Community Advocate

Community Advocates are members of diverse communities from across the Force area who provide advice and make recommendations to the Police on how policy and services affect different groups. The role of an adviser is to:

• Assist the police in shaping service delivery to meet the needs of diverse communities, and create an anti-discriminatory police service.
• Provide guidance and feedback about the potential and actual impact of policing on different groups.
• Act as a critical friend, challenging conventional thinking and offering an independent perspective on issues.

The role is a volunteering role. Community Advocates are committed to improving relationships between the police and communities by using their expertise and life experiences to objectively appraise policies, procedures and operational activities. Advocates are individuals who live in Sussex and who are able to draw on their knowledge and experience of the county when providing advice.

Members are able to communicate the culture and practices of their communities to the police force and make unemotional assessments of situations on which they are asked to provide an independent perspective and act as a critical friend.

Your key responsibilities in this role will be:

• Attend regular meetings and provide feedback. These meetings may be held in a police station or online on Microsoft Teams.
• To consider and advise on issues affecting the whole organisation including policy and procedure, operational practice and planning.
• To advocate on issues of concerns or community tensions.
• Provide critical analysis of policing policy and practice, such as stop and search.
• Share feedback with the communities we serve.
• You may review Body Worn Video footage and other documents to share feedback on how incidents went, what went well, and what could be improved.
• You might also be involved in reviewing data such as use of force data and stop and search statistics. If necessary we will provide support to help you understand the data and terms used in reports.

We have a range of groups across Sussex which you could be involved in, such as:

• Divisional/Departmental Race Advocate and Community Advocate Groups: There are three policing divisions in Sussex — East Sussex, Brighton and West Sussex. Each division holds its own groups.
• External Reference Groups based on protected characteristics: These groups aim to address specific issues raised and assist Sussex Police in shaping practices and policies.
• Scrutiny Panels: Use of Force and Stop and Search panels that review policing work to gain a better understanding of patterns and behaviours.
• Ethics Committee: The Ethics Committee is responsible for enhancing external and internal trust and confidence in ethical governance and actions.

Skills & Experience:

• You do not need prior experience of police or community panels; personal experience is valuable.
• Ability to commit to regular active discussions with Sussex Police.
• We want advisors to represent local communities, particularly those most affected by police powers.
• Confidence in sharing your viewpoint and expressing your thoughts.
• Be self-assured in presenting your perspective and holding others accountable.

Why Work With Us?

• We value volunteers and offer opportunities to experience policing first-hand.
• Meet new people and teams.
• Learn and develop your skills.
• Support your local community.

Diversity Statement: We are committed to inclusion and anti-racism. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and promote equality, diversity and inclusion in Surrey Police and Sussex Police.

Additional Information: Following submission of your application you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your application. Some emails may go to spam/junk; please check regularly.