Police and Crime Commissioners for Cleveland and Durham are committed to putting victims at the heart of the criminal justice system.
They jointly chair the Cleveland and Durham Criminal Justice Partnership and have Victims Strategic Planning Group meetings to improve victims’ services.
The PCCs in 2015/16 agreed to tender for a service provider. This was due to the following:
- Changing legislation for victims services;
- The changing environment for the provision of services; and
- An increasing number of service providers.
Safe in Tees Valley was selected to provide the Cleveland and Durham Victim Care and Advice Service. The contract was awarded on 1 April 2016 on a two year basis with the option of extending the contract for a further two years.
The Cleveland OPCC and Durham OPCC have reflected on the achievements of the Victim Care and Advice Service (VCAS) over the initial 18 months of service.
They have been provided with details of activities that have provided additional benefit/value to the core victim service.
Safe in Tees Valley have provided a proposal to maintain the cost of the contract whilst also expanding the current service specification.
Decision DRF-57811. Extenson to VCAS victim support contract (application, 93kB)