What is a Neighbourhood Action Group?
A Neighbourhood Action Group, or NAG, is set up to deal with key issues identified by a community’s first public consultation. This may happen in the form of a public meeting, through surveys done face-to-face or by mail, or a combination of methods.
NAGs are volunteer working groups made up of representatives from the community. They will include residents, the police, local authority and other organisations, such as local businesses and schools.
They are key to the success of neighbourhood policing as it is this group who will plan on behalf of the community and organise for tasks to be completed. In effect, they are the ‘doers’ accountable locally for responding to problems a community wants to tackle.
Who can get involved?
A NAG should be representative of the different communities living in the neighbourhood. In particular those groups who are often under-represented, such as young people and people who are disabled, are encouraged to join.
The group will meet no more than once every month and the volunteers are expected to take on responsibility for achieving certain tasks.
As well as wide representation of the community, a NAG will benefit from a broad range of skills and experience on the team. Administrative, organisational, practical and communications ability will all be valued highly.
People who represent others are also very welcome and can bring a lot to a NAG. For example, a member of a residents association or church can put across the views of this organisation and will bring the added benefit of a group of people able to help with doing some of the work.
What’s in it for me?
As a member of a NAG you will be able to influence decisions about your neighbourhood and public services. Ultimately you will have a real ability to change things for the better in your local community and gain a sense of satisfaction from doing so.Voluntary work of this nature also looks excellent on your CV and can demonstrate all kinds of skills to a prospective employer.
If you are attending as a representative of the community, for example, as a local Councillor, it is a great opportunity to engage with your community and take action on their behalf.
How do I find out more or get involved?
To find out more about neighbourhood policing and the work of the many NAGs already in existence, please visit www.thamesvalley.police.uk and visit the neighbourhood policing pages. For information about getting involved please call 0845 8 505 505 and ask to speak to a representative from your neighbourhood policing team or visit your local police station.
Governance of Neighbourhood Action Groups
NAGs are governed by a written Constitution and Terms of Reference. To read a copy, click the following link: NAG Constitution Nov 2007 (PDF, 34 kB)