Each section has a common structure that begins with a short summary and ends with some practical points, with suggested resources for exploring a topic in more depth at the end of the toolkit. The toolkit is structured in a way that reflects the commissioning cycle. In addition, it is important for commissioners to engage with specialist service providers, the VAWG sector and the local population. This document should not be used in isolation and we recommend that commissioners also refer to the range of information made available through the resources section. It is important to remember that service provision makes up only one part of a victim or survivor’s journey and commissioners should also be considering the issue of VAWG in the round including prevention, provision of services, prosecution and justice, and the ongoing support that the victim or survivor may need. This document has been developed to support the implementation of the National Statement of Expectations (NSE) and aims to bring together key information for commissioners to consider when beginning the process of commissioning specialist VAWG services.
A whole system approach means different professionals and agencies, local and national Government, charities, and others all working together to tackle violence against women and girls.
We recommend reading the document as a whole to achieve a full understanding of a whole system approach to commissioning VAWG services. It should be noted that this toolkit does not constitute legal advice and commissioners should obtain their own legal advice when commissioning services. A separate toolkit and Statutory Guidance for the commissioning of VAWG services for Wales has also been developed to reflect the specific context in Wales. Devolved bodies and local organisations in Wales should also refer to the relevant Welsh legislation, such as the Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015 and associated guidance. This toolkit is focused on commissioning all VAWG services in England and applies to agencies discharging reserved functions relating to crime, policing and justice in Wales. The purpose of the toolkit is to ensure that professionals can work together to provide an effective commissioning approach for services to support to anyone affected by any form of VAWG.
It will be useful for all commissioners as a practical guide to commissioning VAWG services as well as service providers, to provide an understanding of how to meet commissioners’ needs. This toolkit provides advice to demonstrate how commissioning services to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG) can be done effectively. Part A: Context Section 1: About the toolkit
Particular thanks go to the specialist VAWG sector and Lloyds Bank Foundation for England & Wales. Thanks also to the service providers, commissioners and voluntary and community sector organisations who have contributed and provided examples of where improvement could be achieved.
We are incredibly grateful to those who contributed to the Call for Evidence and particularly to those who bravely shared their personal experiences. The findings from the Violence Against Women and Girls Call for Evidence have been used to inform this update. Thanks go to everyone who has contributed to the development of this toolkit and participated in the development process.