Author and Job Role: Toma Bennett, Criminal Justice Policy & Commissioning Officer
Protective Marking: Official
Executive Summary:
The Police & Crime Commissioner for Surrey is responsible for commissioning services that support victims of crime, improve community safety, tackle child exploitation, and prevent reoffending. For the financial year 2026/27 the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner used a proportion of locally derived funding to support the delivery of local services.
Application for Standard Grant Award above £5,000 – PCC Fund
RIFT Social Enterprise CIC – Pathways to Self-Employment: Reducing Reoffending in Surrey – Andy Gullick
Brief overview of service/decision – To award £25,500 to RIFT Social Enterprise CIC for their Self-employment support programme for people with conviction connected to Surrey to reduce reoffending.
Reason for funding 1) The reduction of reoffending – The RIFT Programme is designed to directly contribute to the reduction of reoffending by addressing one of the most significant drivers of repeat offending: a lack of access to sustainable, legitimate income. Participants are supported to develop realistic self-employment pathways, enabling them to generate income and build financial stability following their release from custody.
2) The reduction of crime and disorder – The project also aims to contribute to the reduction of crime and disorder within communities. Individuals leaving custody are at the highest risk of reoffending during the early post-release period, particularly when they experience instability in income and a lack of purpose. Through structured support prior to release and continued mentoring for three months afterwards, participants are encouraged to maintain focus, establish routines, and take positive steps towards independence. This reduces the likelihood of involvement in antisocial behaviour and acquisitive crime.
Recommendation
That the Commissioner supports this standard grant application to the PCC Fund and awards to the following;
- £25,500 to RIFT Social Enterprise CIC
Police and Crime Commissioner Approval
I approve the recommendation(s):
Signature: PCC Lisa Townsend (wet signed copy held in Office)
Date: 6th July 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.