Decision 11/2023 – Preventing Violence Against Women and Girls and Supporting Children – What Works Fund

Author and Job Role: Lucy Thomas; Policy and Commissioning Lead for Victims’ Services

Protective Marking:  OFFICIAL

Executive summary

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey successfully secured £980,295 through a bid to Home Office What Works Fund. This funding will be used to conduct activity aimed at preventing violence against women and girls (VAWG) and supporting children.

Background

The Home Office awarded the value of up to £980,295, commencing 01 October 2022 through to 30 March 2025 to deliver two projects. The first is a specialist training programme for personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) teachers, along with targeted support involving specialist victim support services. This will be offered to every school in Surrey. The additional training will enable teachers to support students and reduce their risk of becoming either a victim or using abuse in the future. The second project will be a wider public communications campaign aimed at preventing VAWG and complimenting and supporting the PSHE training delivery. 

Recommendation

  • The YMCA DownsLink Group to employ a WiSE prevention worker, funding awarded for this role will be up to £11,899 in 2023/24
  • Award Surrey County Council up to £52,852 in 2023/24 to implement the PSHE education package for teachers. This will cover costs for logistics (such as venue hire and education materials), supply teaching cover and project management.
  • Award Surrey Domestic Abuse Partnership up to £194,645 in 2023/24 to fund VAWG Prevention and Engagement Workers.  
  • Award the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) up to £54,966 in 2023/24 to increase their rape and sexual abuse support service provision.
  • Award Surrey Police up to £75,000 in 2023/24 to deliver the communications campaign

Police and Crime Commissioner Approval

I approve the recommendation(s):

Signature: Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend (wet signed copy held at PCC Office)

Date: 02 August 2023

All decisions must be added to the decision register.

Areas of consideration

Financial implications

Payment will be made from the Home Office quarterly in arrears according to spend.

Legal

No legal Implications.

Risks

No risks.

Equality and diversity

No implications.

Risks to human rights

No risks.