The role
As a member of the Southwark Policing Oversight Board, you will play a key role in enhancing public trust in the local police by:
- Challenging and advising on critical policing areas such as stop and search, body-worn cameras, taser use, and community policing.
- Monitoring the police’s transparency, accountability, and effectiveness in Southwark.
- Addressing issues like violence against women and children and neighbourhood crimes (e.g., burglary and anti-social behaviour).
- Proactively identifying future challenges and influencing the police response to maintain public confidence.
- Engaging with the community to share local concerns and contribute to national debates on policing practices.
The above is not an exhaustive list and other identified topics may be added as the board develops.
About You
We’re seeking passionate, dedicated individuals committed to improving policing standards and public trust. Ideal candidates will have a strong commitment to fairness, transparency, and accountability, with experience in fields such as policing, law, media, ethics, healthcare, business, or community work.
We want board members who can bring diverse perspectives, understand the unique challenges faced by our communities, and who are ready to help us influence real change. As a board member, you will play a key role in championing the board’s contributions across various networks, from grassroots to strategic levels, enhancing our visibility and impact.
Please note, current membership in other policing oversight groups in Southwark or Lambeth is not permitted.
About Southwark:
We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues and social enterprises and we have a young, diverse and growing population.
At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, (which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality) underpins all that we do.
Additional details
Length of term: Two years from appointment
Members are expected to attend four in-person board meetings each year, which will take place quarterly in the Southwark area. Additionally, members must attend any required induction training sessions. Members are also expected to dedicate time to adequately prepare for board meetings, reviewing necessary materials and staying informed on relevant topics.
This post requires satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
For more information about this role please refer to the Applicant Pack.
Members will receive an annual allowance of £1,000, and an attendance allowance of £350 per day or £175 per half day, along with reasonable travel expenses. This allowance is in line with Home Office guidance.
About the Policing Oversight Board
Following the independent review led by Baroness Casey into the Metropolitan Police Service, significant shortcomings in standards and internal culture were identified. In response, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, launched his Police and Crime Plan, focusing on:
- Reducing and preventing violence
- Increasing trust and confidence
- Supporting victims
- Protecting people from harm and exploitation
To help build trust and public confidence in local policing, each London borough has developed a local Trust and Confidence Plan. The Policing Oversight Board will operate independently of the police and provide oversight of the local Trust and Confidence Plan; to challenge, advise and make recommendations to the Police Borough Commander, with the goal of improving transparency, accountability, and ethical policing in Southwark.
Recruitment timetable
- Advert Closing Date: 11:59pm on 1st October 2024
- Shortlisting: 2nd October 2024
- Interview Date: Week commencing 7th October 2024
- First Policing Oversight Board Meeting: 18:00-20:00, 23rd October 2024
Guaranteed Interview Scheme:
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together programme. We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
Attachments
