The Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire and the Violence Reduction Network are inviting tenders from all sectors for the delivery of a new community leadership programme that is the first of its kind in Leicestershire.
A formal tender process has been launched by Leicestershire’s Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and the Violence Reduction Network (VRN) to select a provider to deliver the innovative Community Leadership Programme in which 40 Community Leaders across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland will participate in over the next two years.
The project is part of the OPCC and VRN’s commitment to working in partnership with communities and investing in initiatives aimed at empowering communities to play their role in preventing crime and violence.
Working in areas across the whole of Leicestershire including the county’s People Zones; an existing multi-agency partnership approach to build stronger, safer communities; community leaders will be able to develop the knowledge, skills and connections to bring neighbourhoods together and build an infrastructure to help local people thrive.
The recruitment process is designed to encourage key community figures, from across a diverse range of communities, to apply to be part of the leadership programme. The programme aims to provide participants with essential skills and proficiency in a number of key areas; including project planning, funding and bid applications as well as access to a wide range of networking and partnership opportunities.
Grace Strong, Strategic Director of the VRN, said: “Collaborative leadership is critical to our success in preventing violence. We already have countless examples of communities taking a lead role and we’re keen to build on this by investing in learning and development opportunities for community leaders across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. This is one example of our work in ensuring communities are centre-stage in our collective response to tackling violence.
“We are looking for an experienced and ambitious provider who will empower and inspire participants and can deliver a structured, engaging learning programme that will build on strengths and equip leaders with new knowledge and experience.”
Leicestershire’s PCC Lord Willy Bach, who also sits on the VRN Board, added: “This is a new programme never before delivered through my office and we excited about the potential of this programme. We welcome applications from all organisations.”
The programme will be designed to work with and fully support each cohort throughout the duration of the course.
Providers will need to have a broad understanding and connection to a Public Health approach to reducing violence, particularly of those aged up to 25.
The tender process formally opened on 17th August and the deadline for applications is noon on 21 September 2020.
For more information on the bidding process please see the Police & Crime Commissioner's website here
Ends
Media Enquiries: Sallie Blair - 07702 541401