Women offenders: after the Corston Report - United Kingdom ...

Justice Committee: Evidence Ev 1294. Whole System ApproachOur plans to strengthen the community order framework will ensure that community orders are punitive aswell as rehabilitative, and it is crucial that sentencers are aware of the gender-specific options available tosupport this. The Advisory Board will have a role:(a) Working with partners within the criminal justice system—to ensure that the needs and profileof female offenders are recognised and understood by those working with them at all points ofthe criminal justice system. We will work with sentencers and CJS partners to promote thecommunity sentencing options for women. The Board may also decide to work with partnersto identify whether there are gaps in current provision, or whether guidance for staff andprocesses could be improved for identifying and supporting vulnerable female offenders ontheir journey through the system.(b) Working with partners outside the criminal justice system—to raise the profile of femaleoffenders and factors associated with their offending, such as domestic violence and sexualabuse, mental health needs, and substance misuse problems. The Board will work withGovernment departments and other partners to ensure effective joint working, both nationallyand locally, to address these factors. This will include, for example working with the HomeOffice on work strands within their Action Plan for Ending Violence Against Women and Girls.The Board will also have a role in ensuring that links are made, as appropriate, with work beingtaken forward for girls in the criminal justice system.There are a range of factors associated with women’s offending, such as mental health issues; drug andalcohol misuse; domestic violence and sexual abuse; homelessness; skills, employment and finance; and caringresponsibilities (for dependent children and other family members). At this time of reduced resources andchanges to the commissioning landscape, both nationally and locally, it is important that we take a cross-Government approach to addressing these factors. I believe that there will be real benefits, both for the criminaljustice system and beyond, if we can successfully address these factors so as to reduce reoffending by women,and provide support to those women who may be at risk of entering the justice system. By bringing togetherkey bodies with an interest in female offenders, both within and outside Government, the Board will be ableto support a more joined up approach on this important agenda.I expect the Board to meet three or four times a year, with meetings held at the Ministry of Justice in centralLondon, the address for which is detailed above. I should be grateful if you could please nominate an officialat director level to sit on this Board. Officials will be invited to attend meetings, as necessary, when businessrelevant to their policy area is to be discussed. Our first meeting will take place on Tuesday 7 May 2013, from11.00–13.00 in Room 9.29A.Nominations should be sent to the female offenders’ policy team at the Ministry of Justice onwomenspolicyteam@justice.gsi.gov.uk not later than Monday 22 April. Shena Clarke, who leads the team, willalso be happy to answer any queries about the new Board (shena.clarke@justice.gsi.gov.uk or 020 3334 6065).April 2013Annex AADVISORY BOARD FOR FEMALE OFFENDERS: PROPOSED MEMBERSHIPHelen Grant MPChair, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Minister for Victimsand the CourtsRt Hon Lord McNallyMinister of State and Deputy Leader of the House of LordsRt Hon Baroness CorstonLabour peerBaroness WalmsleyLiberal Democrat peerMichael SpurrChief Executive Officer, NOMSHelen JudgeDirector, Sentencing and Rehabilitation, MoJJuliet Lyon CBEDirector, Prison Reform TrustRachel HalfordDirector, Women in PrisonsClive MartinDirector, ClinksJackie RussellDirector, Women’s BreakoutPolly NeateChief Executive, Women’s AidLiz CalderbankHM Chief Inspector of ProbationNick HardwickHM Chief Inspector of PrisonsJohn LongIOM lead, Association of Chief Police OfficersLiz RijnenbergProbation Chiefs Association, Lead Women OffendersPolice & Crime Commissioner Nominated representativeJohn FassenfeltChairman, Magistrates AssociationJudiciaryObserver status