Building Safer Communities Through Building Stronger Partnerships

Sally PickeringGloucestershire Association for Voluntary and

Community ActionJune 19th 2012

Gloucestershire VCS Assembly

Collective voice for the VCS in Gloucestershire Led by a Board of Representatives Supported by GAVCA Thematic strategic groups includingStronger and Safer Communities. Elected VCS reps sit on working

groups etc

Pre Safer Future Communities Project

VCS Assembly Stronger and Safer Communities Strategy Group and elected reps

CLINKS Criminal Justice Agencies and VCS networking event – June 2009

VCS Assembly Good Commissioning Guide (linked to Gloucestershire Compact)

Home Office funded IOM Project

A Framework for Commissioning

Provides guidance on how VCS resources can be harnessed to help reduce re-offending through improved commissioning.

Research involved talking to VCS and statutory case managers

See http://www.gloshub.org.uk/stronger-a-safer-communities/integrated-offender-management

Gloucestershire Safer Future Communities Project

Refreshed VCS Network Task and Finish Group to develop key

messages to candidatesBriefing SheetVCS Priorities concerning

- relationship between PCC and VCS- skills and qualities needed for the job- engagement structures that need to be in place

Gloucestershire Safer Future Communities Project

Made contact with Police Authority to discuss VCS offer –

community engagementhelp with commissioningco-delivery of services

Which has resulted in:-

A commitment to involving the VCS in GSSJC partnership event to plan for the new PCC

Work to review engagement structures GAVCA commissioned to coordinate VCS Assembly

members to engage with seldom heard communities to gather views on role of PCC

Consultants recommended by VCS commissioned to engage with public sector partners to further

develop ideas on what commissioning will look like.

What Next?

GAVCA is meeting individually with candidates and asking them to support the VCS key principles

Candidates’ position on VCS Assembly Key Principles will be widely publicised.

Work with partners to hold Hustings events Ensure that focus groups receive feed-back and chance to meet candidates

All information can be found at -

www.gloshub.org.uk/stronger-a-safer-communities/police-and-crime-commissioner