Criminal Justice Partnership

Improving Partnership Working Across The Criminal Justice System in Dorset

Around 65 individuals from a wide range of voluntary and statutory agencies all converged on The Hub in Verwood on Tuesday 8th June 2010 to spend the day discussing,

“How can we make Dorset safer? What is and what isn’t working – and what can we do about it?”

Annette Zera led what’s known as an ‘Open Space Event,’ the format of which allows those attending to set the agenda and take part in a variety of group discussions by using, “the law of feet!” Delegates were actively encouraged to stand up and walk to another group when they felt they’d contributed all they had to say around a topic.

The day was organised by CLiNKS a national VCS organisation that supports groups working with offenders and their families. With support from DCA, Dorset Probation Trust, Bournemouth CVS and Poole CVS.

28 topics were posted and discussions covered a wide variety of subjects including, “How can we ensure preventative work gets more recognition? Do we need to develop a criminal justice system network across Dorset, Poole and Bournemouth? How can we encourage offenders to continue education on release?

Strong themes emerged from across the groups focusing largely on the need for closer partnership working and networks developed, the creation of a single database for VCS groups offering services to offenders and their families and promotion of ‘good news stories.’ Outlining how voluntary work by offenders in local community projects can be an excellent route back into employment and reduce inter-generational suspicion.

The day was largely seen as a success but the hard work starts now. The events steering group will soon be asking voluntary organisations and statutory agencies how we move these fantastic ideas forward to really, ‘Make Dorset Safer.’

A full copy of the report from the day and an executive summary is attached below.

Anyone interested in contributing to recommendations is urged to contact Katy Pascoe at DCA via;
Tel. 01305 216421
Email. katy.pascoe@dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk