Independent chair sought for Hertfordshire Hate Crime Partnership Board

Do you want to make a difference to the communities in Hertfordshire and take a stand for equality and justice? Are you interested in partnership work and learning how the public and voluntary sector work together? Would you like to develop chairing skills with a varied and multi-agency group? Then Hertfordshire’s Hate Crime Partnership Board has an opportunity for you!

The board, which meets four times a year, is seeking an independent co-chair.

The board is made up of representatives from public sector and voluntary organisations, including Hertfordshire County Council, the Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner, Hertfordshire Constabulary, Beacon and independent organisations, like GATE (Gypsy and Traveller Empowerment).

Amie Birkhamshaw, Assistant Chief Executive at the Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner, who currently chairs meetings, said: ‘This is a great opportunity for someone with passion and insight to join the board, shining a light on the issues and help build relationships with communities,’ said Amie. ‘We would particularly welcome applications from those with lived experience of hate crime across any of the protected characteristics.

‘Hate crime is an insidious crime that can have a corrosive effect on our communities and lasting, life-long impacts on victims.’

She added: ‘The partnership board has a strong focus on raising awareness of hate crime, what it is and how to report it, and is keen to spread knowledge across our communities. This isn’t just a police issue, of course, it’s much wider than that, which is why it is right that an independent voice takes the lead. Hate crime is not tolerated in Hertfordshire. Police and partner agencies take hate crime very seriously.’

While it is a volunteer role, expenses will be paid, and expressions of interest (maximum 500 words) are requested by Friday 27 May to be emailed to County Community Safety Unit Programme Manager Kate Moore kate.moore@hertfordshire.gov.uk. There’s more detail in the online advert here: Volunteer – Independent Co-Chair – Hertfordshire Hate Crime Partnership Board – Tri-force (tal.net).

Hertfordshire’s Hate Crime Partnership Board meets quarterly and drives the direction for the work around hate crime within Hertfordshire. The meetings are an opportunity to discuss all aspects of hate crime from awareness raising, criminal proceedings and community engagement.

For an informal discussion, please contact County Community Safety Unit Programme Manager Kate Moore via kate.moore@hertfordshire.gov.uk.

There’s more about Hertfordshire Hate Crime Partnership Board on the website hertsagainsthate.org.