VCS Agencies Network
New Network for VCS Agencies Working with Offenders, Ex-Offenders and their families established
VONNE, with support from the National Offender Management Service and Barefoot Research and Evaluation, is setting up a network of voluntary and community organisations with an interest in working with offenders and ex-offenders and their families. The network will be made up of organisations who both work directly with (ex) offenders and their families, and those who have an interest in working with this group, both in prison and in the community.
The main role of the Network will be to establish a provider-led network which will improve services to (ex) offenders and their families and help to achieve the reducing re-offending agenda. The Network will offer members a range of benefits including:
- helping organisations to let each other know what type of activities they are doing in this area;
- forming a collective voice for the voluntary and community sector in work with (ex) offenders and their families which can influence the work of the National Offender Management Service (NOMS), including the prison and probation service;
- working towards securing funding for projects aimed at (ex) offenders and their families; and
- spreading good practice so we can all learn from each other.
Becoming part of this network will have no cost or resource implications to you. If you would like join please download and complete the membership form:
VCS Offenders Agency Network Membership Form (Word)
Of course, if your organisation is not already a member of VONNE we also encourage you to become one.
Further details on membership of VONNE
The first series of events for network members were held at the end of February and beginning of March. A report from the events was produced:
Regional VCS Offenders' Network Circular 1 March 2008 (Word 85kB)
For information on the Network, please contact Rhiannon Bearne, Policy and Development Officer, VONNE, rhiannon.bearne@vonne.org.uk or 0191 233 2000.
