The VCS and Kent's Police and Crime Commissioner

On the 15th November 2012 Kent voted to elect its first ever Police and Crime Commissioner and Kent CAN have been asked by NAVCA and Clinks, a national charity, to provide the link between the PCC and VCS.

In the months leading up to November Kent CAN will seek to create a network of VCS organisations. The Home Office is committed to providing support to the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector to adjust to the new policy and delivery landscape, where Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) will hold community safety funds. It is anticipated that the introduction of PCCs will involve public service provision being opened up to a wider range of providers and we want the VCSE to stand out in a competitive market place and be successful in its ambitions. The role of the Local Networks are critical in leading and working with the sector within police force areas to ensure that PCC candidates and the PCC once elected understand its value in reducing crime and keeping communities safe.

The main focusses of the network initially will be:

• To provide evidence of the effectiveness of the work of the VCS for inclusion in the PCC’s initial reading list;
• Feeding into the preparations of the Kent Police Authority for the arrival of the PCC where appropriate;
• After the election, working with the PCC’s office to create a commissioning system;
• Contributing on behalf of the VCS at strategic meetings; and
• Any other issues raised and agreed by the network

Kent CAN held a launch conference on the 3rd October to bring together as many organisations as possible, the presentations from the event are available to view online.

Police and Crime Commissioner useful links