Volunteer MEMBER - Richmond Safer Neighbourhood Board (Richmond Upon Thames)

What will you be doing?

The board has eight functions[1], four of which are directly linked to policing, the other four linked to oversight and engagement mechanisms. a.     Ensure all wards have a Police Liaison Group and support them. b.     Monitor crime performance and community trust and confidence. c.     Establish policing priorities in the Borough. d.     Support Neighbourhood Watch. e.     Monitor complaints against police officers. f.      Hear and monitor complaints from victims of crime. g.     Engage with Independent Advisory Groups (IAGs) h.     Ensure the Stop and Search community monitoring function is delivered. The senior Police Officers of the Borough will routinely attend the SNB.  These will normally be the Borough Superintendent, and two Inspectors.  Once per year (usually) the BCU Chief Superintendent will be invited to attend an SNB Meeting. The SNB will monitor police performance, and public trust and confidence, and it fulfils a range of important specific functions.  One of the most important is to ensure that every ward has a functioning Police Liaison Group.  The Safer Neighbourhood Board (SNB) is the umbrella group of all the PLGs.  Each PLG may be represented at SNB meetings by their Chair or a nominated Deputy.  Concerns not addressed by the Police at a local PLG meeting may be raised for the attention of the senior Police Officers attending the SNB, and their response reported back at the next PLG meeting. The SNB also provides crime prevention advice, supports youth projects and encourages dialogue between the police and hard-to-reach or vulnerable groups.  The SNB will make efforts to reach all parts of the community, ensuring a frequent refresh of ideas and views.  An SNB that is diverse and includes a broad range of capabilities and experience is an important part of achieving this aim. The SNB is given an annual grant from MOPAC, for projects.  The SNB must make efficient use of these resources, delivering value for money, and targeting funds at tackling issues of local concern, including crime prevention, and helping to tackle VAWG.

What are we looking for?

Applicants should have some experience representing the community, for example Neighbourhood Watch, victims of crime, a hard to reach or vulnerable group, education, youth, or business. Applicants might have prior experience working with the Police, or managing projects in community safety. Some experience of local government in London is an advantage.  Applicants should request an Application Form by e mailing [email removed - click apply for more details] Then, when completing the Nomination Form, applicants should give statements about their reasons for volunteering for service as a Member of the SNB; their record of voluntary service (if any) with the SNB, or with a Police Liaison Group (PLG) (if any), Neighbourhood Watch (if any), or with some other community body or project; and what they plan to achieve / help with during their term.

What difference will you make?

The Chair will continuously look to recruit new Members to the SNB; and when Members have been appointed, they will be asked to serve for a three-year term, subject to election at an AGM. SNB Members are expected to be active between quarterly SNB Meetings, supporting one or more of the functions above.