Wolverhampton City Council OPEN EXECUTIVE INFORMATION ITEM · 1 Agenda Item: 7 Wolverhampton City...
Transcript of Wolverhampton City Council OPEN EXECUTIVE INFORMATION ITEM · 1 Agenda Item: 7 Wolverhampton City...
1
Agenda Item: 7 Wolverhampton City Council OPEN EXECUTIVE
INFORMATION ITEM CABINET Date 25 JULY 2012 Portfolio COUNCILLOR MATTU/ LEISURE AND COMMUNITIES Originating Service Group(s) OFFICE OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE Contact Officer(s)/ KAREN SAMUELS Key Decision: No Telephone Number(s) 551341 Forward Plan: No Title/Subject Matter HOME OFFICE ENDING GANG AND YOUTH VIOLENCE PEER REVIEW
– FINAL REPORT
1.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
That the content of the report and findings of the Home Office Ending Gang and Youth Violence Peer Review conducted in April 2012 and proposals for implementation be noted.
2
2.0 PURPOSE 2.1 To inform Cabinet of the findings of the Home Office Ending Gang and Youth Violence
(EGYV) Peer Review and proposals for implementation of the recommendations contained within it.
3.0 BACKGROUND 3.1 Background
The government strategy ‘Ending Gang and Youth Violence: A Cross- Government Report’ was launched in November 2011 outlining the Government’s commitment to tackling issues of gangs and violent youth crime, ensuring interventions from birth but specifically focussing on those aged 10-24 years. The national strategy underpins Wolverhampton’s current commitment to tackling gangs and youth violence; the objective features as a strategic priority for Safer Wolverhampton Partnership (SWP). A Reducing Gang Harm Strategic Framework for Wolverhampton, developed in 2011 builds on early work undertaken in the city and secures strategic commitment to the cross-agency coordination of the approach.
3.2 Wolverhampton is one of 29 confirmed areas included in the EGYV programme and receives a funding allocation totalling £0.252M. The programme involves being part of the Home office Peer Review process which was conducted in April 2013; Wolverhampton was the first Peer Review to be undertaken in the West Midlands and the third nationally and adopted an wholly inclusive approach to ensure the involvement of a broad range of statutory and third sector agencies and communities from across the city.
3.3 Catch 22 have confirmed that Wolverhampton is a pilot area that they will be working in for
the next 4 years, bringing additional resources and expertise in tackling the issue of gangs in the city; these resources are supplementary to existing provision and are not seen as an opportunity to reduce current commitments towards tackling this priority.
4.0 PEER REVIEW FINDINGS – SUMMARY 4.1 The Peer Review team fed back their findings to key partners at the end of the review
process; the feedback received was largely positive and highlighted the positive attitude at all levels to progress the work to reduce gang harm and the keenness of partners to contribute and highlighted some recognised areas of good practice. The final Peer Review report is attached.
4.2 A summary of recommendations is listed below: • Partners need to fully understand and work to an agreed definition of ‘gangs’ • Need to make full use of agencies who have contact with gangs, in terms of
using their intelligence, and directing delivery • Ensure effective interventions are in place to include provision for exit
pathways, mediation services and addressing the vulnerabilities of women and girls
• Strengthen safeguarding links • Development of a robust performance framework to monitor and evidence
impact • Effective community engagement
3
• Consider multi-agency reviews following gang-related homicides as a vehicle for learning lessons
5.0 IMPLEMENTATION 5.1 An Implementation Plan, informed by the Problem Profile, gap analysis and Peer Review
recommendations has been developed. Lead officers have been identified to take forward key areas of work. SWP will have strategic oversight for implementation which is focussed on mainstreaming gangs delivery over the course of the year, so it becomes ‘normal business’, recognising however, that there will be a need for specialist commissioned delivery to continue.
5.2 To provide support with implementation, an allocated member of the Peer Review team
has been appointed to work with lead officers and provide expert advice and support to tackle problematic areas of delivery. There will also be opportunities to share good practice with the development of a national knowledge hub to house tried and tested methods and useful documentation from across the UK.
5.3 SWP have committed to developing an outcomes based performance framework to
evidence the impact of interventions. The Home Office knowledge hub will be used to identify systems working well elsewhere which could be revised to meet our needs locally. Decisions regarding future delivery will need to be intelligence-led and based upon strong evidence of what works. Our revised performance framework will provide a basis for capturing this evidence.
6.0 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 6.1 The Home Office have granted the Council an allocation of £0.252M for 2012-13 for the
purposes of ending gang and youth violence. The grant is ring-fenced and will only be paid under certain conditions.
6.2 The Home Office funding aims to improve the partnership response to gang and youth
violence, and develop co-ordinated, multi-agency and long term solutions tailored to the needs of the city. To this end fifty per cent of the funding is to be used for commissioning delivery through the voluntary and community sector. [GE/12072012/M]
7.0 EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES IMPLICATIONS 7.1 Implementation of the EGYV programme will be focussed within some of the City’s most
deprived neighbourhoods and support some of the most vulnerable residents through targeted interventions.
8.0 LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
8.1 This report supports the duties under sections 5 and 6 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 for the Council and others to formulate and implement strategies to reduce crime and disorder in the area. (JH/12072012/K)
PROTECT
1
Wolverhampton Ending Gang and Youth Violence Peer Review June 2012
PROTECT
2
Contents
1. Executive Summary 3
2. Key Overall Strengths 4
3. Recommendations 5
4. Background to the Peer Review 6
5. Methodology 7
6. Context 8
7. Performance against the Benchmark 13
7.1 Strong Local Leadership 12
7.2 Mapping the Problem 15
7.3 Responding in Partnership 18
7.4 Assessment and Referral 19
7.5 Targeted and Effective Interventions 22
7.6 Criminal Justice – Breaking the Cycle 25
7.7 Mobilising Communities 27
8. Conclusion and Next Steps 29
9. Further Potential for Improvement Opportunities 31
10. Appendix A: Acronyms 33
PROTECT
3
1. Executive Summary
1.1 As part of the Home Office Ending Gang and Youth Violence initiative,
29 areas were identified and subsequently invited to participate in a
programme of guided reviews. These reviews are designed to assist
them in ensuring their partnerships have effective structures and
responses in place to contribute to the shared aim of Ending Gang
and Youth Violence. These areas have been selected based on
identified levels of gang activity and serious youth violence, in
accordance with the Dying to Belong1 definition of a gang, namely:
A relatively durable, predominantly street-based group of young
people who:
1. See themselves (and are seen by others) as a discernible group;
2. Engage in a range of criminal activity and violence; (and)
3. Identify with or lay claim over territory; (or)
4. Have some form of identifying structural feature; and/or
5. Are in conflict with other similar gangs.
1.2 The Ending Gang and Youth Violence Team have worked with the
Local Government Association to develop an Ending Gang and Youth
Violence (EGYV) peer review model with an innovative community
dimension. The model has been designed to help areas assess the
robustness of their structures and processes in tackling this issue.
The review of Wolverhampton is the third area review conducted in
the programme.
1 “Dying To Belong”, Centre for Social Justice, 2009
PROTECT
4
2. Key Overall Strengths 2.1 The following key strengths were identified:
Strong strategic recognition of EGYV with resolute and creative
vision towards the agenda.
A collaborative, partnership approach to EGYV.
An evolving governance structure with newly established dedicated
EGYV forums with the Safer Wolverhampton Partnership (SWP)
Gangs Steering Group, Wolverhampton‟s Reducing Gang Harm
Strategic Framework and the Gangs Delivery Group.
Strengths in mapping the problem of EGYV and understanding its
drivers and behaviours.
Dedicated, innovative and passionate staff with pride in
Wolverhampton and commitment to EGYV.
A commitment to building resilience in this area across the
partnership.
Contributions to evidence of effective practice at local, regional and
national levels.
2.2 The review team were struck by the vision and commitment towards
EGYV amongst staff at all levels; all were dedicated to making a
difference for the citizens of Wolverhampton. There is strong and
visionary strategic leadership across the Safer Wolverhampton
Partnership (SWP). Collaboration, innovation and willingness are all
evident. There is continued investment in EGYV and it is firmly
aligned to regeneration and other key strategic priorities.
2.3 There are dedicated EGYV governance structures in place. The
recent creation of the Safer Wolverhampton Partnership Gangs
Steering Group provides multi-agency strategic oversight and will
ensure the implementation of Wolverhampton‟s Reducing Gang Harm
Strategic Framework through the Gangs Delivery Group.
2.4 This review was carried out within a short timeframe and has focused
on the multi-agency activity led by the SWP. The representation of
agencies and the community through the peer review timetable was
wide and such a robust schedule of interviews demonstrated a real
strength of the partnership and reflected the partnership buy in to
EGYV in Wolverhampton. There is also a great deal of activity by
individual agencies in partnerships aligned with the SWP which we
did not have time to explore fully.
PROTECT
5
2.5 Through the course of the review the team identified some areas for
potential improvement. The openness and willingness of all partners
to identify these areas as challenges and opportunities is
commendable.
This clear and genuine resolve of the partnership will equip
Wolverhampton for working towards its targets in EGYV and building
upon its identified strengths.
2.6 The headline areas for improvement include the need for a
universal, clearly defined and understood information-sharing
strategy. A unified strategy will define and shape the protocol and
process which needs to be universally agreed. There are successful
information sharing arrangements between some members of the
partnership but it is not universal and there is a wealth of data
available which, if it was formally shared across the partnership,
would improve the understanding of and help to address EGYV.
2.7 The other headline issue highlights the strong strategic vision and
oversight of EGYV. This has not, however, been communicated
across the partnership leading to misunderstanding between agencies
in regard to operational definitions of gangs. It is suggested that
further clarification and communication is undertaken throughout the
partnership to give clear definition and ownership of the aims and
objectives of the gang strategy. A strengthened and clear shared
understanding and strategy will improve frontline delivery. This will
also enable local-based agencies to share a common vision, target
commissioning and build capacity.
3. Recommendations
3.1 The SWP needs to agree the definition of „a gang‟ and communicate
this across strategic and operational partners.
3.2 Map all of the different agencies which may be in contact with violent
gang members and their families.
3.3 Agree a risk assessment framework to identify threat, risk and harm
for all EGYV partners.
3.4 Scrutinise local prevention and enforcement strategies and suggest
areas for improvement.
3.5 Agree practical action and plans to tackle gangs locally.
3.6 Links with safeguarding are essential in addressing EGYV. The SWP
to nominate a safeguarding lead in relation to the EGYV agenda.
3.7 Promote the roll-out of Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hubs (MASH).
PROTECT
6
3.8 The SWP to further utilise the available data and intelligence from all
partners through an agreed service level agreement.
3.9 SWP should introduce a partnership-wide performance monitoring
system that robustly monitors performance against agreed EGYV
quantitative and qualitative outcome measures.
3.10 SWP needs to enhance the provision of targeted interventions at all
levels and ensure that they are systemic and evidence based with
rigorous evaluation schedules.
3.11 Develop suitable and effective alternative pathways and exits for
young people who are involved in gangs through targeted provision
and commissioning.
3.12 The SWP to effectively consult and engage with the community in
order to mobilise them and maximise their contributions. Gather
independent feedback from communities around what could be done
better.
3.13 Review and evaluate the MAST process to ensure standardised
performance.
3.14 Produce a problem profile on gang and youth violence informed by all
partner data to inform understanding of the drivers of gang and youth
violence (eg, school exclusion data).
3.15 Review the DAWES project initiatives to measure and evaluate
impact on gang and youth violence.
3.16 Establish a delivery group to aid understanding of vulnerable females
and gangs.
3.17 Agree an A&E data exchange protocol to inform the EGYV agenda.
3.18 Support the implementation of gang interrupter schemes from
America, such as effective mediation and conflict management
(details will be placed on the Knowledge Hub).
3.19 Encourage the use of multi-agency reviews after every gang homicide
to better inform the drivers of gang and youth violence and levers to
mitigate risk through a serious case review or a multi-agency Gold
Group (details will be placed on the Knowledge Hub).
4. Background to the Peer Review
4.1 The Ending Gang and Youth Violence (EGYV) peer review was
developed by the Home Office EGYV team working with the Local
Government Association with reviews by peers against benchmarks,
based upon the seven principles of EGYV.
PROTECT
7
4.2 The peer review benchmark focuses on:
Strong Local Leadership
Mapping the Problem
Responding in Partnership
Assessment and Referral
Targeted and Effective Interventions
Criminal Justice and Breaking the Cycle
Mobilising Communities
4.3 The peer review team consisted of:
Dr Rachel England - Peer Review Manager, Youth Offending and
Youth Services Peer, Team Manager, Liverpool City Council)
Karen Williams - Home Office EGYV Core Team
Rick Jackson - Detective Chief Inspector, Serious and Organised
Crime Group, Greater Manchester Police
Alun Goode QPM - Community Safety and Integrated Gangs
Intervention Project Manager, Hackney Council
Dr Jo Lyons - Independent Peer Advisor to the Home Office EGYV
Team
Lloyd Robinson - Independent Peer Advisor to the Home Office
EGYV Team
Sheldon Thomas - Independent Peer Advisor to the Home Office
EGYV Team
Bobby Martin - Senior CARAT Worker, HMP Wandsworth
5. Methodology
5.1 The programme for the on-site phase of the review was organised in
advance and included a variety of activities designed to enable
members of the team to meet and talk to a cross-section of partners.
The team undertook a range of activities, including (but not limited to):
Pre-meetings with West Midlands Police and the Community
Safety Partnership;
Discussions with members of the Community Safety Partnership
and various stakeholders; and
Review of a range of supporting documentation provided by the
partnership.
PROTECT
8
5.2 The team also undertook an additional community engagement
exercises, designed to get a rounded sense of the impact of
partnership activity on communities. These were arranged by the
SWP. Examples of activities the team undertook were:
A focus group of young people;
A service delivery focus group of third sector and voluntary sector;
A community representative focus group.
5.3 The team was especially appreciative of the support provided by the
partners and would like to thank everybody they met during the
process for their time and contribution to the review. It was evident
throughout the review that Wolverhampton, its partners and its
residents all actively engaged and willingly participated in the peer
review process.
The team were also appreciative of the logistical support in organising
the review, both in the build up to and during the team‟s visit.
We would particularly like to thank Inspector Helen Kirkham, Karen
Samuels and Sarah Campbell for all of their work in advance of and
during the review.
The Team would like to also say a special thank you to the members
of the community, parents and young people who participated in the
peer review.
6. Context 6.1 National Context
6.1.1 The disturbances of August 2011 were the catalyst for the
Government to accelerate work around serious youth violence and
gangs. Whilst gang members did not play a central role in
orchestrating the disorder, they were involved, and the disturbances
brought issues of serious youth violence to the forefront of public
consciousness.
6.1.2 Since the disturbances, a group of senior Ministers, led by the Home
Secretary, have met regularly to discuss the problem of youth
violence and gangs, and the cross-government Ending Gang and
Youth Violence2 report, published in November 2011, sets out a
series of national actions to tackle this problem.
2 http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/cm82/8211/8211.pdf
PROTECT
9
The central message of the cross-government report is that gang and
youth violence is not a problem that can be solved by enforcement
alone. Every agency needs to be encouraged and facilitated to join
up and share information, resources and accountability.
Of course, this is against a backdrop of ongoing fiscal constraints and
spending cuts. This is driving public sector organisations to seek
greater productivity and innovation from services, both in the
mainstream and through commissioning arrangements.
6.1.3 The importance of „Safeguarding‟ in addressing gang and youth
violence is key. If the wellbeing of children and young people is
promoted and safeguarded effectively, they will be happily and
securely attached to their parents or carers. Their health needs will
be prioritised by their parents or carers. They will be engaged in full
time education or training. They will be engaged in age-appropriate
activities. With these foundations in place they will be equipped to
contribute positively to the community as responsible citizens.
6.1.4 Parents have primary responsibility for the wellbeing of their children.
In situations where children are at risk of criminality, including
violence, parents need to be supported effectively by a range of
services and offered appropriate challenge where their decisions as
parents compromise their children‟s life chances. By offering
appropriate support and confronting parents where they fall short in
discharging their parental responsibilities as early as possible in a
child‟s life, assertive practitioners are most likely to empower parents
to make the right decisions for their children.
6.1.5 The support of Children‟s Services in providing a lead to the partners
on the issue of safeguarding, where gang and serious youth violence
or criminality is an issue, is therefore critical to breaking the cycle.
6.2 Local Context – Wolverhampton Profile3
6.2.1 The following information has been provided by Wolverhampton
Community Safety Partnership to provide a local picture of the city, its
residents and EGYV.
3 Wolverhampton Ending Gang and Youth Position Statement, 2012
PROTECT
10
6.2.1 Wolverhampton is one of the four local authorities in the Black
Country sub-region, situated to the west of Birmingham and bordered
by Dudley, Walsall, Sandwell and parts of Staffordshire.
Wolverhampton was given city status in 2000 and is located on the
north west of the metropolitan West Midlands region.
6.2.3 As at 2009, there were an estimated 238,500 people living in
Wolverhampton. Wolverhampton remains one of the most densely
populated local authority areas in England and most recent figures
show that Wolverhampton population is changing. It is projected that
the population of the City will be approximately 259,500 by 2033, with
0-15 and 60+ age bands seeing the greatest increase.
6.2.4 Wolverhampton is a densely populated and diverse city, with a
population expected to grow over the coming years. The employment
rate for Wolverhampton has been declining over time, with youth
unemployment following the trend. Educational attainment is rising
across the city, though there remain pockets of underperformance,
particularly among young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Alcohol misuse is the single biggest threat to health in
Wolverhampton, with the proportion of alcohol users successfully
leaving treatment being below the national average.
6.2.5 Wolverhampton is an ethnically diverse city, with just under a quarter
of the population being of black and minority ethnic origin. Although
72.5 per cent of Wolverhampton residents are White British, the non-
White British population grew steadily between 2001 and 2009, and
now accounts for 27.5 per cent of Wolverhampton‟s population. The
White British and Asian ethnic groups have reduced in size. The
reduction in the size of the Asian population locally is unique amongst
Black Country local authorities, and does not mirror changes in
England.
6.2.6 The 2001 census shows that 66.5 per cent of Wolverhampton
residents are Christian. Wolverhampton‟s Sikh population is the fourth
largest in England, with 7.6 per cent of the population being Sikh. 3.9
per cent of the population are Hindu and a further 1.7 per cent are
Muslim. 11.4 per cent of residents said they had no religion. The
shifting demographic make up of Wolverhampton seen over the last
decade will undoubtedly alter this picture when census 2011 results
become available.
PROTECT
11
6.2.7 The recession has caused a significant increase in the number of
people receiving out of work benefits in Wolverhampton. A lack of job
vacancies has meant that many people who have been made
redundant, including skilled workers, have been unable to re-enter
employment as competition for posts has become much greater. For
the year 2010-11, 7.7 per cent of Wolverhampton residents were out
of work, compared with 4.7 per cent in January 2008. Youth
unemployment in Wolverhampton for 2010-11 was at 15.4 per cent,
compared with 9.3 per cent in January 2008. The Employment Rate
for Wolverhampton has declined over time, a decline that has been
seen across all Black Country local authorities since 2007.
Intergenerational unemployment is a national issue, the recession and
also endemic employment issues are apparent.
6.2.8 The Public Health Annual Report 2011 shows that the life expectancy
for people in Wolverhampton is lower than the national average. Men
in Wolverhampton currently live an average of 76.5years, compared
with the national average of 78, while women in Wolverhampton live
an average of 81 years, compared with 82 nationally.
6.2.9 In terms of educational performance, whilst the overall attainment of
pupils across the city continues to rise close to national standards,
there remain significant areas of underperformance. Boys‟ attainment
at all ages is, on average, lower than girls‟ although there are signs of
improvement. Children and young people entitled to free school meals
are 50 per cent less likely to achieve five A*-C grades with English
and maths. Disadvantage, therefore, remains a key determinant of
future attainment in the city with children and young people from
disadvantaged backgrounds doing less well than their peers at all
stages. There also remains a gap between post secondary education
outcomes for young people in the city compared to national results
meaning that Wolverhampton‟s young people could be at a
disadvantage when seeking employment and higher education
places. In addition, pupils with learning difficulties do not always
achieve their full potential. Narrowing the attainment gap continues to
be central to local strategies in improving the life chances of young
people and providing local business, and those that might re-locate to
the city, with employees with the right knowledge, skills and attitudes.
6.2.10 Wolverhampton was one of the locations directly affected by the
disorder in August 2011. Operation Cedar within the Police focussed
on the investigation of criminal behaviour during these disturbances,
with Police data analysis undertaken from those arrested.
PROTECT
12
Internal analysis has been undertaken within Children‟s Services to
identify and analyse the involvement of those young people arrested
and reflects upon the provision of those associated services. Although
some known gang members were involved, it has been established
that the disturbances were not gang-led. Many involved, were not
known to the authority previously.
6.2.11 The victim and offender profiles for violent crime and weapon enabled
crime for Wolverhampton are very similar to each other and the
demographic profile of the force area; mostly white European males
aged between 10-29, with a high representation of students and the
unemployed. There is some variation between victims of gun and
knife crime and victims of violent crime; generally offenders of
weapon enabled crime were slightly younger than their victims.
However, gun crime offenders were slightly older (20-24) than knife
crime offenders (13-16), with a higher representation of African-
Caribbean males for gun and knife crime offenders when compared to
violent crime offenders.
6.2.12 Violent Crime offences are most likely to occur between 15:00-17:59,
with offences for victims aged 17-29 peaking between 00:00-02:59.
The weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) are most vulnerable to
these offences, though younger victims (10-16) were more vulnerable
on a Thursday. The “street” was the main location of violent crime,
with knife crime in the street most likely to be personal robberies.
Wolverhampton city centre was the hotspot location for violent crime
for all ages between 13-29, with victims aged between 10-12 most
vulnerable in the more residential/suburban areas with these offences
most likely to occur in a park or near/at an educational establishment.
It is likely that offences within the city centre are linked to
entertainment/social activities including participation in the night time
economy but the accuracy of crime recording has hindered further
analysis. The link between deprivation and violent crime was most
pronounced for victims aged between 13-16.
6.2.13 Areas which had a high concentration of resident violent crime
offenders were located in areas with high levels of deprivation for the
community safety partnership area and England. Additionally, the
wards with the highest volume of resident violent crime offenders
were those that fell within at least one gang territory.
6.2.14 In regards to weapon enabled crime and gang related offences, they
generally occurred outside the areas where concentrations of violent
crime were reported.
PROTECT
13
Indeed the majority of gang related and weapon enabled crime was
personal robbery with a cluster of offences around Bilston North and
Bilston East which is believed to be linked to the No Long Ting street
gang. The initial threat from this group has diminished following
interventions. A number of the nominals are currently being managed
within the youth offending team. Although they are not a current
priority group, their actions are currently being monitored by the Local
Policing Unit (LPU).
6.2.15 Additionally, hand guns are the most frequent firearm used in the gun
crime analysed, though air/imitation/taser etc accounted for just over
a quarter of offences. The type of firearm used by offenders varied
within the 10-29 age band; those aged 10-12 were more prone to
using ball bearing guns/air weapons with older offenders more prone
to using handguns and shotguns. Most genuine discharges occurred
outside Violent Crime hotspots.
6.2.16 Urban Street Gangs (USG) identified as active within Wolverhampton
CSP area are primarily involved in drug dealing and money
laundering, with some groups involved in acquisitive crime. The
priority groups identified by the LPU are mostly African-Caribbean or
mixed ethnicity groups. All are involved in violence to some degree,
and some have access to weapons. Most gangs involved in drug
criminality have access to firearms. Gangs tend to act out/remain
within their own territories; though sometimes cross into the territory
of another gang which can lead to increased tensions and acts of
violence.
7. Performance against the Benchmark
7.1 Strong Local Leadership
Key Strengths
7.1.1 There is a genuine commitment and prioritisation of EGYV with high
level strategic drive across the Safer Wolverhampton Partnership
(SWP). Addressing EGYV is viewed as one of the SWP‟s four key
strategic priorities outlined within the Crime Reduction, Community
Safety & Drugs Strategy to make Wolverhampton a city people want
to live and work in.
7.1.2 The agenda of addressing EGYV is firmly embedded as part of the
overall vision for the city in economic regeneration and employment.
PROTECT
14
7.1.3 Governance, scrutiny and accountability lines are strong with clear
reporting mechanisms. The recently launched Wolverhampton Gang-
Related Harm Strategic Framework and agreed multi-agency
approach cements this priority.
7.1.4 The West Midlands Strategic Gangs Partnership is a clear strength of
the Partnership with co-ordination of intelligence, commissioning
resources and responses.
7.1.5 The Wolverhampton Community Safety Partnership is well led with a
strong relationship between the City Council Chief Executive and
West Midlands Police BCU Commander.
7.1.6 High levels of trust and confidence in the strategic partnership were
evident. The partnership is open to learning and change with real
motivation to drive forward the agenda on EGYV. Good examples of
innovative work were discussed and valued links with the voluntary
sector identified.
7.1.7 Head Teachers and schools have recognised their role in EGYV and
have begun to contribute to the agenda.
7.1.8 There was real commitment demonstrated from the Portfolio Member
for community safety in working with communities in contributing their
concerns/key messages for the SWP to address.
7.1.9 Wolverhampton has a strong platform to implement change to reach
its vision on EGYV.
Areas for Improvement
7.1.10 While the Partnership demonstrated strong leadership, it would be
beneficial if it further defined its understanding of gangs and clarified
the aims and objectives of the gang strategy. There was not a
consistent understanding of these definitions across the Partnership.
This confers the definitions of Urban Street Gangs (USGs)/ Organised
Crime Groups (OCGs) and also the distinction between disrupting
gangs and reducing violence.
7.1.11 There is understanding and commitment to collaborative work in
addressing EGYV in Wolverhampton. There are opportunities to
strengthen the collective work between the Children‟s Trust,
Safeguarding and the CSP on EGYV that should be more fully
explored strategically and operationally.
PROTECT
15
This would be a significant step forward and add further impetus in
planning and delivery on EGYV.
7.1.12 Further links with schools could be established via the SWP Forum on
EGYV.
7.1.13 There is scope for developing a clear communication strategy to
further enhance understanding and Wolverhampton as a safe city.
The Partnership could involve Elected Members and their links with
communities through this mechanism.
7.2 Mapping the Problem
Key Strengths
7.2.1 A comprehensive gap analysis has been undertaken by the Safer
Wolverhampton Partnership in preparation for the peer review. This
analysis transparently and clearly identifies gaps in EGYV practice
and begins to map current provision. It provides a clear and objective
foundation.
7.2.2 Wolverhampton‟s problem profile has begun to identify key gangs,
drivers and behaviours as the newly-formed gangs unit of the IOM
gains traction. Though based on Police data, a wider picture is
provided with the inclusion of key individuals, prison nominal releases
and the movement of nominals in the Force area.
7.2.3 Subject profiling is established and there is a commitment to develop
subject profiles on a further 20 identified gang nominals. Tracking of
the top 20 gang nominals over the next 12 months would enable the
SWP to demonstrate and establish its impact.
7.2.4 There is vast breadth of data and information available across the
Partnership that can inform the EGYV approach of the Partnership if
shared and communicated. This includes data on anti-social
behaviour, domestic-violence, Wolverhampton Housing and Tenant
Management Organisation, youth offending, health, A&E, school
attendance and children‟s services.
PROTECT
16
7.2.5 Each agency recognises the importance of data sharing. Social
media and other electronic intelligence was not often mentioned by
partners or in mapping or profiling documents and is again another
wealth of data and intelligence that can be accessed by the
Partnership.
7.2.6 Public Health has been warmly welcomed into the Safer
Wolverhampton Partnership and its strengths in approaches to and
understanding of EGYV are evident in partnership strategy.
Areas for Improvement
7.2.7 Analysis clearly underpins the partnership approach to EGYV, but
improvements could be made. No Partnership data has been used to
inform the current problem profile. This links closely to the themes of
partnership working in regards to data sharing and also to the
effective and targeted interventions theme and evidence of what
works in affecting EGYV.
7.2.8 There is a need to develop information sharing arrangements specific
to EGYV to effectively map the risks and drivers of gang membership
and to develop effective interventions. This extends beyond the
partnership to making better use of community intelligence to identify
developing issues. We suggest that the partnership requires a gang-
specific problem profile that includes all partnership and community
data.
7.2.9 While there is evident recognition by the Community Safety
Partnership about the issue of young women and gangs and sexual
exploitation, there is limited knowledge as to the extent and nature of
the problem. Anecdotal evidence is available across most agencies
and there is a commitment to establish a dedicated delivery group to
aid understanding and safeguard vulnerable females. This approach
is supported by the peer review to develop this area of practice with
effective information sharing arrangements.
7.2.10 The collection and exchange of A&E data was identified as sporadic.
There are no data sharing agreements in place with The Royal
Wolverhampton Hospital Trust. There is a statutory obligation on
Primary Care Trusts to share anonomised information with their
Community Safety Partners (Local authority, Police, Probation Trust
and Fire Authority) for the purpose of devising a crime and disorder
reduction strategy in the local authority area.
PROTECT
17
The requirement is legislated by section 17A(2) of the Crime Disorder
Act 1998; the classes of information to be shared are set out in the
Statutory Instrument: The Crime and Disorder (Proscribed
Information) Regulations 2007 Schedule.
We would suggest that liaison is undertaken to agree a protocol,
unblock barriers and enable A&E data to inform the EGYV agenda.
Lessons from the Cardiff experience4 can be learned in reducing
demand in A&E by working proactively in partnership.
7.2.11 There was evidence of some joint tasking e.g. TYS MAST Panels,
however, this did not have a focus on gangs and there appeared to be
some reluctance to share relevant information.
A formalised partnership tasking approach to gang related issues is
suggested, to assist with the process of gathering information and
intelligence. For example mobile CCTV deployment, warden tasking
and deployment and third sector providers deployed to hotspots.
7.2.12 In relation to schools, there is scope to build on the strategic strengths
in recognising their contribution to EGYV, improving the engagement
of both primary and secondary schools and develop information
sharing.
7.2.13 We also suggest that a developed performance monitoring system is
introduced. It should robustly monitor performance against agreed
EGYV outcome measures, both qualitative and quantitative, and
relevant to each of the seven themes used in the review. Performance
analysis has been undertaken by the partnership, with an emphasis
on offending behavior profiles and crime data. This association is
likely to limit partnership data sharing with a reliance on Police data.
Evidence of the effectiveness of particular approaches, interventions
and emerging practice needs to be included across the partnership,
aligning to recidivism and desistence measurement.
7.2.14 Progress towards agreed outcomes, community impact measurement
and rigorous evaluation schedules of new approaches should be
included. Such a robust framework will better inform commissioning
specification and decision making, engendering greater confidence
from non- statutory partners.
4
http://www.emphasisnetwork.org.uk/networks/alcohol/downloads/xcuttingthemes/EDdatasharing/Brief
ingforpoliceondata.pdf
PROTECT
18
7.3 Responding in Partnership
Key Strengths
7.3.1 Wolverhampton‟s strong strategic gang partnership has been
achieved through the strength and vision of the new strategic
partnership. It overcomes historic concerns of the community in the
priority of EGYV within the partnership and includes partnership
collaboration in prevention, early intervention and exit strategies.
7.3.2 Catch 22 has identified Wolverhampton as its pilot area for the
Community Gangs Programme and the Dawes Gangs Unit. Planning
and preparation are evident and this creative and innovative approach
will commence in 2012 and is anticipated to be a key element of the
Wolverhampton approach to EGYV.
7.3.3 The Gangs Steering Group provides a co-ordinated multi-agency
strategic response to EGYV. There is good representation of key
agencies with broad membership across key statutory and third sector
organisations.
Areas for Improvement
7.3.4 There are established partnership forums with multi-agency
collaboration; however these are not always systematic. Some
partnerships within early intervention services are strong. However,
other examples of collaboration were more limited. For example, a
seeming lack of clarity with regards to the partnership roles and
responsibilities of Social Services, the Children‟s Trust and the
Community Safety Partnership towards EGYV. Workshops and action
learning sets are available to the SWP regarding these
recommendations.
7.3.5 A more holistic approach with the engagement of additional partners
e.g. Housing, DWP, Crown Prosecution Services would assist in
identifying and mapping EGYV and delivering more holistic and
targeted interventions and partnership responses. The inclusion of
additional partners by the SWP at relevant strategic and operational
forums would establish these relationships and also contribute to
other allied priorities.
7.3.6 There is a need for a more robust partnership agreement in the
sharing of intelligence, information and data.
PROTECT
19
7.3.7 It is acknowledged by the Partnership that there is an opportunity to
extend the police Gangs Tasking Group forum for planned police
operations, where sensitive data on individuals is discussed, to
suitably vetted specialist partners. This would provide a forum where
intelligence can be shared and co-ordinated multi-agency responses
agreed.
7.4 Assessment and Referral
Key Strengths
7.4.1 The review highlighted some evidence of effective assessment and
referral processes across the eight MAST areas of Wolverhampton.
The approach is not always systematic, but it is a basis that facilitates
targeted partnership intervention that is based upon assessed need
and risk.
7.4.2 The Youth Offending Team has agreed transitional arrangements
between youth and adult services with a nominated individual with
responsibility for the oversight of all transferred cases and information
exchange.
7.4.3 The Children‟s Trust has developed a cross partnership training
package for front-line workers and managers. It includes some of the
key issues when identifying and assessing individuals involved in or
affected by EGYV.
7.4.4 Wolverhampton has engaged with Catch 22 in a multi-stranded
project. This project is externally funded for four years and will
conduct research into EGYV in Wolverhampton in conjunction with a
London University. The project will utilise outreach workers to directly
intervene with identified individuals involved in EGYV. The third and
final strand of the project is to work with local schools in conjunction
with Lime Productions (resourced through Communities Against
Guns, Gangs and Knives [CAGGK]) to provide positive activities and
improve students values and attitudes in the area of EGYV.
7.4.5 There was evidence of good practice in assessment and referral data
provided to Pupil Referral Units and Alternative Providers. Timely and
accurate information is provided at referral stages to contribute to
assessments, regarding young people moving schools and those on
dual time tables.
PROTECT
20
Areas for Improvement
7.4.6 Pockets of effective practice highlighted good use of partnership
intelligence and data sharing. These pockets of effective practise had
in many cases been formed through good individual relationships
between partnership colleagues.
7.4.7 The overarching area for improvement, however, which was
highlighted throughout the course of the review, was the requirement
to formalise and improve the process of intelligence and data sharing
between partner agencies and develop service level agreements. The
absence of consensus on data sharing across the partnership leaves
risk assessments being conducted in isolation.
7.4.8 Despite YOT staff screening for gang members, relevant intelligence
or current issues are not always communicated. While a Police
representative works specifically with the YOT, they do not have the
necessary knowledge of gang members or issues to provide this
information.
7.4.9 A consequence of the limited data and intelligence sharing, together
with partnership misunderstanding of the definitions of gangs and
approaches at a practitioner level, is a likely lack of consistency in
assessment across agencies.
7.4.10 The review did not include any evidence of the adult safeguarding
remit extending to vulnerabilities caused as a consequence of EGYV.
7.4.11 There are foundations of effective assessment and referral processes,
but we would also recommend the adoption of a common risk
assessment framework. This would include each agency agreeing risk
factors, supported by cross partnership training across all agencies
which would help to ensure equality of service provision for those
involved. The partnership have already invested in training, however
the take up rate has been low, with some key agency take up rates at
some 10 percent. For example less than 10% of YOT front line staff
attended.
7.4.12 While the review received some positive feedback in relation to the
MASTs, it was evident that the services provided by the eight MASTs
vary across Wolverhampton in regards to outcomes achieved. There
are strengths in their assessment and referral processes to build
upon, but consistency is necessary in approach.
PROTECT
21
The MASTs process could benefit from formal evaluation and
standardisation across Wolverhampton.
7.4.13 There was also some misunderstanding at operational levels in
regard to referral and assessment pathways, despite clearly
documented policies and service level agreements, for example
Parenting Order assessments and subsequent intervention.
In the next section, Targeted and Effective Interventions, we highlight
a suggested action to map existing services and communicate to all
partners and practitioner staff. We also suggest that referral and
assessment pathways are included in a mapping exercise and
communicated to all staff to improve the understanding of available
services, referral criteria and pathways.
7.4.14 The Early Intervention and Prevention group was briefly discussed
with practitioners; however the perceived value and outcomes were
unclear. Similarly the effectiveness of the City Tasking group was
highlighted as an area for improvement albeit the concept and forum
is a useful format.
7.4.15 The funding received by Catch 22 is a welcome addition to the levels
of understanding and service provision that can be provided across
the partnership. There was, however, limited evidence of defined
agreements regarding assessment and referral processes to
maximise the effectiveness of the project. With the Dawes project
being a 4-year program, there is a necessity to mainstream any work
being conducted by the project prior to the funding and services
ending.
7.4.16 Throughout the review across the partnership we were unable to
identify a clear and formalised safeguarding process to identify
children exposed to gang violence by their parents, gang members
abusing mothers and also the exploitation of girls and women by gang
members. The partnership assessment and referral processes can
improve with the better integration of these key areas.
7.4.17 During the course of the peer review, reference was made to there
having been no permanent exclusions from schools for several years;
however it was unclear as to what was conceptualised as permanent
exclusions and what alternative provisions were provided. Clarified
policy in this area is suggested.
PROTECT
22
7.5 Targeted and Effective Interventions
Key Strengths
7.5.1 Elected representatives are involved in the identification of potential
locations that would benefit from targeted prevention activities.
Resources are deployed appropriately. One such initiative in the
2011 summer holidays led to a 60% reduction in anti-social
behaviour. In another project, over 300 young people were involved
in 6 weeks work experience over the summer holidays.
7.5.2 Youth services were praised by young people, community
representatives and other organisations for their skilled, effective
frontline work with all young people, including those involved with
gangs.
7.5.3 There were a number of examples of targeted early interventions for
identified young people. The Council‟s Anti-Social Behaviour Unit
provides a key diversionary activity to „at risk‟ young people. Targeted
intervention with Acceptable Behaviour Contracts provides early and
direct, individually focused support to families to address offending
behaviour.
7.5.4 Some schools are delivering SWP commissioned interventions
directly to gang members. For example, the programme „Box Clever‟
for young people actively involved in gangs is positively described by
practitioners and is emerging as promising practice although
evaluation evidence is necessary to conclude the effectiveness of this
and other interventions.
7.5.5 Initiatives are underway to improve the skills of volunteers working in
Wolverhampton in EGYV. In addition, volunteers are increasingly
delivering training to raise awareness relating to gang issues in
schools. Again evaluation is necessary, but evidence of its impact will
enable the wider roll out of these initiatives.
7.5.6 Across some organisations, evidence was found that gang issues are
considered when placing a young person on an intervention
programme. For example, alternative provision providers report
minimal difficulties with young people from ‟rival‟ gangs in the same
location, as placements are planned appropriately.
7.5.7 Catch 22 were widely recognised as a potential positive addition to
the available provision in Wolverhampton. Plans are in place for
community and peer evaluation of the efficacy of their programmes.
PROTECT
23
In addition, the Dawes Unit is planning to evaluate best practice and
will be trialling new initiatives.
7.5.8 Schools are developing the use of a SIMS generated provision map
for every student, that will be available to schools so that interventions
can be effectively targeted without repetition of previous work.
Areas for Improvement
7.5.9 Multi Agency Support Teams (MAST) are located in several areas
across Wolverhampton, often co-located with other services e.g.
schools and children‟s centres and attract a wide range of statuary
and VC3S organisations. Their approach, based on community
psychology principles, aims to improve quality of life and make
effective change through collaborative action. They are a relatively
new initiative at some 6 months old, and linking back to the previous
section of Assessment and Referral, some recommendations
regarding consistency in approaches are made, to develop this
emerging area of good practice. MASTs appear to be showing
promising practice, but evidence and consistency of approach is
recommended.
7.5.10 While a range of diversionary activities are on offer, there is scope for
Wolverhampton to develop interventions targeted to EGYV across
age ranges, and with parents and communities. Many interventions
currently on offer were generic rather than gang specific. For
example, although Catch 22 has experience of working with young
people, does this include specialist experience of working with young
people in Wolverhampton?
7.5.11 Some creative work has taken place locally helping young offenders
to set up social enterprises; however this work did not specifically
target gang members, whose support and training needs are different
to other young offenders. In addition, when projects are offered, there
is a lack of clarity at the planning stage about how their effectiveness
will be measured in relation to gang and youth violence.
7.5.12 There are known programmes for working with gang members that
are demonstrating promising evidence of effectiveness. There are
publications including „Gangs at the Grassroots5‟ from the New Local
Government Network and „They Moved Like Fish6‟ written by Beautiful
Birmingham in response to the Birmingham disorder, that offer
5 http://www.nlgn.org.uk/public/wp-content/uploads/gangs-at-the-grassroots.pdf
6 http://www.blackradley.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/TheyMovedLikeFishReport.pdf
PROTECT
24
insights into the ways in which interventions can be planned, targeted
and evaluated.
7.5.13 In terms of evaluating programme outcomes, organisations
consistently described this as an iterative process whereby
programmes would be refined in the light of feedback regarding
effectiveness. However, the specific outcome measures that would
identify the programmes as effective were usually unspecified, relying
on professional judgement and whether agencies thought the
programme has made a difference.
7.5.14 There was confusion in several areas about the evaluation of
programme effectiveness. This confusion related to whether
„universal‟ or „diversionary‟ interventions can be shown to make a
measureable impact. This is an area that the EGVT could help with,
and would be essential in terms of evaluating which programmes
should form the basis of early intervention packages.
7.5.15 As Wolverhampton develops gang-specific interventions, it would be
helpful for expertise to be sought in relation to programme design to
ensure that each programme has clear, gang-specific targets and
outcome measures.
7.5.16 Some differences in practice were identified between MAST services
across the city and also in terms of what tier of need interventions
should be targeted at. Some partners indicated that MAST is
functioning as a tier-3 intervention, leaving a lack of lower level,
preventative and early intervention at tier 2 within the local area.
7.5.17 Programmes that capitalise on both community safety partnership and
children‟s trust expertise need to be developed. For example, a
unified strategy for tackling persistent absence would have a direct
effect on reducing gang and youth violence.
7.5.18 The quality of alternative provision providers was universally reported
to be highly variable. This is a clear issue for ensuring that
intervention is effective.
7.5.19 Although there have been no permanent exclusions in
Wolverhampton for several years, this headline masks problems with
what happens to young people who no longer attend mainstream
school. Once the student is no longer attending mainstream school
full time, the monitoring of their attendance and progress is variable.
Schools can perceive that such students are no longer their
responsibility.
PROTECT
25
Proposed legislation in the government‟s White Paper „The
Importance of Teaching7‟ may improve this. However, currently the
community reports that many students are permanently not in school/
education.
7.5.20 There was no evidence of Youth Offending Team orders including
education as a requirement. The improved use of this requirement will
contribute to reducing the risk of offending and secure the attendance
and good behaviour of the young person subject to the Order.
7.5.21 There was limited evidence of the use of Parenting Orders. The
community fed into the peer review that they felt that this was
necessary and an important issue in order to EGYV. The EGYV
Knowledge Hub has parenting related resources available for
reference.
7.6 Criminal Justice and Breaking the Cycle
Key Strengths
7.6.1 Wolverhampton and the wider West Midlands work in partnership
under the West Midlands Housing Protocol, addressing a key driver of
EGYV. Agencies collaborate to provide information to assess offender
housing applications, facilitate appropriate housing allocations and to
contribute to enforcement, rehabilitation and public protection.
7.6.2 The Integrated Offender Management (IOM) housing protocol works
effectively, and the Probation central referral process ensures that
there is no more than one gang member on each approved premises.
Positive working relationships exist between the Police and the
Probation services where there are concerns about gang involvement.
In some prisons, targeted pre-release programmes are in place for
gang nominals.
7.6.3 The IOM model is used in Wolverhampton to manage medium – high
risk gang nominals with a co-ordinated multi-agency response.
Nominals are identified prior to prison release and resettlement /
rehabilitation packages are constructed.
7.6.4 The strategic prison service representation on the Partnership
facilitates effective relationships for through care and resettlement.
7 https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/standard/publicationdetail/page1/CM%207980
PROTECT
26
Areas for Improvement
7.6.5 The IOM model in Wolverhampton does confer some transitional
arrangements between probation and the YOT for young people
reaching 18 years, but we would suggest these agreements could be
revisited, strengthened and monitored. The community meetings with
third sector organisations during the review highlighted some issues
in managing these nominals re-establishing themselves when suitable
diversionary activity and training and work opportunities are not
identified.
7.6.6 There was evidence of impacting and innovative interventions across
agencies, voluntary and community organisations and wider, but not
in partnership with clear understanding of what each was doing.
Increased awareness can be developed across the partnership of the
range of services available.
7.6.7 Linking back to mapping the problem and the gap analysis already
undertaken, it is proposed that the existing gap analysis is progressed
to include a wider mapping exercise of existing services directly
intervening with EGYV. This will produce a comprehensive guidance
and framework of services available in prevention, early intervention,
enforcement and also pathways of exit strategies for those seeking to
leave gangs that would be available to agencies across the
partnership as reference.
7.6.8 Beyond the IOM, there is a wider need for additional effective, tailored
interventions both in the community and within the prison estate.
Linking back to targeted and effective interventions and a culture of
effective and emerging practice, available interventions need to be
targeting drivers as well as behaviours of people involved in EGYV
with evidence of effectiveness.
7.6.9 Recidivism, desistence, attitudinal change measurement are some
examples to incorporate into evaluation schedules. Not all
interventions need to be accredited if they are built from evidence of
emerging practice and effectively evaluated to identify effective
practice. Picking up also on commissioning, this approach will ensure
that Wolverhampton is effectively working to break the cycle of EGYV
with a robust and linear approach.
PROTECT
27
7.6.10 There is also a suggested need for wider criminal justice agency
collaboration to „break the cycle‟. For example, the Crown Prosecution
Service (CPS) offering a „premium service‟ for gang nominals across
the West Midlands, much in the same manner as occurs for domestic
violence perpetrators. This would set out, for criminal justice partners,
a level of expectation around those accused of gang-related issues.
The CPS should be represented at relevant strategic and operational
forums.
7.6.11 The partnership‟s willingness to utilise gang injunctions is a clear
strength however there is further development work necessary to
agree protocols, multi-agency approaches and lead agency
agreement.
7.6.12 The use of mediation and dedicated agreements and approaches in
EGYV cases were not apparent to the peers. Its use in low level
offending and its effectiveness in specifically addressing EGYV were
not clear and further evaluation is suggested.
7.7 Mobilising Communities
Key Strengths
7.7.1 It was apparent throughout the review that there is a strong and keen
willingness across the Wolverhampton community to address EGYV.
Amongst the breadth of community representatives; parents, young
people and others there was a common goal and will to collaborate in
targeting EGYV.
7.7.2 There are 14 Local Neighbourhood Partnerships (LNPs) across
Wolverhampton with identified priorities specific to each area.
Attendees include residents, elected members and service providers
and the Partnership aim to provide a communication mechanism and
dialogue between all parties. There are examples of good practice
across the LNPs. For example a community budgeting approach to
explore interventions to deal with drug issues in one specific area.
7.7.3 There are some 30 Neighbourhood Wardens and Neighbourhood
Safety Co-ordinators managed by a Constituency Manager based
within the LNP structure. There are lots of examples of innovation
across the LNPs, one being the recent training of Neighbourhood
Wardens in social media and Twitter.
PROTECT
28
The links between the LNPs and Neighbourhood Safety is a strength
of the Partnership that can be built upon.
7.7.4 Partners and Communities Together (PACT) meetings are held for
every LNP. These open public meetings consider crime and
community safety priorities for the neighbourhood. Again these
forums are a strength that can be built upon.
Areas for Improvement
7.7.5 The focus groups conducted with community representatives
identified a difference in understanding of gang activity in
Wolverhampton between the community and the Partnership. The
community specialists identified one particular area with a clear gang
presence but differ in opinion in the case of other areas. Here the
community identified a number of historical families maybe caught up
in drug dealing and who may react to outsiders „muscling in on their
turf‟. An improved line of communication and relationship between
statutory agencies and the third sector may improve understanding of
the drivers and behaviours of EGYV.
7.7.6 There is no existing resident-led gangs reference group. Although the
LNP structure exists, levels of engagement and effectiveness vary
considerably across the city. There is no specific and dedicated
system to engage communities impacted by EGYV. The community
does not feel they are used enough by the SWP in addressing EGYV.
The LNP could form a platform to build upon, although SWP are keen
that the community must direct the most appropriate methods of their
engagement
7.7.7 Related to communication is the process of commissioning.
Community feedback indicates a perception of targeted
commissioning, with historic agreements and established
relationships guiding process. An improved and better co-ordinated
communications plan across the partnership would create a unified
approach that would address any evidenced occurrences and also
dispel any myths.
7.7.8 There is some evidence of collaboration between community
organisations. However this is not always consistent and
communication amongst community organisations is a suggested
area of improvement.
PROTECT
29
We feel that the SWP could capacity build to enable better
collaboration of specialities and improve partnership working and
sustainability.
7.7.9 Another suggested consideration is the use of community research
and embedding this philosophy into all aspects of the EGYV agenda.
The contribution of community research to formulating action plans
and service delivery would be an additional strength to its previously
mentioned additional use in evaluation and performance monitoring.
8. Conclusion and Next Steps
8.1 Wolverhampton has developed a strong partnership with evident
vision, innovation and resolve to challenge gang and youth violence.
Disseminated through the partnership from strategic to operational
and delivery levels is a clear commitment to tackle this complex issue.
8.2 Officers are all able to identify excellent practice along with areas for
improvement openly, with a culture that supports creativity and new
approaches. A wide range of responses and approaches are available
and excellent practice has been highlighted throughout the review and
this report.
8.3 The community of Wolverhampton is committed to the agenda and
keenly wishes to contribute to EGYV. However, there is the
opportunity to undertake a small number of key pieces of work
drawing from the identified areas for improvement, which will together
have the potential to significantly improve the performance of the
partnership in this area.
8.4 The review team have made a number of recommendations outlined
on page 5, and the Home Office has made available a funding stream
to help the partnership deliver these activities. The review should be
seen as the beginning of an ongoing process of improvement working
in partnership with government and the Ending Gang and Serious
Youth Violence team.
8.5 Your nominated point of contact for the implementation and
integration of the recommendations and collation of the
Wolverhampton good practice will be Karen Williams, from the Home
Office EGYV Team.
PROTECT
30
Karen will ensure promising practice is highlighted to your dedicated
Single Point of Contacts (SPOC) Community Safety Manager Karen
Samuels and Inspector Helen Kirkham.
8.6 Karen will track progress against the highlighted recommendations
and support the borough SPOCs during integration and development
of the recommendations below.
The SWP needs to agree the definition of „a gang‟ and
communicate this across strategic and operational partners.
Map all of the different agencies which may be in contact with
violent gang members and their families.
Agree a risk assessment framework to identify threat, risk and harm
for all EGYV partners.
Scrutinise local prevention and enforcement strategies and suggest
areas for improvement.
Agree practical action and plans to tackle gangs locally.
Links with safeguarding are essential in addressing EGYV. The
SWP to nominate a safeguarding lead in relation to the EGYV
agenda.
Promote the roll-out of Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hubs (MASH).
The SWP to further utilise the available data and intelligence from
all partners through an agreed service level agreement.
SWP should introduce a partnership-wide performance monitoring
system that robustly monitors performance against agreed EGYV
quantitative and qualitative outcome measures.
SWP needs to enhance the provision of targeted interventions at all
levels and ensure that they are systemic and evidence based with
rigorous evaluation schedules.
Develop suitable and effective alternative pathways and exits for
young people who are involved in gangs through targeted provision
and commissioning.
The SWP to effectively consult and engage with the community in
order to mobilise them and maximise their contributions. Gather
independent feedback from communities around what could be
done better.
Review and evaluate the MAST process to ensure standardised
performance.
Produce a problem profile on gang and youth violence informed by
all partner data to inform understanding of the drivers of gang and
youth violence (eg, school exclusion data).
Review the DAWES project initiatives to measure and evaluate
impact on gang and youth violence.
PROTECT
31
Establish a delivery group to aid understanding of vulnerable
females and gangs.
Agree an A&E data exchange protocol to inform the EGYV agenda.
Support the implementation of gang interrupter schemes from
America, such as effective mediation and conflict management
(details will be placed on the Knowledge Hub).
Encourage the use of multi-agency reviews after every gang
homicide to better inform the drivers of gang and youth violence
and levers to mitigate risk through a serious case review or a multi-
agency Gold Group (details will be placed on the Knowledge Hub).
9. Further Potential for Improvement Opportunities
9.1 Some mention of social media has been made across the
Partnership. However, well-researched, contemporary and clear
guidance can be developed on the use of open source material to
gather intelligence (e.g. from Facebook, Twitter etc.). We recommend
those involved quickly gather the required legal advice and distribute
across the partnership.
9.2 Further development of Proceeds of Crime Act and local immigration
legislation to provide enforcement opportunities against gang
nominals unwilling to engage.
9.3 The potential for the SWP to develop mutual targets in action plans
and service delivery for Troubled Families and EGYV.
9.4 Establish a clear link to prison intelligence and gang related
programmes within the prison establishment.
9.5 Consider drivers and levers for EGYV, CAMHS, illegal and legal
economy e.g. KHAT.
9.6 Identify and map voluntary interventions relating to EGYV.
9.7 Consider gangs clinics in YOS.
9.8 Willingness of JCP and partnerships to get “at risk” young people into
work.
9.9 Consider young person support groups to inform community
engagement.
PROTECT
32
9.10 Consider faith groups impact in the EGYV agenda.
9.11 To research and utilise existing effective practice resources. Both the
Home Office and the Youth Justice Board capture examples of
emerging and effective practice which is available on their websites –
for example TKAP Best Practice and Key Elements of Effective
Practice.
9.12 The EGYV team are developing a knowledge hub to store and share
effective practice. During its building stage we will use the Home
Office website (link attached) to collect and share effective practice.
Please use this site to view current good practice involving key
stakeholders in gang and youth violence.
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime/partnerships/effective-practice1/
PROTECT
33
APPENDIX A
ACRONYMS
A&E Accident and Emergency
BCU Basic Command Unit
CAMHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
CARAT Counselling Assessment Referral Advice and Through-care
CCTV Closed-circuit Television
CSP Community Safety Partnership
EGYV Ending Gang and Youth Violence
FIP Family Intervention Projects
IOM Integrated Offender Management
LNP Local Neighbourhood Partnership
LPU Local Policing Unit
MAPPA Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements
MAST Multi-Agency Support Teams
OCG Organised Crime Groups
PACT Partners and Communities Together
PPO Priority Prolific Offenders
SIMS School Information Management System
SPOC Single Point of Contact
SWP Safer Wolverhampton Partnership
TKAP Tackling Knives Action programme
USG Urban Street Gang
VCS Voluntary and Community Sector
YJB Youth Justice Board YOS Youth Offending Service YOT Youth Offending Team