I've been a coordinator for two NW groups since 1998 and one thing has always baffled me is why Avon and Somerset Police have coordinators work in silos to other other coordinators, to me this seems wrong and limits our effectiveness. When someone is a new coordinator for a new NW group they need an experienced coordinator to help explain why things are done as they are, where to get advice, someone to tell them about websites like www.asnwa.org. Without the support of another coordinator they then have to contact ASP to ask the questions, taking ASP officers away from other matters. Again with this silo culture when new NW tools come available ASP don't tell us, I'm not blaming ASP officers for not telling us because they have other priorities but instead making the point if coordinators work together we share information and tell each other about a great new tool becoming available. To my way of thinking NW coordinators should be taking work away from ASP officers but because of this silo culture the reverse happens and coordinators end up being zombies.
What I'm asking for: 1) The Terms and Conditions for all NW coordinators changed to say they are happy to share contact details like email address with other local coordinators to help support each other, 2) A new coordinator is assigned 'an experienced buddy coordinator' to mentor the new coordinator.
From my experience I find other coordinators are fine with sharing an email address, and if they aren't prepared to work with other coordinators then you have got to question whether they are fit to be a NW coordinator. Noted www.ourwatch.org.uk has now given us a tool to make contact with other coordinators, but a new coordinator would need to be told about this in the first place or get lucky and accidentally find the feature, plus some NW groups are not on it.
Thank you for your post on the Open Forum - and I must say that I fully agree with your observations.
We have been looking into how to arrange for co-ordinators to contact each other through the website - it's still work in progress as it will require some server-side Javascript development for which we will need some expert help. It's definitely something to get sorted in 2020.
Many thanks Admin for getting back to me. I can write Javascript, however I don't see this as the main problem because we can contact each other on the national website, www.ourwatch.org.uk
What I was hoping for is clarity from Avon and Somerset Police on changing the way they do things, the Terms and Conditions that a new coordinator signs needs changing, ASP officer needs to change their procedures and assign a buddy, so the whole of this request needs to go through a 'Change Request' process, probably discussed at a big ASP meeting. I thought this website part of it function is to do this, NW coordinator's feedback to ASP, am I mistaken? I am looking for Admin or someone in ASP to take ownership of this Change Request?
Alex, I think that because of JavaScript restrictions this will/may need to be server side. I have drafted a specification that I can send. The problem with Ourwatch is that their database only holds a small fraction of NW co-ordinators, hence the need for a more inclusive system. We also need to think more widely to offer the service to Farm Watch, Horse Watch etc and anyone subscribed to ASNWA not in a Scheme. ASNWA is independent of the ASP. We have a designated SPOC at Portishead HQ any liaison is formally through that connection. Although we do communicate directly with the CC and PCC.
Good Afternoon
Trish a great idea.
Alex its for us to flag up ideas and action them to put before ASNWA. Paul Johnson mentioned in my script is the police staff lead for NHW Coordinators.
Firstly allow me to introduce myself:
I've been a NHW Coordinator for nearly 10 years in West Wick Weston Super Mare and very pleased that ASNWA have introduced this online discussion forum
site for us to share, it's a fantastic tool for encouraging discussions around a central theme. It can help us and your members form relationships, motivate one another to achieve goals, and learn new skills for what you want to accomplish. Also share thoughts, ideas, experiences, suggestions, making your content and topics interesting. Data Protection Legislation Act 2018 required us to inform our NHW members to agree receiving e-mails from ourselves, which I have repeated recently with my members giving me their permission again. Connecting with your local Beat Team which you can find on ASP website or your local council. In the past I have invited our area PSCO also two local Councillors to a new meeting 'used to be in the 'Bucket and Spade' public house which is very interesting, not always easy to get everyone together however, its a good way to stay active and involved in the community.
Paul Johnson NHW Admin (Somerset) is a good advocate to discuss any issues which you may have, he sends us the NHW ASW electronic communication, I spoke to him earlier. I forward to my NHW members and North Somerset Councillors Avon & Somerset Police Daily News Summary also an update of the crimes in our area.
I have a deputy coordinator who supports me if I'm unable to attend meetings also we both attend the Campus near Morrisons for a monthly Surgery which is ran by North Somerset Council. Councillor Peter Crew leads the meeting with two colleagues which we discuss numerous topics, particularly if a resident is having issues or questions to be asked its a way to spend an hour every first Saturday of the month.
It's a good influencer tool for tracking and reporting to register an on-line account with North Somerset Council. When I ring them for community reasons i.e reporting illegal encampments, fly tipping, et; I aways address myself as the NHW Coordinator for the area, likewise the Police on a 101.
I'm unsure if you are aware that some Insurance Companies may/can give a discount if you are in a NHW area, its worth mentioning it to them. I am happy to support anyone who would wish to.
Lastly: I have been a PSV (Police Support Volunteer- Coordinator) with Avon and Somerset Police for nearly 7 years which is very rewarding. I have several roles with different Line-Managers. I'm also a Restorative Justice Practitioner (Volunteer) working with victims of crime and their harmers. RAAS (Restorative Approaches Avon and Somerset).
ASP Invigilator for Special Constables in their assessment exams at HQ.
I visit several outside companies recruiting for Special Constables and PSV.
Admin, filing. # FRO (Front Line Officers- 999 calls) spreadsheets update. taking and writing up minutes.
Interviewing new Volunteers with police staff.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Jennifer