Neighbourhood Action Groups

What is a Neighbourhood Action Group?

A Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) is a multi-agency problem-solving body focused on tackling the top three priorities as identified by the community.

Neighbourhood Action Groups are made up of volunteer representatives from the community. They bring together organisations and partners like residents, the police, local authorities, businesses and schools and normally meet every 4–6 weeks.

They are key to the success of neighbourhood policing. They plan on behalf of the community and organise tasks to be completed. This improves community safety and reassurance and reduces crime, disorder and disproportionate fear of crime.

Who can get involved?

A Neighbourhood Action Group should be representative of the different communities in the neighbourhood. In particular, those who are under-represented, such as young people and the disabled, are encouraged to join. Apart from a wide community representation, a Neighbourhood Action Group 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 welcome. They bring a lot to a Neighbourhood Action Group, for example, a member of a Residents' Association 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.

Members will be agreed by the Neighbourhood Action Group. If you are interested in becoming a member, contact your local neighbourhood team.

What's in it for me?

You and people from a range of organisations will be heavily involved in making your community safer and a better place to live. As a member of a Neighbourhood Action Group you will be able to influence decisions about your neighbourhood and public service.

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 locally elected representative, it is a great opportunity to engage with your community, take action on their behalf and help co-ordinate the work of the council with that of other organisations.