Mr Snowden said: “My number one priority is to lead the fight against crime in Lancashire to ensure that fewer people fall victim to crime in the first place.
“However, where people do fall victim it is important that they are able to access specialist support to help them move forward from what has happened.
“My office has utilised independent research involving both providers and victims of crime to ensure that the new contract provides services that will meet the needs of Lancashire residents affected by crime.
“We are lucky to have a network of providers here in Lancashire who already offer a variety of different services across the county. I am now looking forward to seeing their ideas around how we can best deliver county wide support under the Lancashire Victim Services brand to cover all types of crime.”
Ahead of writing the new contract specification, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner utilised findings from independent research to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement in Lancashire with two independent evaluations having taken place over the past 18 months.
The University of Central Lancashire conducted research into the effectiveness of Lancashire Victim Services, including a review of the current integrated service model. A second evaluation undertaken by TONIC Ltd specifically focussed on victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse.
Between these two evaluations nearly 1,400 stakeholders, including services, victims and wider partners, took part in surveys, were interviewed or consulted. The outcomes and recommendations from both these evaluations have been taken into account in developing the new specification for the service.
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner held an engagement event for local suppliers to answer queries around this opportunity and any further queries can be put to the Office in writing.
The deadline for tender submissions is 12 noon on the 20th of September 2021.
