About the Firearms Licensing Independent Advisory Group

The role of an Independent Advisory Group (IAG) is to help the police build insight into the needs, wants and concerns of the groups who are under-represented in normal decision-making processes. This insight is used to shape service delivery for the benefit of all our communities and engender trust and confidence. In performing this function, the IAG acts as a ‘critical friend’ to the police, challenging conventional thinking and providing an independent perspective on issues, working as a genuine partner with the police to inform and promote improvements.

The Firearms Licensing IAG volunteer to advise individually and collectively on the effect policing activities may have or be perceived to have on individuals and communities within the shooting community. They contribute to police thinking around the development of policing policies and practices. This is intended to assist the constabulary in its process of continuous improvement and development. They do not provide ‘specialist advice’ on policing issues or make licensing decisions. The IAG meets four times a year, alternating between online meetings via Microsoft Teams and in-person meetings.

The Firearms Licensing IAG Chair is Ralph Barker and Vice Chair is Daryn Hufton-Rees.