Norfolk Police Authority

Disability Forum

What is the Disability Forum?

The Disability Forum works to ensure disabled people have a say in the decision-making processes of Norfolk Constabulary and Norfolk Police Authority. The input from the Forum has a key role to play in helping to increase public confidence in the police, particularly amongst disabled people.

Through expressing the views and opinions they have gained through personal experiences, Forum members help the Police and Police Authority to gain a better understanding of the effects of their policies and functions on disabled people.

The Forum, which meets three times a year at Norfolk Constabulary’s headquarters in Wymondham, is open to all disabled people in Norfolk, and is supported by officers of the Constabulary and the Authority. There are currently 12 members of the Forum, whose input has been sought on a range of issues, including impact assessment of policies, and policing priorities for Norfolk. Members have also been involved in shaping the training offered by Norfolk Constabulary to its staff through participation or observation.

Becoming a Member of the Disability Forum

The purpose (working guidelines) of the Disability Forum is:

• To enable disabled people to have a say in the decision-making processes of Norfolk Constabulary and Norfolk Police Authority;
• To be empowered to raise issues of concern regarding the policing of their local area;
• To maintain overview of the Constabulary and Authority’s action plans arising from their Disability Equality Schemes;
• To form sub-groups to address discrete areas of work

As a member of the Group, you will be expected to:

• Attend meetings of the group as and when necessary, as well as work in groups/ sub-groups;
• Share your personal knowledge, awareness and experiences within the group;
• Provide advice to the Constabulary to help them monitor the quality of service it provides to disabled people within Norfolk, including disability equality schemes, and policing policies and plans.
• Contribute the time, energy and commitment to attend regular meetings

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Disability Forum, or would like to know more about its work, please contact policeauthority@norfolk.pnn.police.uk