Agenda and draft minutes

None received.  

None received.  

Select Committee Public Open Forum ~ Guidance

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None present. 

Officers explained that the report was being presented to provide the Committee with a progress update of how the regional strategy supports the Council in delivering the objectives of the Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015. The committee was asked to scrutinise these arrangements and provide feedback.  

Sharran described the evolution from local to regional arrangements in Gwent, highlighting the establishment of a regional board to ensure equitable access to support services and reduce postcode lottery effects. The Gwent strategy aligns with national objectives and is due for review next year.  She outlined the extensive board and subgroup structure, noting the lack of formal mechanisms for information sharing with Community Safety Partnerships, but assured that efforts are underway to strengthen these links. Monmouthshire is an active member, benefiting from shared resources, funding, and expertise.  

Sharran highlighted the positive outcomes, which include mandatory staff training, regional IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advisor) services, and education/prevention programs like Spectrum. Challenges include data collection, service accessibility in rural areas, service gaps (e.g., for male victims and those with no recourse to public funds), resource allocation, and communication.  

Sharran introduced a presentation covering strategic governance, integration, monitoring, data challenges, and benefits to Monmouthshire from regional commissioning. She emphasized the importance of collaboration, the role of subgroups, and the need for improved data and communication mechanisms.  

Amy detailed the regional team’s structure and support mechanisms, including pooled resources, specialist expertise, and regional funding. She highlighted statutory and specialist training (Ask and Act), collaborative projects, and awareness campaigns.  

Amy discussed the Spectrum program for schools, targeted support for diverse and rural communities, and recent training for staff on supporting victims with no recourse to public funds. She noted the presence of specialist advisors for older people and those in health settings.  

Amy acknowledged ongoing challenges with data collection and needs assessments, reliance on police/probation data, and the resource-intensive nature of comprehensive assessments. The regional approach enables thematic needs assessments and cross-referencing with other duties (e.g., serious violence).  

Both officers called for improved data collection, enhanced training, increased community engagement, regular progress reviews, and deeper collaboration to ensure effective support for victims and continued strategy impact.  

Questions from Members: 

• Councillor Bond asked how the regional arrangements measure impact and whether they are fit for purpose, given the lack of comprehensive data over the years.  

Amy replied that the VAWDASV Act is 10 years old and that measuring impact has been challenging due to evolving needs, COVID, and reliance on police/probation data. She stated the regional arrangements are fit for purpose and provide Monmouthshire with access to specialist services and expertise, such as the regional IDVA team. 

• Councillor Bond also queried the tangible benefits for Monmouthshire residents and how local accountability is supported, asking what the return on investment is for Monmouthshire, and whether board members are paid, and if more local resources are needed to address data gaps.  

Amy advised that board members are not paid; they participate on top of their regular  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

The work programme was noted.  

Noted.  

The minutes of the 7^th July 2025 were agreed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.  

Action List: