Bore da

Please see a short update on the implementation of the Act compiled from responses by the Gwent VAWDASV Partnership Board.

Members agreed the report raises some very valid points.  There are some areas which are not as clear such as praising Gwent for its joint working approach by all agencies and then referring to a concern about commissioning in Gwent. 

In relation to additional points members felt that there needs to be more of a emphasis on the Act and requirements within.  One example is in relation to the commissioning process and whether there is a way to ensure Local Authorities and Partnerships fulfil their duties effectively.  

In relation to additional progress within the Region, the partnership has joint funded a MARAC coordinator to support this aspect of the work.  Gwent Police are delivering SafeLives DA Matters training in March to 800 first responders to aid awareness with those officers.  A new Regional Officer starts with the team on Monday 20^th January to progress the commissioning work within the area with a completion date of the agreement by  31 March 2020.  Ask and Act training continues to be rolled out across the Region with a decision made at the beginning of this financial year to enable local delivery. 

Another learning point, and often a barrier, is the need to emphasis the connections with the VAWDASV Act and other legislation such as the Social Services and Wellbeing Act, not all partners identify the connection and understand the importance of the VAWDASV Act alongside all other Acts – this seems to be echoed at all levels across Wales. 

I hope this helps and please get back to us if you require any additional information.

Kind regards

Janice Dent (on behalf of the Gwent VAWDASV Partnership Board)