Independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board
Launched in October 2022, the Independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board (ISOB) serves as an essential body for external oversight of Thames Valley Police’s Race Action Plan.
Comprising independent volunteers from local communities, the ISOB provides objective scrutiny and constructive challenge to ensure the effective delivery of the plan, which is dedicated to addressing racial disparities and eliminating racism within policing.
About Thames Valley Police’s Race Action Plan
The Race Action Plan is designed to enhance trust and confidence among Thames Valley’s diverse communities—particularly Black and Ethnic communities—as well as among police officers and staff. It focuses on identifying and addressing racial disparities in policing to ensure fair and equitable service for all.
The plan is structured around four key workstreams, ensuring that minority ethnic communities and police colleagues feel:
- Represented – Enabling communities to see themselves reflected in policing through improved recruitment, retention, and an inclusive internal culture.
- Respected – Ensuring fair and dignified treatment for all communities by eliminating racial bias and disproportionality in policing.
- Involved – Strengthening relationships with communities through proactive engagement and meaningful participation in policing matters.
- Protected – Addressing disparities in service provision and ensuring that all communities receive equal protection under the law.
For further information and to access the Thames Valley Police Race Action Plan, please visit the Thames Valley Police website.
ISOB’s Role
The ISOB independently monitors and evaluates the implementation of the Thames Valley Police Race Action Plan, assessing its impact, effectiveness, and overall benefit to communities. As a fully independent body, the ISOB is accountable to the public and works to ensure transparency and fairness in policing practices.
Members of the ISOB provide expert analysis, objective assessment, and evidence-based recommendations to the Thames Valley Police Race Action Plan Programme Board and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. Through engagement with both internal police structures and external community networks, the ISOB helps shape policy and strategic equality initiatives, ensuring that voices from all backgrounds are heard and considered.
Meetings and output
| Date | Minutes and papers |
|---|---|
| Monday 21 July 2025 | |
| Thursday 25 September 2025 | |
| Thursday 20 November 2025 | |
| Thursday 29 January 2026 |
Key outputs from the last ISOB meeting (21 July 2025)
- Thames Valley Police have provided ISOB with information around the justification for Section 60s which have reassured the board that these are used in appropriate circumstances
- Thames Valley Police and ISOB have begun discussions about the transition of the Police Race Action Plan into the new Trust & Confidence approach
- ISOB have been commissioned to do some work on around the Trust & Confidence framework which will hold the force to account on their performance against the aims of the strategy
- The OPCC will be recruiting for one more ISOB member to represent Buckinghamshire
Jason Sinclair – Chair
Jason is a Commercial Director and Management Consultant with a background in HR Management, currently Chief Operating Officer at Profile Resourcing, an Inclusive Recruitment Specialist.
Having had a wealth of experience over the last 24 years in Blue Chip, SME, Public Sector and Higher Education, Jason is a proud vocal supporter of Diversity and Inclusion and other initiatives designed to give all the chance of success. Jason also sits on several boards as a Trustee and Strategic Advisor.
Annual report
The Independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board (ISOB) has published it’s 2024/25 Annual Report (opens in PDF), which details the work of the Board over the last 12 months.
Get Involved
The ISOB is passionate about championing inclusion, racial equality, and community representation.
We welcome members of the public sharing their thoughts, concerns, and experiences regarding policing in their local areas. Your insights help inform and strengthen our scrutiny work.
We are not currently recruiting for ISOB, but if you wish to raise a policing-related observation or concern, please email scrutiny@thamesvalley.police.uk.