THE FINDINGS of an internal review by the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner have been published, including a number of key recommendations.
Matthew Barber, PCC for Thames Valley Police, has released the results from a review into evaluate the efficacy of victims services and proposals based on their recommendations.
The review, compiled by the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner (OPCC) in May last year, evaluated how funded services met the needs of victims.
It consulted victims, mainly of theft and burglary, who had used a range of associated services and garnered more than 900 responses.
The results will now inform the framework for the future commissioning of the services ahead of the beginning of new contracts, due for April next year.
Following the review, four key recommendations will be taken forward as new contracts are selected.
The OPCC said that it will set out to “work with current providers to implement service improvement,” and will also “move to an automatic victim referral mechanism.”
It will also introduce a “range of engagement mechanisms to ensure the victim’s voice is central to all work undertaken,” and will “ensure future commissioned services have the ability to flex and grow.”
Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley Matthew Barber said: “I want victims to have access to the best possible support which is why we continually strive to improve our provision in the Thames Valley.
“The current landscape is very different to the one that existed when we commissioned our current victim’s services which is what has driven this review.
“Challenges of the pandemic have meant that services have had to evolve and over time, victims needs have changed.
He continued, explaining that “many services have also come under strain during this time due to increased demand for support, especially in the areas of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
“The review has enabled the collation of data and insights and alongside the voices of victims, will help us understand where and how services can be developed to provide better outcomes.
“Its recommendations will help improve existing provision as well as inform our future commissioning.”
