Phase 2 - Scoping the building of datasets to support the GM Whole System Approach to Diversion and Justice Devolution Deals

GMCA has seen success in their criminal justice and offender management approach, including high desistance rates in the IOM cohort. However, there is still high demand from those already in the criminal justice system.

GMCA aims to act quickly for this cohort through a whole system approach, including a single front door for services, a peer support delivery model, and the potential to become a centre of excellence for other regions. To achieve this, GMCA needs to build datasets around the cost impact of the revolving door cohort (prolific, often acquisitive crime low-level offenders with high unmet needs) on their criminal justice services: police, courts, prisons, and probation.

In addition, there is an opportunity to join-up various government and local initiatives aimed at children in or close to the justice system - to support targeted intervention and prevention. This understanding will assist in developing Justice Devolution discussions with Government which are taking place at speed.

GMCA have therefore awarded Newton Consulting Limited £100,000 in order to build datasets to support: a) The Cost Impact Analysis and Intervention Benefits for the revolving door cohort of prolific but lower risk offenders with high levels of unmet need in Greater Manchester. b) Scoping the join-up of data sets to identify and track cohorts to deliver demand reduction initiatives. c) Scoping the potential for data sharing to enable Youth Justice case management and performance framework. Newton and Xantura have recently concluded their support to our analysis of the cost impact of the revolving door cohort in GM and therefore have unique insight into the methodology used to drive those estimates.

They have unique, recent, firsthand experience of working alongside HMPPS including in Probation Delivery Units and prison Offender Management Units. This enables them to identify opportunities to improve the productivity and effectiveness of criminal justice services in a way which support our objectives.