Purpose

GMP Victim Service Coordinators (VSC) are a pivotal team within GMP in terms of victim delivery, driving independent scrutiny across the Force and wider justice system, supporting, and developing commissioned services, designing integrated services, and working more closely to reduce violence especially against women and girls. These roles also support and deliver victim centred training across the Force and partnership, as well as develop and support early intervention techniques that support improved outcomes for victims.

The need for the VCS provision is further evidenced by Greater Manchester Policing and Communities Safety Survey. With just over half of respondents (53%) who have had contact with GMP in the last 12 months relating to a community safety issue feeling satisfied with the service they received.

The VSC’s also work across the partnership to protect victims and continually evaluate provision, impact, and outcomes with Key Performance Indicators’ and quality victim engagement.

Following an in-depth review, GMP have developed this current model in 2025 to maintain and further enhance GMPs Victim-Centred approach.

The current VSC model has been developed to support and complement the co-located Greater Manchester Victim service, and also Greater Manchester’s compliance with the Victims and Prisoner Act 2024; the delivery of the Police and Crime Plan 2025-2029; and achieving the objectives and delivery of the Victims Rights.

The proposed structure is designed to ensure GMP deliver their statutory duties as outlined in the Victims’ & Prisoners Act and other National Guidance and deliver Victims’ Code rights through the embedding of procedural justice principles and behaviours. The proposed model aims to ensure robust victim-cantered quality assurance processes are in place with a focus on Victim Voice.

Decision

To fund £257,587 for the GMP Victim Services Coordinator Team. This includes 1 X Transformation Lead role and 3 X Victim Services Coordinators posts, for 12 months from 1st April 2026 – 31st March 2027

The extension of the posts will be funded via the annual MOJ Victims Budget allocation for 2026/27.