37/2023 – Reducing Reoffending Fund application January 2024

Author and Job Role: George Bell, Criminal Justice Policy & Commissioning Officer

Protective Marking:  Official

For 2023/24 the Police and Crime Commissioner has made available £270,000.00 of funding to reduce reoffending in Surrey.

Catalyst Support Ltd – Women’s Support Centre Surrey – Leanne Spiller

Brief overview of service/decision: To award £142,820 (over three years) to Catalyst Support Ltd for the Women’s Support Centre Surrey. In collaboration with Surrey Police, the Women’s Support Centre will recruit a Checkpoint Navigator to provide specialist casework for women referred to the Surrey Police Checkpoint scheme. The staff member will provide a trauma-informed, person-centred approach to victim led, restorative justice, via the Checkpoint process.

Reason for funding

The Reduction of Reoffending: While holding cases and providing the specialist support for female clients in Surrey, the Navigator would build a trusted rapport with clients increasing engagement and reducing the chances of reoffending, due to the right support being in place. Support would include client engagement with health services including drug and alcohol treatment; accessing appropriate housing; support around domestic abuse and control; and signposting internally and externally according to need.

To Protect People from Harm in Surrey: Firstly, by providing a timely and victim-led approach to offending behaviours. Secondly, by acknowledging that not all women in the criminal justice system are only offenders, but most are also victims who have been subjected to abuse, control, exploitation, or trauma. Working with women to form trusted professional relationships; to encourage engagement with services; to support empowerment and self-care, will have a positive impact on both the client and those living in Surrey and interacting with them.

That the Commissioner supports this standard grant application to the Reducing Reoffending Fund and awards to the following;

  • £142,820.00 (over three years) to Catalyst Support Ltd

I approve the recommendation(s):

Signature: Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend (wet signed copy held at PCC Offices)

Date: 09 January 2024

All decisions must be added to the decision register.

Consultation

Consultation has taken place with appropriate lead officers depending on the application. All applications have been asked to supply evidence of any consultation and community engagement.

Financial implications

All applications have been asked to confirm the organisation hold accurate financial information. They are also asked to include the total costs of the project with breakdown where the money will be spent; any additional funding secured or applied for and plans for on-going funding. The Reducing Reoffending Fund Decision Panel/Criminal Justice policy officers considers the financial risks and opportunities when looking at each application.

Legal

Legal advice is taken on an application-by-application basis.

Risks

The Reducing reoffending Fund Decision Panel and Criminal Justice policy officers considers any risks in the allocation of funding. It is also part of the process to consider when refusing an application, the service delivery risks if appropriate.

Equality and diversity

Each application will be requested to supply appropriate equality and diversity information as part of the monitoring requirements. All applicants are expected to adhere to the Equality Act 2010

Risks to human rights

Each application will be requested to supply appropriate human rights information as part of the monitoring requirements. All applicants are expected to adhere to the Human Rights Act.