Author and Job Role: Toma Bennett, Criminal Justice Policy and Commissioning Officer
Protective Marking: Official
Executive Summary:
For 2026/27, the Police and Crime Commissioner has made available £270,000.00 of funding to reduce reoffending in Surrey.
Application for Standard Grant Award above £5,000 – Reducing Reoffending Fund
Background
Voluntary Action – Social Prescribing project – Ian Ross
Brief overview of service/decision – To award £30,000 to the Voluntary Actions Social Prescribing Project which provides support to people on Probation and help reduce reoffending. The project is available to all people on probation who are managed by Guildford Probation and referred to the service.
Reason for funding – The project supports greater stability and engagement, helping to address social exclusion and stigma, which are key factors in reducing reoffending. Social Prescribing workers provide tailored support, including advice, signposting, and active referrals to a wide range of statutory and VCSE services. By improving stability, increasing engagement, and addressing unmet needs, the project reduces the risk of reoffending and demand on public services.
Recommendation
That the Commissioner supports this standard grant application to the Reducing Reoffending Fund and awards to the following;
- £30,000 to the Voluntary Action Social Prescribing project
Police and Crime Commissioner Approval
I approve the recommendation(s):
Signature: PCC Lisa Townsend (wet signed copy held in Office)
Date: 14th May 2026
All decisions must be added to the decision register.
Areas of consideration
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.