Integrated Offender Management approaches are being developed in local areas in England and Wales to extend existing case work processes to develop partnerships including statutory, private sector, voluntary and community sector groups.

This is in recognition of the range and depth of experience of the needs of offenders, ex-offenders and their families within the voluntary and community sector and the aim is to strengthen and improve the service provision through these extended frameworks.

The Voluntary & Community Sector Supporting Offenders (VCSSO) Forum will provide a platform for members to contribute to policy and decision making processes about service provision and development for offenders and ex-offenders in the borough.

The VCSSO Forum is led by the voluntary and community sector and supports all those working with offenders, ex-offenders and those at risk of offending in the borough along with their families.

The VCSSO's aims include:

• Providing information sharing opportunities in a range of formats for voluntary sector practitioners by these practitioners
• Develop and maintain strategic links in decision making meetings
• Access to jargon free overviews of; policy, legislation and best practice related to the Criminal Justice System to support volunteer practitioners
• Coordinate and facilitate joint working with all agencies involved in the Integrated Offender Management (IOM) model

• Personal development opportunities
• A safe environment for open discussion, learning and development related to working within the Criminal Justice System and all community safety related matters
• Access to research, best practice and relevant information
• Chance to publicise/promote events
• Information regarding the IOM process and partnership contacts
• Access to funding opportunities other groups and statutory agencies
• Opportunities to represent the group at a strategic level to the Integrated Offender Management process and community safety policies and services