Reducing Reoffending
Formerly a senior officer at Lancashire Constabulary, Jerry Graham, who was most recently Chief Constable in Cumbria, has been appointed as Independent Chair of Lancashire’s Local ‘Reducing Reoffending Boards’.
Four local boards, which cover the North, East, South and West of the county, will play a key role in helping the Commissioner fund projects which tackle crime and reoffending across Lancashire, making sure that funding is used in a way which best addresses the local issues and priorities in their communities.
The £200k fund allows charities, organisations and partners to bid for projects that will work with offenders in their areas and help integrate them back into the community.
This builds on the work that has already been done by the boards, which includes representatives from partners including Lancashire Constabulary, local authorities and the regional CRC.
The newly created role of Chair will ensure that each local board has a consistency of approach and that the work they do works towards the Commissioner’s key priorities in his police and crime plan.
Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner said:
“I am delighted to welcome Jerry into his role as Independent Chair, he brings with him an enormous amount of experience which I’m sure will help him hit the ground running, supporting and guiding the work of the local reoffending boards which operate across Lancashire.
“Policing alone cannot prevent people reoffending and this builds on the work that has already been undertaken by partners within Lancashire’s local Reducing Reoffending Boards. Jerry and these boards will play an important part in identifying projects which, through funding that I continue to provide, can make a real difference across our communities and help me achieve one of my key priorities to tackle crime and reoffending.
“I know from seeing programmes that have received funding in the past how they can make a real difference and turn people’s lives around. I’m looking forward to working with Jerry and the Local Reducing Reoffending Boards to continue this work and make sure the impact that this funding can have is reaching those who need it.”
Jerry Graham, Independent Chair of the Local Reducing Reoffending Boards said:
“I’m really pleased to take on this important role and I am looking forward to getting started, making a difference across Lancashire and working with other board members ensure that the work we do links in with the Commissioner’s priorities.”
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Jacques said: “Breaking the cycle of crime is not an easy task. Investment, tailored support and close partnership work between agencies are critical to help an offender stop reoffending and contribute positively once more to their community. I’d like to congratulate Jerry on his new role. He brings a wealth of experience and I look forward to working closely with him in delivering results in this key area.”
Notes:
The Commissioner’s reducing reoffending funding is currently open for applications, with the current application window open until 17:00 on 02 July 2018. Any organisations that wish to apply for funding and for more information, visit https://lancashire-pcc.gov.uk/our-money/grant-funding/lancashire-reducing-reoffending/