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:

1. Represented – Enabling communities to see themselves reflected in policing through improved recruitment, retention, and an inclusive internal culture.
2. Respected – Ensuring fair and dignified treatment for all communities by eliminating racial bias and disproportionality in policing.
3. Involved – Strengthening relationships with communities through proactive engagement and meaningful participation in policing matters.
4. 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.