Meet some of the members of the Independent Advisory Group

Raleigh Chiwuta

 

My professional training is in diagnostic radiography and currently work as a Specialist MRI Radiographer in the health care sector.

I am an author / poet currently with five published titles on amazon. My interest is the human condition, how we are and our future along with our complex social dynamics. This is the source of my literature.

Furthermore, this is why I am pursuing further studies in Ethics and Global Justice from September 2024 at Birmingham University.

I am a social entrepreneur and am growing a Social Enterprise company committed to a global conversation in Inclusive Leadership. I view the idea of inclusive leadership as an access to transforming the myriad global and local problems humanity faces.

I am originally from Zimbabwe and the phenomenon of moving to England from a former colony has been fertile ground for the cultivation of an analytical approach of observing existence.

Community connections

I am involved in the following; One hand can’t clap (Community engagement and personal development space).Black Success Initiative (BSI) An initiative to promote entrepreneurship in the black community as a means to transform the community post the murder of George Floyd.

IAG Activity

I have been involved with the scrutiny panel which has been an incredible opportunity to feedback on real live policing and shape policing in Norfolk. I was also a keynote speaker at the 2024 Stephen Lawrence day in Norfolk. An incredible honour and privilege to share my thoughts on such a meaningful day. I enjoy engaging with all aspects of the IAG and hearing from fellow members.

Edward Clark

I joined the IAG in 2023 and find it an honour to represent my community in Norfolk. I have several specific interests, including LGBTQIA+ issues, neurodiversity and the role of the constabulary in mental health related activities, however I am most passionate about building trust in policing in my home county. 

I currently work for the NHS in a mental health community team. This professional role not only affords me a unique perspective but also allows me to witness firsthand the intersectionality between mental health concerns and law enforcement activities, further fuelling my determination to advocate for improved practices and support enhancement of systems.

Moreover, I proudly sit on the Stop and Search Scrutiny Panel, a position I consider to be of paramount importance. Through this role, I actively participate in the oversight of law enforcement procedures, ensuring accountability, fairness, and respect for civil liberties in our communities. This commitment aligns seamlessly with my overarching goal of promoting trust and cooperation between the police and the communities they serve.

I’m also a recent Norwich University of the Arts Graduate which informs many of the topics I raise at the IAG on my community’s behalf. As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, the IAG provides my peers an opportunity to be listened to, while reflecting on positive changes in behaviour within the Norfolk Constabulary.

Juels Copley

I initially decided to join IAG because I became increasingly concerned about the rise in violence and harassment against women and girls. The IAG is an independent body of local members of the public and is a means for local people to hold the police constabulary to account. I wanted to be part of the civic conversation on how violence against women and girls can be reduced and to ensure their cases are handled empathetically and effectively, should they become a victim of violent or sexual crime.

The aspect of IAG I enjoy the most is the opportunity to make a real difference by working alongside the Norfolk Constabulary and the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office to review strategy, policy and procedures that impact police interactions with the public. There’s a lot of scope to expand the role if you wish and since joining the IAG, I now sit on two case review panels for Rape, Sexual Assault and Hate Crime both for the Constabulary and the Crown Prosecution Service.

Like many people my age, the police investigation and subsequent inquiry into the management of Stephen Lawrence’s murder case had a profound impact on me. It is an honour and a privilege to be part of a group set up in his name, whose sole purpose is to independently scrutinise and hold the Norfolk Constabulary to account. It is for these reasons I would recommend anyone, from any community group, join in the conversation and make their voices heard, and ensure their life experiences are represented. 

The IAG would ideally be representative of the wider community it serves, but like many of the IAG committees around the country, the Norfolk IAG would benefit from greater diversity. It is crucial that all the citizens and diverse groups of Norfolk have a voice and that those voices have influence.

Simon Guest

I want to ensure that all communities get fair treatment from the Police and that the Police get the appropriate support to achieve this.

My Experience
I have lived and worked in Norfolk for almost 40 years. Most of my career was spent working in Information Technology and Insurance for Aviva (Norwich Union). I am now retired and using part of my free time to take an Open University degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics.

Representation and Interest
I am the chair of my local parish council and have been involved with several local charities. I enjoy family life, travel and following a wide range of sports.

IAG Activity
I am a member of the Stop and Search Review panel. I have worked on reviewing policies and procedures and providing an independent audit of the Norfolk OPCC website. I attend the St Martins Housing Trust advisory panel on behalf of the IAG.  

Paul LeServe

Based in Kings Lynn, West Norfolk, I joined IAG 4 years ago after finding out about what it represented at a community meeting. I have always had a passion for voluntary work and for supporting those less fortunate than myself and I was looking for an opportunity to devote some time towards this when I found out about IAG, I am so glad I did as I find the being part of IAG is both fascinating and rewarding. Currently I am Vice Chair IAG and I believe our panel give voice to most of Norfolk communities but we still need to strive ahead to ensure all communities are represented and have a voice.  

In Kings Lynn I have connections with a number of organisations, I am currently Chair of Trustees at the Night Shelter and I work closely with a number of diverse groups including the Islamic Society and West Norfolk Deaf Association. Through these I assist in raising any issues with the Police that they may be experiencing and as an Independent Panel we can also discuss these issues fully at our meeting and agree on what is the best way towards resolving them.

I work closely with the Police in Kings Lynn, and I foster partnerships with the local communities where I can assist the Police and the Community to come together.

I am Chair of the Stop & Search Scrutiny Panel which meets one a month and reviews random Stop & Searches made by the Norfolk Police. We provide advice from the public’s point of view which the Police then take on to constantly improve this key part of Policing. We are constantly on the lookout for new members of the public, the panel is a very rewarding way of providing the Police with feedback in a formal environment. 

The monthly IAG meeting are a great forum to raise the problems and issues that communities face around Norfolk. It is fascinating to hear of the day-to-day issues of our communities in Norfolk and differing views that our conversations within the panel take on when discussing them. The diversity of the panel is a key part to being able to get great view of differing views on any subject which a major strength of IAG. Being part of IAG has taught me so much about the struggles that people have, people who I would never have been aware of without being part of the panel. 

Diddy Nash

My Experience

I’ve worked for the NNUH trust Pharmacy department for over 30 years on the front desk as part of the reception team. It’s a very challenging role at times but I’ve always loved it and working alongside other trust employees I’ve gained a great deal of respect within the hospital with patients and trust colleagues alike.

Representation and Interest

I represent the New Costessey area of Norwich where I’ve lived for over 23 years. I’m an Independent Custody Visitor co-ordinator for the OPCC to which I visit local custody suites checking on the health and well-being of detainees. Listening to them and reporting to the OPCC. 

Having come from a theatrical background I enjoy the Theatre, live music, and dancing.

IAG achievements

Since joining IAG I’ve attended the Stop and Search Scrutiny Panel meetings, as well as the Training Sessions that the Norfolk Constabulary hold for their employees. I’m on the Working for Women sub-group stemmed from IAG to help support women who find they need help and support. These are voluntary based which I enjoy supporting. If I could summarise in one sentence what I stand for it is “Everyone Deserves to Be Heard”.

Judeline Nicholas

Judeline is a member of the Police Ethics Committee, Stop and Search Panel. Judeline is part of Institute of Directors and owns her company specialising in assisting the growth and development of individuals, groups, and organisations using creative and innovative strategies that engage all parties. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Les Rowlands

I have worked in industry, police, probation, and social work environments, ending my career some years ago as a family court social work manager.  I am passionate about how the police engage with local communities and neighbourhood policing in general.  As a new Chair of Norfolk Neighbourhood Watch my hope is for Norfolk Police to focus on re-establishing important community links and support networks across the county to help tackle the year-on-year increase in crime and the increasing issue of cybercrime.  I am a firm believer of openness and transparency and been encouraged by the Chief Constable and the Crime Commissioners’ ongoing commitment to holding regular public forums.  I also participate in the yearly specific information audit of the OPCC’s funding allocations to a wide range of service providers.

Brian Walker

I have been a member of the Independent Advisory Group for several years with specific interests in LGBT issues, homelessness, and other marginalized groups as well as criminal justice issues having been a former Probation Officer. I also have an interest in police training and education.

I am the Single Point of Contact for Great Yarmouth and North Norfolk and co-chair Community Conversations with the local Police Engagement Officer in both areas to encourage engagement and feedback from residents.

I am also a member of the Stop and Search Scrutiny Panel which regularly reviews Stop and Search procedures.