The Independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board (ISOB)

Thames Valley’s Independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board (ISOB) was launched in October 2022.  Made up of independent volunteers from within local communities, it’s role is to provide overview and external scrutiny on the delivery of Thames Valley Police’s Race Action Plan, tackling racism and racial disparity in policing.

Thames Valley Police’s Race Action Plan aims to improve the trust and confidence of Thames Valley’s diverse communities, especially Black communities, and of its own workforce, and address any racial disparities in the service. 

The plan focusses on 4 work streams, enabling minority ethnic communities and colleagues to feel:   

1. Represented – We want communities to see themselves when they look at policing. This is about representation, retention, and our internal culture.   
2. Respected – We want to treat our communities fairly, with respect and dignity. This is about eliminating any racial bias and disproportionality.   
3. Involved – We want to involve our communities in policing. This is about knowing where our communities are and improving our engagement with them.   
4. Protected – We want to protect our communities.  This is about taking action if some communities get a different service to others.   

For further information and to download the TVP Race Action Plan, please visit the Thames Valley Police website

ISOB’s role

ISOB’s monitor and scrutinise the actions taken to implement the Thames Valley Police Race Action Plan, its performance, outcomes and benefits. It is an independent board made up of members of the local community and is accountable to the general public.

ISOB provides constructive challenge, advice and guidance as appropriate to Thames Valley Police’s Race Action Plan Programme Board and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. Members provide analysis and independent, evidence-based judgement across a broad spectrum of policy and strategic equality and engage internally and externally with local communities to help scrutinise and shape activity.

Get involved

ISOB is currently recruiting for new members. If you have a passion for championing and advocating on issues of inclusion and race, please visit our vacancies page for details on how you can get involved.