The West Midlands Region are taking a new approach to the Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations (VCS) available funding for Black, Asian Minority Ethnic Organisations and Services Providers.
The new funding is targeted at organisations that are led by Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic organisations or Boards of organisations that have a clear priority around working with minority ethnic groups; specialist in this field.
In line with our HMPPS Business Strategy principle of ‘Transforming Partnerships’, this is an excellent opportunity for us to build on the outstanding work taking place in the Region to enhance commissioning and build the capacity of VCS organisations, subsequently improving outcomes for people whom we work with. This type of activity also aligns with the phased implementation plan to introduce Short Term Custody Teams via other funding streams e.g. ROIF, requiring PDUs to explore the organisations in their local areas and commission local services.
There are two types of organisations required:
- Funds have been made available to Black, Asian Minority Ethnic service providers, including faith and Gypsy, Roma, Traveller organisations, able to deliver services to individuals connected, in some way, to a criminal justice agency. In essence, services that are offered to: people on probation, their families and/or probation employees.
- This funding is also open to Black, Asian Minority Ethnic organisations who are in the business of coordinating events and able to organise and host a ‘Probation Partnership Event’, intended to bring small and medium partnerships, onto a programme in the chosen geographical area. The event will aim to host key speakers from the chosen organisations, able to showcase the services being offered in their local community.
Key messages:
- The four West Midland Areas to be covered: West Midlands, Staffordshire, West Mercia and Warwickshire.
- Be an organisation that is owned by and or provides services to Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic groups; able to organise a partnership event, intended to maximise the partnerships between probation and the community. Or
- A Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic service provider and organisation, agreeing to participate in a partnership event intended to showcase service provisions such as, mentoring, well-being, educational, community re-integration, women or gender specific services etc.,
- Events will be accessible through a virtual platform as well as an in person ticket option (venue located in the geographical area)
- Be an Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic small/medium organisation not previously worked with Probation.
IMPORTANT!
The form to apply for funds is to be completed by interested organisations. Click: Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic VCS Funding Request Form 2021
Applications to request funds are to be submit by 10th January 2022.
The West Midlands Probation Commissioning Governance Board i.e. individuals assigned to sift the application request for funding, will meet during the w/c 10th January and thereafter fortnightly.
The successful Events Organisation, will be informed w/c 17th January 2022. Thereafter, this organisation will liaise directly with VCS organisations offering services to Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic communities, able to support: people on probation, their families and or probation employees.
The Partnership Events, with key speakers from VCS organisations, will take place before 31st March 2022.
It is acknowledged we may receive more applications than required, however, this provides Probation with valuable information of the available service providers, in order to build connections, in readiness for future funding opportunities.