Avon and Somerset Police Authority is looking to appoint three independent members to work alongside the existing five independent and nine councillor members.

If you, or someone you know are up for the challenge, are over 18, of independent mind and live or work in the force area and have done so for at least a year, why not apply?

As an independent member you will have a say in what the policing priorities are for Avon and Somerset, how the force budget is allocated as well as scrutinise the force performance and ensure local people's views are heard.

A commitment of, on average, 10 hours a week is required, for which a basic allowance of £8,970 and expenses including childcare and carer's expenses are payable.

Appointments are normally for a term of four years, and will start from 1 October 2008.

We are looking for people with: Good communication skills and a willingness to seek out and listen to the views of all sections of the local community on policing issues; Relevant skills, experience and knowledge, for example, in management, business, finance, community or race-relations;

Knowledge of diversity issues to support the Authority's duty to promote equality and diversity in the police force, and The ability to represent a broad range of local communities and challenge accepted views in a constructive way.

Details can be found on the Police Authority website by following this link: www.aspola.org.uk/independent

We are contacting our stakeholders and partners, seeking support in circulating details of our recruitment campaign to interested parties across Avon and Somerset.

Please contact Claire Ward-Willis on 01275 816386 or by email on claire.wardwillis@avonandsomerset.pnn.police.uk For more information on becoming an independent member contact the Members' Support Desk on 01275 816377 or view our microsite at www.aspola.org.uk and follow the link to our recruitment pages. The website contains full application details, a video interview with an independent member, an excerpt from a member's diary and copies of agendas and reports from Police Authority meetings. Please note that the closing date for applications is 5pm on Wednesday 16 July 2008.

Claire Ward-Willis Media and Public Relations Officer Avon and Somerset Police Authority Tel: 01275-816386 Mobile: 07824 519235