Decisions

The Independent Custody Visiting Scheme is a statutory Scheme under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act Part 3 Section 299 whose responsibility and oversight lies with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, in consultation with the Chief Constable.

The Treasury Management Annual Report was scrutinised by the Joint Audit Committee on 11th June 2020.

As Coronavirus still posed a significant risk to the volunteers and everyone else they may have come into with when conducting visits in person, an alternative monitoring process was implemented in conjunction with Gwent Police. The process offers detainees the opportunity to speak privately with volunteers on the telephone in order that the volunteers can check on their welfare and ensure they have received their rights and entitlements.

Due to the disruption caused by the Coronavirus outbreak, the tenure was extended by one year for the volunteers whose tenure was due to end in 2021. The extension will allow the Commissioner's Office the time to recruit and train new volunteers as the risk of the virus subsides.

The purpose of the funding is to assist organisations to meet additional costs incurred between the 24st March and 31st October 2020, through adapting services during the pandemic to cope with increasing demand as a result of it. Following an open and competitive proposal process, a total of £201,553 has been awarded for organisations in Gwent as follows: BAWSO £34,946 Cyfannol Women’s Aid £79,442 Llamau £15,054 New Pathways £39,354 Phoenix Domestic Abuse £22,277 Victim Support £10,480

The funding will be provided to Newport Live who currently leads on coordinating the delivery of the Positive Futures Programme until long term commissioning and funding arrangements have been agreed.

The changes to the Police and Crime Act 2017 provided the Police and Crime Commissioner with enhanced oversight of the complaints system and responsibility for handling appeals (reviews). The Commissioner awarded the contract to Sancus Solutions Ltd for a 12 month period with an option to extend for a further 12 month period in order to review demand levels and determine the best way forward in the future.

The Commissioner is satisfied that all declarations by staff have been made within the boundaries of acceptability in accordance with the relevant policies and procedures.