Future Partnership Landscape

The major political parties have acknowledged that public spending cuts are unavoidable and there are three broad approaches proposed:

• redefining the relationship between the State and the individual (‘Big Society’, Place-Based Budgeting)
• a significant restructuring of the public sector with many more decisions taken locally with minimal oversight
• a  major initiative to maximise economies by much more effective collaboration between public bodies.

All these approaches are predicated on closer, more effective, efficient collaborative service delivery across Government departments, and the public sector.  We are committed to delivering improved customer-focused services aimed at tackling those crime and antisocial behaviour issues that are important to our communities.  However, this cannot be achieved by us alone and collaborative service delivery across the public sector is critical.

To assist, we have formed close partnerships with key advisory agencies including the National Police Improvement Agency (NPIA) and the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA); they are also represented on the Association of Chief Police Officers’ national working party for partnerships.  We are now partners in the Yorkshire and Humber Empowerment Partnership (part of the National Empowerment Partnership), which is an influential consortium of public, voluntary and community sector organisations. We are the Regional Representative for the Yorkshire and the Humber police forces.

On a practical level, we are looking to share facilities with the South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service.

Community Safety Accreditation Scheme

In accordance with ACPO's Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) Guidance document (section 3.1), we currently maintain a CSAS programme under the national Vehicle & Operator Services Agency (VOSA) scheme.   VOSA officers can apply to the Chief Constable for the power to stop vehicles for the purpose of a road test. 

Our Community Safety Department are currently working with Barnsley Council to consider warranted powers and CSAS in relation to Safer Neighbourhood Teams.