Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Steph Roberts, Borough Commander and Jo Oakley, Deputy Borough Commander. DCI Andrew Furphy attended as the substitute member for the Police. Apologies were also received from Councillor Reg Adams, and from James Cleverly (Chairman of the London fire and Emergency Planning Authority). Apologies were also received from Steve Lewis, Bromley Council’s Emergency Planning Manager. Further apologies were received from Angela Wilder and Valerie Morgan from the Courts Service. 

There were no matters arising.

It was AGREED that the minutes of the meeting held on 19^th September 2013 be approved.

The Chairman advised the Partnership that the proposed visit of the London Mayor had been postponed, as it was scheduled for the same time as the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget Statement. It was hoped that the visit could be re-instated for January 2014. It was noted that an agenda for Boris Johnson’s visit needed to be clarified in order to make the best use of his time when he came. Various possibilities for the visit were suggested; these included visiting the CCTV centre, a visit to the Youth Offending Team, a Domestic Abuse Centre, or a visit to Probation Services. It was hoped that Member feed back would be provided, and that this would then aid in the formulation of a specific agenda. Further suggestions were that Boris Johnson could make a visit to Bromley Police Station or to one of the areas where Operation Crystal was operative. It was suggested that any ideas for the visit be directed to the Chairman or Committee Clerk. 

The Chairman updated the Partnership with regard to the Council’s Anti Social Behaviour Initiative, and made it clear that he was looking at long term solutions. It was noted that Operation Crystal was currently operative in areas which included the Groves Estate, Cray Valley West, Mottingham and Orpington. The success of these initiatives would bear a direct correlation to the quality of intelligence received. It was also important to partner with housing associations to provide effective solutions and deterrents. A meeting was scheduled for 12^th December 2013 to discuss operations relating to the Groves Estate, and to discuss plans for operations in Kimberley Road. Ward Members would be fully informed, and with this in mind, a meeting was scheduled with Mottingham Ward Members next week. It was also announced that an operation was being planned for the Biggin Hill area in the near future, and that Councillor Julian Benington had been informed of this by the Chairman. It was further noted by DCI Andrew Furphy that the percentage of theft and burglary offences on the Groves Estate had decreased considerably because the Police had targeted named individuals. The Chief Executive confirmed that the Leader of the Council had been in discussion with Housing Associations to find ways of partnering on these initiatives.

The Chairman invited Paul King, Head of Bromley Youth Offending Service to provide a summary of the findings from the recent HMIP and Ofsted Inspection of Safeguarding in the YOS and Probation Trust.

At the start of November 2014, the Bromley YOT, Probation Trust, Bromley Children’s Social Care and the police were subject to a 3 day thematic inspection of safeguarding practice across these agencies. Bromley was 1 of 5 YOTs who were to be inspected. The inspectors were looking at the quality and timeliness of assessments and referrals, the action taking to safeguard individual children and young people who are known to these services and the strength of systems for sharing case information. The feedback to organisations was detailed case by case  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

DCI Andrew Furphy provided the Police update on behalf of the Borough Commander. It was noted that with respect to overall crime targets set by MOPAC, Bromley Police were 8% ahead of target. It was also noted that the number of total notifiable offences were down by 6.5%. It was highlighted that statistics for residential burglary, non residential burglary, personal theft and vehicle theft were all down. The Partnership heard that at the previous meeting it was reported that personal theft had increased by 24%, this figure had dropped to 10%, so the figures were improving. DCI Andrew Furphy updated the Partnership on Operation Bumble Bee (anti burglary initiative) that this had been successful. The operation was due to continue until the end of the second week of January 2014. In this regard it was highlighted that there had been a 33% increase in successful burglary resolutions in the last six weeks, compared to the previous six weeks. This was due to good intelligence and appropriate use of forensics. The Chairman expressed his thanks to the Police for their great efforts in respect of crime reduction during the key days of Halloween and Bonfire Night. It was noted that in this context, Bromley was one of the best performing boroughs, and that only Bromley and Greenwich had achieved crime reduction figures for these key dates. 

This report was drafted by Amanda Mumford (Community Safety Coordinator) to update the Partnership on the proposals for the introduction of the Safer Neighbourhood Board, as requested by the Mayor’s Office for London. It was noted that The Safer Neighbourhood Board (SNB) would be a non statutory body that would hold the Safer Bromley Partnership to account. It was with relief that the Partnership received the briefing guidance after a previous delay. It was noted that the SNB would be responsible for appointing its own Chairman. It was further noted that subsequent to this, the Chairmanship of the Safer Bromley Partnership (SBP) would be a matter of discussion, although there was a likelihood that the Chairmanship would devolve to the Borough Commander. The SBP would no longer meet four times a year, but would meet twice a year instead, and take on a more strategic role. To some extent it could be said that the SNB would be taking over from the SBP. It was however anticipated that both board and panel would work together. It was anticipated that most of the membership of the SBP would transfer to the SNB. The Partnership looked at the roles and composition of the SNB as outlined in the MOPAC briefing document. It was noted that there was a key emphasis on community participation. It was anticipated that the SBP would become smaller and more strategic and focused. It was anticipated that the first formal meeting of the SNB would be in April 2014.

Funding would be provided from MOPAC to run the SNB. Approximately £5200.00 of this fund would be allocated for administration costs. The rest of the fund would be allocated in respect of projects that supported MOPAC’s seven key neighbourhood crime types. It was important that the work of the SNB did not duplicate that of the SBP, and it was further stated that funding could only be applied for when the SNB Model had been agreed with MOPAC. The Chairman stated that the maximum tenure for Board membership would be three years, but that it would be prudent to appoint for lesser terms as that would give greater flexibility. It was confirmed that the SNB would met four times a year in public, and that one of these meetings would be in conjunction with the Crime Summit. It was anticipated that there would be ancillary meetings required in order to ensure a satisfactory level of link up with the local community. It was anticipated that Community Health Teams would attend, and that agendas would be “personalised” to meet the needs of particular communities.

Councillor Bennington asked what would happen to the Bromley Community Engagement Forum (BCEF) and also what would happen to Ward Panels, as some of these panels were currently running well. It was expected that the BCEF would cease to exist in its current form, and would be incorporated into Neighbourhood Panels. Nigel Davies (LBB Director Environmental Services) said that he would expect that at Board  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

An update on the Domestic Homicide Review Process was provided by Clare Elcombe. The origins of the review process lay in the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004. The Act now permitted a full review to be conducted after a murder or a suspect death. (Section 9). The process is similar to a Serious Case Review, and takes place after a suspect death. This process came into effect in 2011. The process can take about a year to complete and the panel would be chaired by an independent Chairman. The Review would take place in the Borough where the dead person previously resided. The reason for the Review Process would be to see what lessons can be learned (if any), and to improve multi agency working and communication if necessary. 

The report relating to Safeguarding Vulnerable Scam Victims was written by Rob Vale, Head of Trading Standards and Community Safety. The report was written to highlight the work being carried out by Bromley Trading Standards to identify victims of mass marketing fraud. It was clear that many of the victims of scam related activities were the elderly, and the vulnerable. DCI Andrew Furphy from the Metropolitan Police confirmed that twenty percent of victims were the elderly. Visits had been undertaken to potential victims to see what could be done to support them. It was important to have a good network and referral chain that could be utilised to support victims. These would include agencies such as CAB and Age UK. It was important that the referral chain and mode of referral be clear so that it could be effective. Bromley Trading Standards were working closely with Adult Safeguarding in order to facilitate appropriate referrals as required. Rob Vale indicated that he was looking to the Partnership to build a support network. It was noted that sometimes it was difficult to reach elderly victims. Around four hundred visits were being planned to alleged perpetrators, and feed back was planned in April 2014. It was noted at the meeting that national talks were ongoing with the Post Office, as most of the scam mail was being delivered by Royal Mail. It was pointed out that much pressure was being on the Post Office by Trading Standards; it was also suggested that this matter could be brought to the attention of local MP’s with the intent that the matter be raised in Parliament. It was also noted that scam activities were being carried out directly by telephone, as well as via mail.

It was AGREED that the contents of the report be noted.

It was also AGREED that the Partnership would consider the options available for taking the project forward.   

The Partnership studied a draft report that was set before them outlining the proposed IOM Operating Model for London. (IOM is Integrated Offender Management). Rob Clarke (Probation Services) led on expounding the report to the Partnership. The report outlined what Offender Management is, and what the vision was for London. It also outlined the roles of those partners involved such as the Local Authority, Police, the Probation Services and the Prison Service. It was noted that the process of Offender Management included dealing with the arrest, prosecution, detention, conviction and rehabilitation of offenders. IOM was an integral part of that process, and would rely for success on the key partners working together. The five principles of IOM (as defined by the Government) were outlined:

·  All partners tackling offenders together

·  Delivering a local response to local problems

·  Offenders facing up to their responsibilities

·  Making better use of existing programmes and governance

·  Particular emphasis would be on targeting high risk offenders.

Rob Clarke explained that a key part of IOM was motivating the offender to change, and that the ability or motivation for change would depend on conditions existing in a person’s life termed, “Resettlement Pathways”. These pathways would include things like various forms of abuse and exploitation; mental and physical health, education, accommodation and employment. The plans for an IOM Board in Bromley were supported by MOPAC, the Borough Police Commander and Probation Services. In addition to motivational factors, it was made clear that the Police would still use robust enforcement action when required. It was noted that the IOM Board would need to be set up by 31^st March 2014. Some funding would be required from the local authority. The Probation Service had currently contributed five thousand pounds, and there would be MOPAC funding released after 2015.

The Chairman indicated that the issue of funding contributed by Bromley Council would be a matter that would need to be referred to the Executive. The question of Governance of the new IOM Board was raised. It was clarified that the IOM Board would be a strategic board, with oversight of the IOM scheme operating in the borough. The IOM Board would be answerable to a “Re-Offending Board”. The IOM Board would be chaired by a representative from either the Police or Probation Services. It would likely be the case that a Portfolio Holder would also need to be involved. Doug Patterson (Chief Executive) stated that it would be good for the Re-Offending Board to link effectively with the Safer Neighbourhood Board. Doug Patterson confirmed that the IOM Model had his full support, and that it was also a good idea to continue to invest in funding prevention rather than cure. Rob Clarke indicated that there may be a way to streamline the meetings of the Safer Neighbourhood Board with the Re-Offending Board. This was an idea supported by Nigel Davies (Director of Environmental Services). Paula Morrison (LBB Assistant Director of Public Health) suggested that secondary and primary health care  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

Substance Misuse Board: It was reported that the Substance Misuse Board had disbanded, and that it’s portfolio had been transferred over to the Health and Well Being Board.

Youth Offending Service:  Paul King stated that there was little to report at this stage. It was noted however that all young people previously classified as “NEET” (not in education, employment or training) were now being allocated for something to do, or being allocated a mentor.

Bromley Community Engagement Forum:  Amanda Evans stated a recent public meeting had been held in Anerley with around one hundred people in attendance. The main topic of the meeting was illegal money lending. Amanda Evans notified the Partnership that BCEF were looking to hold their next public meeting in January, in Orpington. Amanda Evans updated the Partnership on a Safer Travelling Leaflet that had recently been published and disseminated. This could be viewed on the BCEF Website. It was planned that the third Annual Specialist Schools Conference be held on 7^th March 2014. Amanda Evans stated that at the previous Specialist School’s Youth Conference at the Glades (now Intu) the lanyard scheme had been launched to help vulnerable young adults to feel safe in the Centre. BCEF had recently been updated by Marjorie McClure that the young people concerned now feel safe to shop at the centre most weekends, which they had not done previously.  It was noted that a multi faith event was planned for 10^th March 2014. It was further noted that The Manifesto Youth Conference was planned for 11^th March 2014. Amanda Evans informed the Partnership that during a Community Outreach Day in October; a reoccurring theme was persistent bullying endured by vulnerable adults on the Borough’s bus network. This was occurring mainly during the school run, and was apparently being carried out by a large group of uniformed children. In partnership with the Police and Strategic Business Support Services, a letter had been sent to all LBB schools, asking for their help to stop this abuse from reoccurring. Mencap has offered support in obtaining a resolution, and the Police have offered their support with how to report crime and how to log the incidents. Amanda indicated that BCEF would be willing to assist in identifying key community organisations that may be possible candidates for representation on the future Safer Neighbourhood Board.

Arson Sub Group: An update was provided by Terry Gooding from London Fire Brigade. It was noted that there had been a marked reduction in both hoax calls and arson over the last ten years. The number of hoax calls over the last ten years had dropped by 67%, whilst the number fires starting deliberately had fallen by 82%. It was also noted that there was a marked drop in arson attempts during 2012-2013 compared to 2011-2012, and much of this was attributed to Bromley’s Summer Diversionary Activities Programme.

At this point, Mr Terry Belcher (BCEF) requested an update on the situation with regard to Waste 4  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

Lulu Pearce (Ethnic Communities Programme Manager) reminded the Partnership about the multi faith event being held on the 10^th Match 2014. Lulu Pearce also informed the Partnership that Intu were working to combat Disability Hate Crime, and that their chosen partner was Mencap. Intu had provided relevant training to one hundred and fifty of their staff, and were also working closely with the Police.

Terry Gooding from Bromley Fire Service drew attention to a colour newsletter that he had tabled entitled, “Orpington Fire Station News”. As the name suggests, this provided an update on the construction of the new Orpington Fire Station. It was also noted that the Fire Brigade’s Carol Service was going to be held on 11^th December 2013. 

It was noted that the next meeting of the Safer Bromley Partnership was scheduled for Thursday 13^th March 2014.