Devon and Cornwall’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Alison Hernandez, has announced a £20 million contract for victims’ services which has been awarded to Victim Support.

The ten-year contract, largely funded by the Ministry of Justice annual grant for victims, is the largest ever to be awarded by a police and crime commissioner, not including services commissioned by the Mayor’s Office in London.

The contract is worth £1.2m in the first year but Victim Support will take on delivery of additional services in future years, so the annual budget is anticipated to increase over the term of the contract and could be worth up to £20m.

As the PCC’s strategic delivery partner for victims’ services, Victim Support will undertake a dual role in commissioning services and in overseeing improvements to them.

The commissioning of victim care services is one of a number the PCC’s largest responsibilities which also includes restorative justice services, sexual assault referral centres and services for victims of non-reported crime.

Since 2015 support for victims has been provided by a network of organisations but after an evaluation which considered value for money, impact, efficiency and adherence to the code of practice for victims, the PCC decided to redesign and recommission the services.

Falmouth Packet: Since 2015 support for victims has been provided by a network of organisationsSince 2015 support for victims has been provided by a network of organisations

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Commissioner Hernandez said: "The evaluation found there was good support for victims in our area but there were improvements needed along with sustainable funding. Our grant from the MOJ is only ever given annually but that leads to unstable service delivery.

"This new and innovative 10-year contract with Victim Support sets in place a contractual partnership which will bring high quality victim led services enabling a sustainable future to many voluntary and charitable organisations. and after this difficult year during a pandemic couldn't come at a better time.

"Victim Support will build infrastructure by developing support services like restorative justice, services for young people affected by crime and suitable services for people with protected characteristics among many others."

Mark Thompson, area manager for Victim Support, said: "At Victim Support we are excited to be able to share our experience, capability and quality standards with victim care providers in Devon and Cornwall.

"Victim Support has been a member of the victim care network since it was established in 2015, and as a result is well placed to understand the local picture and structure of provision within the area."