The Community Safety Partnership met on Wednesday 03 April 2024 to discuss a range of issues impacting community safety, including updates on tackling anti-social behaviour, drug and alcohol services, and strategies to combat violence against women and girls. Key decisions included the continuation of existing drug and alcohol services while new tenders are processed and an agreement to increase efforts in conducting walk and talks to improve public spaces.

Headline Updates on ASB Community MARAC

The Community MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference) has been operational since October 2023, with four meetings held to date. Of the cases reviewed, two were declined as they did not meet the MARAC criteria, two have been resolved and closed, and two have been referred to other departments. There are currently three open cases. The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) acknowledged the positive impact of this initiative and indicated a future focus on utilising tactics such as Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs). Qais Ghafar was tasked with sharing a written briefing on the Community MARAC with board members.

Drugs and Alcohol Service Tender

A technical issue regarding funding has caused the tender process for the new Adult and Young People's Drug and Alcohol Service to be restarted, with a new submission deadline of 03 April 2024. To ensure continuity of service, a report was presented to continue the existing service for a further five months. The new service is expected to be in place by 01 September 2024. The adult service will retain its clinical component for opioid substitute medication, and young people can access the adult clinical team if needed. Additionally, a tri-borough initiative involving Barking and Dagenham, Havering, and Redbridge has received funding from the Department for Work and Pensions to deliver an Individual Placement and Support (IPS) scheme. This scheme, commencing 1 April 2024, will provide intensive support packages to individuals in drug and alcohol treatment to help them find sustainable employment. Amolak Tatter will provide an update on the Drugs and Alcohol Tender at the July 2024 CSP board meeting.

VAWG Operational Meeting and Strategy

A new monthly Barking and Dagenham VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) Public Spaces Delivery Group has been established to provide a platform for understanding, identifying, and addressing problems, threats, and risks related to women and girls in public spaces. The group aims to analyse performance, act as a focal point for public spaces activity, engage third sector organisations, and find solutions and risk mitigation strategies. The group intends to link with the VAWG adolescent lead and schools to address data indicating an increase in sexual assaults among under-18s. The MPS is encouraging the replication of this initiative in Havering and Redbridge, with plans for a tri-borough VAWG meeting to focus on key areas across the entire Basic Command Unit (BCU). Councillor Maureen Worby highlighted the lack of significant improvement in VAWG and domestic abuse (DA) despite new initiatives, and the DA Commission's findings on how embedded these issues are. Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement & Community Safety, requested an increase in monthly walk and talks, particularly during darker hours, to be supported by BeFirst to address issues like poor lighting and public space improvements. He also stressed the need to review capacity within VAWG services and the importance of a dedicated VAWG lead. Qais Ghafar, Jennie Coombes, and Caroll Weeden were tasked with increasing plans for walk and talks.

The current VAWG strategy, produced in 2017, is due for renewal. A needs assessment is being completed to align with new structures. The VAWG group has identified four priorities: how the partnership works locally and collaboratively to tackle VAWG; preventing VAWG and addressing root causes; ensuring survivors receive timely and appropriate support; and a clear focus on perpetrators and holding them accountable. Top-level actions are embedded within these priorities. The VAWG strategy will be published after the Serious Violence Duty (SVD) strategy is signed off. Redbridge and Havering are also updating their VAWG strategies, and a tri-borough statement on commitments is being explored. Councillor Ghani noted that the CSP review will help identify gaps and resource needs, particularly around VAWG and women's safety. The council is reviewing its service delivery configuration, aiming for more targeted interventions with proposals expected within six months. Angela D'Urso will share a written update on the VAWG strategy and bring it for approval to the next CSP board.

Domestic Abuse Improvement Plan

The Domestic Abuse Improvement Plan (DIAP) development in 2023/24 achieved several milestones, including the mobilisation of new services for children, young people, and perpetrators of DA, and the rollout of a new learning and development offer. Symposiums were held during the 16 Days of Activism, fostering relationships and setting outcomes for national policy formulation. DA champions are now available across all council levels. New teams are working with children, young people, and families impacted by DA, and a Health IDVA is based at hospitals to support key service locations. Ongoing work with MARAC and the development of a single tri-borough form is underway. Barking and Dagenham Council's (LBBD) offenders on the top 100 VAWG MET offenders list will be shared with local authorities for innovative enforcement. Significant focus is being placed on young people through outreach, school engagement, and linking with the Youth Offending Service (YOS). The council is reviewing pathways and recommissioning the victim survivor domestic and sexual abuse service, with contract end dates and funding finalisation. A multidisciplinary team in the Multi-Agency Early Support Hub (MAESH) will continue to be provided. A bid with AVA to become a housing and homeless borough has unfortunately stopped due to AVA's bankruptcy, though efforts are being made to retain the experts. There is one ongoing Domestic Homicide Review (DHR) and involvement in a DHR in Hertfordshire. Councillor Worby highlighted the significant reliance on grant funding in this area, which needs to support core functions. Angela D'Urso will link in with Sam Hodges to increase safeguarding promotion through communications channels.

Hate Crime, Intolerance and Extremism Subgroup

The Hate Crime and Intolerance Extremism Subgroup, chaired by Daniel Bacon, has seen low attendance, primarily from the Council and MPS. A review of the subgroup's structure, effectiveness, and attendance is needed to increase community representation. The MPS has requested a co-chair for the subgroup. An increase in hate crime offences has been noted, particularly since the conflict in the Middle East, with a focus on racially and religiously aggravated crimes against the Islamic and Jewish communities. The subgroup discussed the need for more specific data and the inclusion of community members from the LGBT+ community. Efforts are being made to upskill staff on identifying graffiti or stickers supporting proscribed groups. The MPS provided an update on their engagement and patrol plan for Ramadan. A key challenge is the coinciding of Ramadan with an increase in reported hate crime, requiring a targeted and informed partnership response. The MPS is engaging with community leaders, but a specific forum for consistent relationship building is lacking. A table-top exercise for faith leaders is planned post-Ramadan to discuss collective responses to major incidents.

Safeguarding Boards Update Report

The Safeguarding Children Partnership (SCP) and Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB) work closely to share information and strengthen priorities across various partnerships. Key discussions at the Safeguarding Adults Board in January 2024 included the SAR 'George' report, which highlighted themes of domestic and intergenerational abuse, coercion, control, multi-agency coordination, and risk assessment. A proposal for a BD One Panel was agreed, which will refer all Safeguarding Adult Reviews, Children's Safeguarding Learning Reviews, and Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs) to coordinate learning across the three partnerships. Neglect and self-neglect practice work is ongoing, with a proposed shared learning event and practice week in April/May. An update on CQC inspections was provided, and the improvement plan is published online. The London Safeguarding Voices (LSV) group was discussed as a way to ensure co-production and a person-centred approach. Learning from Persons in a Position of Trust (PIPOT) cases was also reviewed, with a learning briefing to be developed. The Performance and Assurance Committee noted that data is heavily LA-centric, with police data often being BCU-wide. The Safeguarding Adults Complex Cases Group is managing a complex family case involving multiple agencies.

Youth Justice Service Board Subgroup Update

The Youth Justice Service management board met twice in the last quarter. Performance updates showed a slight rise in First Time Entrants into the criminal justice system, but an overall downward trajectory. Reoffending has slightly increased but remains lower than the previous year, though custody figures have risen. The board received a presentation on the new Youth Justice Board (YJB) oversight and quadrant framework model, against which the service is rated in quadrant 2. Improvement work is underway to address audit findings and prepare for future inspections. Progress has been made in improving the health offer within the YJS, with a finalised Health Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). The February meeting focused on a HMICFRS thematic report on remanded and sentenced children in custody, and the quality of resettlement work. Updates were also provided on the Section 60 stop and search super complaint and court processes. Key challenges include slower-than-anticipated improvement work, the need for partners to meet YJS requirements, and ongoing efforts to raise standards and improve audit outcomes.

Contextual Safeguarding & Exploitation Subgroup Update

The Adolescent Safety and Wellbeing Strategic Group (formerly the Contextual Safeguarding and Exploitation Subgroup) met on 11 March 2024 to refresh its terms of reference. An update was provided on the development of the new LBBD Youth Offer, which aims to be responsive to young people's needs, with a focus on those with special educational needs and additional vulnerabilities. The annual Children's contextual safeguarding safety summit will be held in July, with feedback on work undertaken since the last summit to demonstrate the impact of young people's voices. Making local parks safer was a key request, leading to discussions on CCTV, lighting, and the inclusion of park cafes in the Safe Haven scheme. The Lost Hours campaign will continue to raise awareness of adolescent safety. The group reflected on the HMICFRS inspection into child exploitation, noting strong partnership with the police Exploitation team and the positive impact of additional funding for MASH, Missing, and Exploitation teams. The MASE (Missing and Sexual Exploitation Group) and CEG (Criminal Exploitation Group) continue to meet monthly, providing comprehensive reports and partner updates to target unsafe locations and individuals. Key challenges include a lack of data from partners attending the exploitation meetings, including perpetrator data, and the absence of a consistent voluntary sector representative at the Strategic Group.

Community Safety Partnership Performance Report

The Community Safety Partnership Performance report is being reviewed to align with the partnership's priorities and subgroups. A new version is expected for the July 2024 meeting. In the interim, crime figures are available on the Metropolitan Police interactive crime dashboard.

Forward Plan

The board reviewed the Community Safety Partnership forward plan and agreed on items for the next meeting, including updates on CCTV, the Drugs and Alcohol Tender, the Police Funded Team, the Serious Violence Duty, the CSP Review, and the VAWG Strategy. Subgroup updates were also noted.

Any Other Business

Subgroup update reports were provided, including the Hate Crime and Intolerance Extremism Subgroup, which noted an increase in hate crime offences and the need for targeted responses during Ramadan. The Safeguarding Boards Update Report detailed discussions on Safeguarding Adult Reviews, the proposed BD One Panel, and neglect and self-neglect practice work. The Youth Justice Service Board Subgroup reported on performance trends, including a slight rise in First Time Entrants and reoffending, and ongoing improvement work. The Contextual Safeguarding and Exploitation Subgroup discussed the new LBBD Youth Offer and the impact of the HMICFRS inspection into child exploitation.