Police Accountability – Youth Leads UK Hosts IOPC Workshop

The Independent Office for Police Conduct visited Youth Leads UK’s young people and taught them about their line of work. 

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) are responsible for making sure all complaints to the police are handled in an appropriate manner. 

Jonathan Williams-Young, the North West Stakeholder Engagement Officer at the IOPC, delivered a workshop to teach young people the importance of policing across the country, and their organisation. 

Young people had the chance to ask questions about recent incidents they were concerned about – they were also taught more about their rights with the police, roleplaying as investigators at crime scenes to give practical experience, and signposted to opportunities within the IOPC. Jonathan also told young people more about his journey and the pathways into his line of work. 

Jonathan, North West Stakeholder Engagement Officer at the IOPC, said:

“We decided to deliver an IOPC workshop as part of the Industry Insight sessions as we felt it was important to support young people’s understanding of the IOPC, coupled with raising awareness and developing perspectives on policing and policing oversight in England and Wales. The Industry Insight sessions allow young people to engage with organisations and gives them the opportunity to explore future career options, and we wanted to be a part of that empowering process.”

Asad, 17, a young person who attended, said:

“The IOPC session was eye-opening. It demonstrated their commitment to accountability and being impartial when facing serious concerns. After the session, I felt reassured that justice is being pursued with integrity, thanks to the IOPC.”

Saeed Atcha MBE DL, CEO and Founder of Youth Leads UK, said:

“I believe young people deserve to have a wealth of opportunities to enrich their lives. The Industry Insights sessions were developed for this very purpose, and I am delighted that our young people have learnt more about the policing system in this country. A big thank you to Jonathan and the IOPC for taking the time to talk to our young people and joining us in making their lives more meaningful through skills enrichment.”

The Industry Insights sessions aim to enrich young people’s lives and honour the Youth Leads UK belief – that young people have the power to make a difference and deserve to have their voices amplified and listened to so they can make positive changes around them.