JOURNAL TRANSCRIPT
ISSUE 39 April 2017
pgs 2 - 6
PCSP Conference – Delivering a Difference
pg 7
Keeping businesses safer
Ballymena ‘Teenage Kicks’
pg 8
pg 11
Graffiti Removal Scheme
Find out more about PCSPs: /pcsps
@pcsp_s
www.pcsps.org
PCSP Conference
Delivering a Difference
With a new draft Programme for Government and plans well underway for the introduction of community planning the Board and DOJ took the opportunity to hold a conference to explore the changing landscape and opportunities for PCSPs / DPCSPs and other key stakeholders. The aim of the conference was to focus on how PCSPs can continue to deliver a difference and contribute to the outcomes set within the draft Programme for Government. It was also an opportunity to highlight what has been achieved since their establishment.
Delegates showing support for International Women’s Day at the Conference.
Opening Addresses In his opening address Nick Perry, Permanent Secretary, DOJ spoke of the vital role PCSPs, as stand-alone statutory bodies, play to help make communities safer and to ensure that the voice of local people is heard on policing and community safety issues. Welcoming delegates to the conference Board Vice Chair Debbie Watters emphasised the importance of the work that each PCSP does and the value that it adds to policing and community safety.
“Never before has it been more important for PCSPs to evidence their effectiveness and the difference they are making.” Nick Perry, Permanent Secretary, DOJ “More than ever, we need to capitalise on the opportunities that collaboration and partnership working can bring, we need to fully exploit the strength of the PCSP membership so that all we do delivers better outcomes for the people of Northern Ireland.” Debbie Watters, Board Vice Chair
Front Cover Image Board CEO Amanda Stewart, Anthony Harbinson, DOJ, Board Vice Chair Debbie Watters and Nick Perry, Permanent Secretary, DOJ pictured at the PCSP Conference.
Board Vice Chair Debbie Watters speaking at the conference
to view the opening address.
…Continued
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Brendan McGuigan, CJINI answering a question during the panel discussion alongside Anthony Harbinson, DOJ and Amanda Stewart, Board CEO
Session 1:
Achievements, Changes and Challenges The first session of the conference explored the achievements of PCSPs since their establishment in 2012, building on the work of District Policing Partnerships and Community Safety Partnerships to improve community safety and to support community confidence in policing. The challenges for PCSPs in relation to making an effective contribution to Fresh Start and to the draft Programme for Government and in ensuring that their delivery role in relation to Community Planning is recognised and incorporated in local plans were also highlighted. Recognising the achievements of PCSPs Amanda Stewart, Board Chief Executive also emphasised that while the journey has been difficult “it has been worth it”. Confirming that the Board continues to be a strong supporter and advocate for PCSPs she spoke of the role in respect of the work of the Policing Committee and the
importance of local people shaping policing issues. She said: “It’s also about local people supporting the engagement work between policing and the community. These aspects have and continue to be key means of confidence building.” Speaking about the challenges ahead for PCSPs Anthony Harbinson, Director Safer Communities, DOJ reflected on the changing landscape for PCSPs in relation to the Review of Public Administration and the need for a longer-term budget to enable longterm planning and delivery. He also welcomed the PCSPs adopting an Outcomes-Based Accountability (OBA) approach which will help deliver change through enhanced partnership working.
to view the presentations.
The Discussion Brendan McGuigan, Chief Inspector Criminal Justice joined Amanda Stewart and Anthony Harbinson for a panel discussion focusing on the changing landscape for PCSPs and current and emerging issues. The CJINI published a review of PCSPs which included a number of recommendations and Brendan McGuigan was questioned on the challenges for PCSPs going forward. In responding he outlined the difficulties for PCSPs in assessing impact and value, however also emphasised the importance of the OBA approach in achieving this. The need to work in partnership to overcome the challenge of functioning in austerity and working with reduced budgets was also emphasised. Other issues raised included the need to raise the profile of PCSPs through online media and better engagement with the local community; how PCSPs can assist in the wider societal issue of alcohol and drug misuse and what support will be provided to PCSPs in tackling paramilitarism.
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Session 2:
Front Cover Image Delegates at the Delivering a Difference conference.
The Scottish Experience
The Discussion
Mark McCall, Scottish Community Safety Network opened up the second session which examined the Scottish experience in relation to delivering a difference through community safety.
A panel discussion followed which gave delegates the opportunity to question Frances Lyons and Mark McCall on their areas of work. In relation to implementing OBA, assurances were sought that appropriate training would be made available to PCSPs. In responding Frances Lyons confirmed that plans were already in place to provide training and support, ‘a ‘Toolkit for Managers’ has been designed and information and support materials are currently available online.
In his presentation he outlined the history and context of the Scottish Community Safety Network which supports local and government partners, facilitates sharing of good practices, and provides information, evidence and guidance. With the key aim of empowering communities to identify local issues and local solutions Mark McCall also highlighted the need to capitalise on existing relationships and the importance of authentic partnerships which are based on mutual respect. Following on from this Tim Kendrick Scottish Community Planning Network emphasised the need to recognise the benefits and challenges of co-location, co-production and place based approaches. This, he explained, allows a more focused approach, which facilitates the identification of areas most in need and enables targeting of support to these specific areas. Speaking about lessons learned Tim Kendrick highlighted the importance of ensuring that community planning and community safety are not taken forward in separate silos; they are interlinked and must come together.
to view the presentations.
Tim Kendrick Chair of the Scottish Community Planning Network speaking about the Scottish Experience.
Session 3:
How is success measured?
Asked if there were any issues in sharing resources in Scotland Mark McCall highlighted the importance of public bodies contributing resources which is currently not consistently happening in Northern Ireland.
The third session gave the audience an opportunity to find out how the OBA approach can assist PCSPs in evidencing that they are delivering a difference in communities. Presented by Frances Lyons, National Children’s Bureau, she explained that OBA is “a disciplined way of thinking, taking action and demonstrating impact” and shifts the focus from outputs to an outcomes based agenda for communities. Emphasising the important link between the work of PCSPs and the draft Programme for Government, she also highlighted the advantage PCSPs have in implementing OBA as the systems, structures and, more importantly, partnerships are already in place. Frances Lyons also spoke of the importance in building this partnership approach both internally within PCSPs and externally with other key stakeholders / partners.
The key challenges in implementing OBA through the PCSP Action Plans was also raised and issues identified included obtaining meaningful data / evidence; ensuring data is used to inspire improvement and not punish an organisation; and putting in place protocols to support data sharing.
Frances Lyons, NCB and Mark McCall, Scottish Community Safety Network taking part in the panel discussion.
to view the presentation from Frances Lyons, NCB.
…Continued
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Front Cover Image Supt Davy Beck and Vanessa Russell, Derry & Strabane PCSP taking part in the panel discussion.
The Discussion The model has proved successful and a target has been set in the Policing Plan 2017/18 to implement Hubs across Police Districts in collaboration with PCSPs and other partners. To explore how this will work in practice Supt Davy Beck, PSNI and Vanessa Russell, Derry & Strabane PCSP then took part in a panel discussion.
Pictured at the conference are participants (l-r) Anne Donaghy, Chair SOLACE, Vanessa Russell, Derry & Strabane PCSP, Policing Board Member Catherine Pollock, T/ Supt Davy Beck and Steven McCourt, DOJ.
Session 4:
Concern Hub Collaborative Working in Action To set the context for this session a video was shown outlining a good practice example of a problem solving justice pilot facilitated by Derry & Strabane PCSP. The ‘Concern Hub’ is a partnership between statutory agencies in the area working together, sharing information and problem solving to identify and help those people who are of concern or vulnerable.
The partners involved in the Hub are PSNI, Western Health and Social Care Trust, Housing Executive, Education Authority, Probation Board and Youth Justice Agency. During the video they each had an opportunity to highlight not only the benefits of this collaborative approach for their organisation but also the challenges faced and the lessons learned.
Questioned on what the next steps are in terms of delivery of the Hubs across Districts, Supt Beck confirmed that work had already begun in the Antrim and Newtownabbey area which will inform further implementation across Northern Ireland. During discussions Vanessa Russell also highlighted the advantages of PCSPs facilitating the Hubs which included their local knowledge to facilitate signposting, and being able to identify assets within the wider community to support information sharing. In relation to measuring the success of the Hub she confirmed that a review will be undertaken after the 12 month implementation period, however emphasised that based on the 13 cases that have been referred to the Hub, at an individual level, the positive changes are already evident.
to view the ‘Concern Hub’ video.
…Continued
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Session 5:
The Discussion
PCSPs and Community Planning
A panel discussion followed which included input from Catherine Pollock, Independent Board Member, Steven McCourt, DOJ, and Tim Kendrick, Scottish Community Planning Network. Asked what the key issues will be for Northern Ireland in implementing Community Planning, Mr Kendrick emphasised the importance of involving a wide range of partners to make a real difference and the need to address not just crime, but also antisocial behaviour , prevention and early intervention work and the provision of family support.
The final session of the day focused on Community Planning and the role of PCSPs working towards 2019. Opened by Anne Donaghy, Chair of SOLACE, she provided an overview of the Community Planning process giving an update on the progress made to date. Referring to Community Planning as “Dealing with old problems in a new way”, she also emphasised that everyone has a part to play in the development of a shared vision and objectives. Commending the DOJ and PCSPs for work already being undertaken to align with Community Planning, Anne Donaghy also highlighted the PCSP model as an integral part of the council-led strategic approach to the delivery of the plans.
Anne Donaghy, Chair of SOLACE NI speaking at conference.
Catherine Pollock confirmed the Board’s commitment to support and develop the expertise of PCSPs and also highlighted that PCSPs have everything in place to deliver on Community Planning. Steven McCourt outlined the need for PCSPs to evidence that they are ‘Turning the Curve’ on reducing crime and delivering on the Programme for Government commitments. The importance of the Joint Committee in ensuring that PCSPs are equipped and ready to deliver was also reiterated.
Conference case studies For the conference each PCSP provided a case study example of a project that had delivered a difference to the community.
to view the case studies.
Catherine Polllock, Board Member responding to a question during the panel discussion alongside Tim Kendrick, Scottish Community Planning Network (right) and Steven McCourt, DOJ.
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Raising awareness about Cyber Crime Cybersafe in Causeway, Coast & Glens
Fermanagh & Omagh PCSP focuses on Cyber Crime Fermanagh & Omagh PCSP welcomed Deputy Chief Constable Drew Harris to a recent PCSP public meeting which focused on Cyber Crime. D/Constable Samuel Kinkaid gave a presentation on the different methods used by criminals to target individuals and businesses. Pictured at the meeting are: (l-r) C/Insp Clive Beatty, D/Con Samuel Kinkaid, Cllr Keith Elliott PCSP Chair and Deputy Chief Constable Drew Harris
Causeway Coast & Glens PCSP, in partnership with the Education Authority NI, has launched a new campaign around cyber bullying. Targeting students in post-primary schools across the area, the Cyber Safe project has been designed to assist with local signposting, helping young people affected by online bullying. Student resources carrying the message “Sticks and stones or clicks & phones… online bullying is still wrong” have been distributed during school visits across the borough, with staff speaking to pupils about the dangers and consequences of online bullying and internet safety. Supporting the project which aims to help young people who may feel isolated and vulnerable, PCSP Chair, Ald William King said: “More young people have access to the internet and social media than ever before, so the potential for cyber bullying is on the increase. People affected may feel trapped and without a support network. This project will help them to find the support they need.”
Addressing Cyber Crime in the business sector The Board and DOJ recently sponsored an event held in Belfast City Hall addressing the growing challenges of Cyber Crime with the business sector. Organised by the NI Business Crime Partnership the seminar was also an opportunity to launch the British Retail Consortium Cyber Security Toolkit for Retailers.
to view the toolkit.
Pictured at the launch of the campaign are: (l-r) Ryan Magee EANI, Ashleen Schenning PCSP Vice-Chair, Ald William King PCSP Chair.
Pictured at the event are: (l-r) C/Supt Chris Noble PSNI; Laura Gillespie, Pinsent Mason; Hugo Rosemount, British Retail Consortium; Anne Connolly, Policing Board; ACC Stephen Martin, PSNI; Jamie Delargy, Facilitator; Aodhan Connolly, Director of the NI Retail Consortium; and Mairead McMahon Federation of Small Businesses.
Front Cover Image Derry & Strabane PCSP recently organised a business information session for retailers dealing with counterfeit currency, the introduction of the new £1 coin and making shops and outlets safer in the area. Pictured at the event are: (l-r) Colin Davidson, Ulster Bank; Gerard Doyle, Ulster Bank; Mandy Monteith, PSNI Crime Prevention Officer; Cllr Gus Hastings, Chair Derry and Strabane PCSP; and Dermot Harrigan, PCSP Manager. The information session to local businesses dealt with counterfeit currency, the introduction of the new £1 coin and making our shops and outlets safer.
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‘Just One Life’ Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon PCSP recently worked in partnership with Lurgan Rotary Club to deliver a hard hitting message to Lower Sixth Students from Lurgan schools through their ‘Just One Life’ Road Safety Road Show. The event did not shy away from giving a very vivid and striking illustration of the aftermath of dangerous driving with graphic presentations provided by the Ambulance Service, NI Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) and PSNI amongst others, which while shocking, successfully delivered the important message to the young people. A true to life demonstration by NIFRS involving four brave pupils also reinforced the impact of driving without care. PCSP Chair Cllr Julie Flaherty commented: “we were delighted to fund this event as young road users are most at risk of killing or seriously injuring themselves or others on our roads. The hard hitting messages provided in this event will hopefully stay with the young people”.
The hard hitting demonstration.
Ballymena ‘Teenage Kicks’ Members of Mid & East Antrim PCSP have been getting first-hand experience of a PCSP-funded engagement project for young people in Ballymena. Almost £3,000 has been given to Carniny Amateur and Youth Football Club to work with around 60 teenagers and help divert them away from antisocial behaviour (ASB). The ‘Teenage Kicks’ sessions are themed around the concept that playing soccer is much better than becoming involved in or being engaged in ASB, drugs or alcohol. The initiative offers a mix of two-hour sessions being delivered by a number of professionals and experts over several weeks, which tackle issues such as, the impact of drugs and alcohol on people, families and on local communities. Carniny Amateur and Youth Football Club also aims to show the many opportunities and openings available with the club for young people to become more directly involved in sport.
Several local sporting personalities also showed their support by attending the event. Pictured with a number of the ‘Teenage Kicks’ participants (back row) are (seated l—r) Stephen Sheerin, PCSP Partnership Officer, Eamonn Loughran, world champion boxer with his awards, Barbara Cameron, Commonwealth Bowls winner, Billy O’Flaherty, Club Secretary, Jacquie McWilliams Olympic Hockey Medal winner and Cons Joanne Campbell, Ballymena PSNI.
Front Cover Image Pictured at the ‘Teenage Kicks’ event are (l-r) Billy O’Flaherty, Cariny Amateur and Youth Football Club Secretary, Cllr Andrew Wilson Chair Mid and East Antrim PCSP; Scott Hunter, Teenage Kicks participant, Marjorie Hawkins, PCSP Vice Chair and Constable Joanne Campbell, Ballymena PSNI.
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Young people to the fore ‘Love Where You Live’
Keeping pupils safe Fermanagh & Omagh PCSP recently organised a safety initiative for primary school children in the District. Over the course of the week, over 560 school pupils from 22 primary schools in the area took part in the innovative scheme which included presentations on Online Safety, Road Safety, Electricity Safety, Farm safety, Fire Safety and Travel Safety. This was an imaginative way of teaching the Primary Seven pupils how to prevent everyday accidents, how to avoid dangerous situations and how to deal with them safely and effectively should they occur. The sessions were designed to encourage a high level of interaction and involvement from pupils by getting them to participate in simulated scenarios in a controlled environment. This not only helped the children to think for themselves but also gave them the practical experience of preventing and coping with potentially dangerous situations as opposed to simply being taught about managing risk in a classroom environment.
Derry & Strabane PCSP Project Coordinator, Louise Kitson pictured with Adam Taylor, Project Coordinator and children from Clooney Estate at a recent showcase event launching banners that were designed by the children and put up outside the community centre and in the local park. The banners were designed and produced through the ‘Love Where You Live’ programme supported by the Derry & Strabane PCSP. The children are also wearing their hoodies that were also funded through the PCSP.
Some of the agencies who took part in the initiative pictured with PCSP Chair Cllr Keith Elliott (2nd right).
‘Shout Up’ Cllr Gus Hastings, Derry & Strabane PCSP Chair pictured with the Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council, Ald Hilary McClintock, staff from Nexus and pupils and teachers from Ardnashee School promoting safety online through the ‘Shout Up’ Project. The project targeted young people from the Derry & Strabane areas who are traditionally seen as hard to engage with and vulnerable to exploitation or inappropriate sexual behaviour. These young people included those from the Alternative Education Project for Derry and Strabane areas, in or leaving care, at risk of facing homelessness and/or drug/alcohol addiction as well as those in mainstream education, youth clubs and sports clubs who live in and around the more deprived wards within the district of Derry and Strabane.
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Focus on Alcohol and Drugs Drink sensibly Rachel Eastwood, The Guildhall Taphouse, and Niall Doran, City Centre Initiative, are pictured alongside Cllr Gus Hastings, Derry & Strabane PCSP Chair and Dermot Harrigan, PCSP Manager launching the annual beermat campaign for St. Patrick’s Day 2017. During the campaign the PCSP encouraged people to “turn over a new leaf” and be drink aware over the bank holiday weekend. 20,000 beermats were provided by the PCSP and distributed to bars and pubs across the city and district.
Views on Alcohol and Drug Related Issues published Interested in finding out what people think about alcohol and drugs related issues in Northern Ireland? The DOJ has published results from the October 2016 Northern Ireland Omnibus Survey. Key findings show that just over two fifths of respondents (42.9%) agreed or strongly agreed that they are concerned about drug related issues in their local area compared with 37.5% who disagreed or strongly disagreed. It also showed that 43.3% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they are concerned about alcohol
related issues in their local area, the main factors being ‘underage drinking’ (59.1%) and ‘drinking in public places’ (33.1%). Respondents also expressed higher levels of confidence in the PSNI’s work to tackle alcohol and/or drug related issues across NI than that of any other organisation, with 25.9% having a lot or total confidence and 49.9% having some confidence.
Perceptions of organised crime and human trafficking published The DOJ recently published findings on people’s views on organised crime and human trafficking in Northern Ireland. A fifth of respondents said that they felt that organised crime was very widespread throughout NI while 24.8% stated that it was widespread. Findings also showed that 91.5% of respondents stated that drug dealing was one of the main types of crimes they associated with organised crime in NI. In relation to human trafficking and modern slavery, overall 5.6% of respondents felt that they were very widespread throughout NI.
to view the full survey.
to view the full survey.
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What’s happening in your PCSP? PCSPs hold a variety of meetings and events each month. For details on what is coming up in your local PCSP
PCSPs are funded and supported by the Policing Board and Department of Justice.
PCSPs work with a number of designated partners.
The Probation Service is planning to establish a Graffiti Removal Service as part of its Community Service scheme in conjunction with Belfast City Council (BCC), the first of its kind in Northern Ireland. The aim of Community Service is for individuals to pay back to the community, through unpaid work, in a positive way for the damage caused by their offending. Every year thousands of hours of work are completed under the supervision of the probation service, benefiting many communities across Northern Ireland. It is also an extremely effective in reducing reoffending with latest figures showing that three quarters of those who complete Community Service do not reoffend within a year of completion. The service will be launched in early Spring with an evaluation process to include feedback from local communities across Belfast. for more information.
Find out more about PCSPs: /pcsps
@pcsp_s
www.pcsps.org
Front Cover Image Probation’s John Finnegan, shows Belfast Lord Mayor Brian Kingston and Probation Chief Executive Cheryl Lamont how to operate the specialised graffiti removing power washer.
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