Southwark Policing Oversight Board

The Southwark Policing Oversight Board held its fourth meeting this week at Peckham Library, bringing together community representatives, partners and local policing leaders for a constructive evening of discussion and scrutiny. The Board continues to play a central role in shaping how policing in Southwark is delivered—challenging us, holding us to account, and ensuring that community voices directly influence our priorities.

This month’s session focused on two key areas: Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and how we strengthen engagement with seldom-heard communities.

We presented an update on Southwark’s local approach to VAWG, outlining the work underway to improve investigative standards, provide stronger support to victims, and enhance our preventative activity. Board members raised important questions around consistency of response, training, and how we ensure women and girls feel confident reporting concerns. Their feedback will help shape our future work, particularly around visibility, communication, and supporting those who may feel unsure about coming forward.

The Board also examined how policing in Southwark engages with communities whose voices are less frequently heard through conventional channels. We discussed the challenges faced by some groups—including language barriers, cultural perceptions of policing, and concerns around immigration status—and how these can reduce trust and access to support. Officers shared examples of recent outreach, including targeted work with faith communities, migrant-led organisations, youth groups, and local charities. The Board provided practical recommendations on how we can continue to adapt and broaden our approach.

The evening reflected the Oversight Board’s purpose: to create space for transparent, honest dialogue about what we do well and where we must do better. Members offered balanced challenge and constructive insight, reinforcing how vital it is that local policing remains visible, responsive, and shaped by those it serves.

We are grateful to everyone who attended and contributed, and to Peckham Library for hosting the meeting. As the Board progresses, its role remains critical—ensuring that policing in Southwark is accountable, community-focused, and continually improving.