice from the wider context of community engagement.

2. The first MPS IAG was convened in 1998. The purpose of this and subsequent IAGs was to address concerns raised in the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry report (McPherson, 1999) that a large ‘gap’ existed between the MPS and local communities. McPherson proposed that the police should start a process that would create a ‘genuine partnership’ with local communities which would increase their ‘trust and confidence’ in the police.

3. IAGs form an important part of police engagement activity with communities. However, since the inception of the first IAG, arrangements surrounding police-community engagement have significantly evolved. The learning from tragedies such as the murder of Stephen Lawrence has been systematically mainstreamed into how we work with communities. Consultation and engagement has now become the way we police and not just a bolt on to legitimise police activity. The establishment of borough Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships, the creation of the Metropolitan Police Authority and the Government’s drive towards Neighbourhood Policing, are examples of some developments that have significantly impacted on the approach that the MPS now takes towards engaging and listening to London’s communities.

4. Terms of reference for the IAG Review were reported to the MPA Full Authority on 28 September 2006 (Review of Independent Advisory Groups). They are set out in full in paragraph 8 below.

5. The MPS, and the communities of London, benefit substantially from the commitment of a small number of independent advisors who give up their time to help the MPS learn and improve our performance across a very wide range of service delivery areas. The consultation stage of the review has taken longer than was originally anticipated, because of the depth and breadth of consultation undertaken, not least with advisors themselves.

6. The term corporate IAGs refers to the five MPS IAGs providing advice concerning LGBT, disability, race, gypsy and traveller and youth issues across the MPS. Specialist IAGs are those that provide advice in the context of a specialist policing area, e.g. gun crime or child protection. Borough IAGs are those based on one of London’s 32 boroughs.

Review aim

7. In partnership, to review the concept of Independent Advisory Groups related procedures and existing protocols, and to update MPS guidance.

Objectives

8. The objectives are:

• To ensure consistency across the MPS central IAGs in tasking and deployments
• Review efficient working practices between corporate IAGs that avoid the silo effect
• To develop standard operating procedures for corporate IAGs
• To develop efficient monitoring, feedback and financial systems
• To update existing MPS guidance for independent advisors that promotes effective working practices and set minimum standards, for dissemination across the organisation.

The composition of the review team

9. The review team is chaired by Detective Superintendent Sue Williams; the Project Manager is Chief Inspector Tom Morrell, both of the Diversity and Citizen Focus Directorate. Throughout the review, independent members of corporate, specialist and local borough IAGs have been involved in the direction of the work.

The Progression of the review

10. In addition to the analysis of many documents that relate to the IAG process, significant consultation has taken place with stakeholders. This includes:

• Three stakeholder consultation events that were extended to all stakeholders and that took place on the 14 August, 14 September, 31 October 2006
• Feedback obtained from MPA members at a meeting of Full Authority on 28 September 2006
• Questionnaires circulated to IAG police users and independent advisors with a deadline for completion by 21 November
• Semi-structured interviews with all corporate IAG chairpersons and other identified stakeholders
• Engagement of MPA officers from the Race and Diversity unit for advice
• Presentation of emerging findings to IAG chairs on Friday 15 December 2006 and, following a very constructive debate, their circulation to IAGs across London for further comment.

Emerging issues

11. The information gathered from the consultation process has been analysed and placed in context with both the wider environment of police-community engagement, and the existing MPS IAG model. Conclusions from this process have identified 27 draft recommendations for change or re-affirmation of good practice that cover the following areas:

• Independence and governance of IAGs
• Specialist and community advisory groups
• Deployment
• Resources for IAGs
• Finances
• Recognition
• Recruiting
• IAG terms of reference
• Monitoring systems
• Standard operating procedures
• Vetting
• Cohesion of the IAG process.

12. The draft recommendations (Appendix 1), if accepted, will impact positively across the wide spectrum of diversity. The recommended changes will provide a more coordinated and coherent approach to the IAG aspect of police engagement with communities. This, in turn, will increase trust and confidence in the police service that communities demand and deserve.

Future issues, work and timelines

13. On 15 December, the draft recommendations were circulated to stakeholders for wider consultation. Written observations will be accepted until Friday 12 January 2007. Once responses have been analysed and incorporated into the review findings, the draft recommendations will be presented to the MPS Diversity Board for decision.

14. The agreed recommendations will be implemented and fed into revised MPS IAG Standard Operating Procedures immediately following endorsement by MPS Diversity Board.

Abbreviations

IAG

Independent Advisory Group

LGBT

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender

C. Race and equality impact

1. MPS independent advisory groups comprise members of the public from diverse ethnic backgrounds, cultures, faiths, disabilities, professions, sexual orientation, gender and age. Members bring a wealth of experience, life and professional skills to the MPS and offer the benefits of community perspectives. Advisory groups have evolved far since their inception and whilst many milestones and successes have been achieved, the MPS cannot be complacent in having achieved the maximum potential it can from the process.

2. The MPS continues to work with advisory groups who truly reflect London’s diverse communities and to be receptive to challenge and constructive criticism. By engaging with communities through the advisory process, benefits have been gained, both for the MPS as a service provider and for communities whose voices have been heard. Independent advice is a recognised, effective process of improving trust and confidence in the police among communities. Through the MPS IAG Review and development of existing procedures, introducing a minimum standards protocol and improved communication between advisory groups, MPS independent advice will continue to support the MPS commitment to making London the safest major city in the world, for all the diverse communities we serve.

D. Financial implications

The budget to support corporate IAGs currently is provided from the Diversity and Citizen Focus Directorate overall spend. Specialist IAGs (e.g. Trident) are financially supported by their respective sponsoring directorate. Local borough IAGs are supported from local budgets. It is anticipated that this position will continue. There are no other financial implications resulting from the MPS IAG Review 4.

E. Background papers

• Review of the Independent Advisory Groups MPA Full Authority (28.09.2006)

F. Contact details

Report author: Chief Inspector Tom Morrell, MPS

For more information contact:

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

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