What is Independent Business Advisory Group (IBAG)?

The IBAG is a strategic group designed to scrutinise Hertfordshire Constabulary’s response to crime types impacting Hertfordshire businesses, whilst providing consultative feedback to the Office of Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire (OPCC).
 
The IBAG provides the valuable role of critical friend to the OPCC, not as an independent group, but as a forum where independent advisors can give independent advice, enabling businesses to play their part in keeping Hertfordshire safe.
 
The group hold quarterly meetings which include acting as a critical friend on the progress of the Business Watch strategic plan, discussion of police approaches to tackling business crime, and changes in policy that affect businesses. Members are encouraged to put forward items for discussion in advance of the meetings.
 
 

Membership of the IBAG

Any person from the business community in Hertfordshire is able to apply to be a member of the IBAG. They will be able to do this by registering their interest with the OPCC. (Amie.Birkhamshaw@herts.pcc.pnn.gov.uk)
 
Those that are a member of any group whose aims and beliefs conflict with the role and objectives of the IBAG will be excluded from applying.
 
 

Seminars and Webinars

The IBAG often host seminars for the business community on a variety of topics related to business crime. The most recent IBAG seminar which focussed on Fraud & Cybercrime can be accessed here: https://vimeo.com/470624930
 
There are also plans in place for IBAG webinars in 2021 and beyond. Further information will be published here once available.
 
 
 

Documents and Resources

This is the first edition of the IBAG's new newsletter.

This newsletter is an opportunity for us to update you on the breadth of activity to address business crime across the county.

IBAG’s future work programme includes developing a business crime strategy - and strong engagement with the business community throughout Hertfordshire will help us deliver an effective strategy that continues to address business crime in our county.

We want Herts businesses to get involved with IBAG, and we want you to tell us your views on policing of business crime in Herts, so please get in touch.

Read the IBAG Newsletter






In my Police and Crime Plan, I recognise the devastating impact crime can have on businesses, and pledged to launch a Business Crime Strategy.

Tackling Business Crime Together has been developed following an extensive survey answered by businesses, big and small, from across the county, supplemented by interviews with several business groups.

Results from the survey showed that 59 per cent of business victims of crime experienced a high impact on staff morale and 30 per cent saw a high impact on loss of work time.

Businesses based in Hertfordshire are vital for the prosperity of the county – and so the consequences of business crime affect us all.

Tackling Business Crime Together sets out that through a collaborative approach from policing, industry and community safety partners, we can tackle this complex threat.

Read Tackling Business Crime Together

Take our business crime course for business staff
Take our business crime course for business owners