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ASB Support For You
Celebrate 10 Years of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 with Kuljit Bhogal KC's ASB Masterclass Series Featuring Our Partner Janine Green!
This year marks a decade since the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 came into force, prioritising victims in the fight against anti-social behaviour. To celebrate, Kuljit Bhogal KC is hosting a series of masterclasses, joined by our partner Janine Green as guest expert speaker, to explore the latest developments in ASB case law.
The Masterclass Schedule:
Manchester: 12th June
Birmingham: 13th June
Cardiff: 20th June
Exclusive Subscriber Offer!
Use the exclusive discount code JGREEN20 for a 20% discount on your booking!
For expert insights, learning from leading barrister Kuljit Bhogal KC and Janine Green you will get all of the latest updates and thinking on ASB case law and what that means in practice for practitioners. These sessions are also excellent opportunities to network and connect with fellow professionals.
Book Now as spaces are limited…
New Online Programmes Announced!
DIY INJUNCTIONS & DRAFTING CIVIL WITNESS STATEMENTS…
We have two new programmes available for enrolment which are ideal for experienced ASB professionals looking to gain advanced skills as part of their professional development. Both courses are scheduled for the 19th June, and together are a perfect combination for upskilling on the process of injunctions and drafting civil witness statements. Book both programmes together and you can save £50!
You can enrol yourself and your team via our website with an invoice option available at the checkout. If you have 6 or more in your team that would benefit from the training then drop us an email at info@greenandburtonasb.co.uk to organise an in-house solution for you.
Exclusive: All of our mailing list benefit from an exclusive 10% discount on all Green & Burton ASB Associates live online programmes, use code NEWSLETTER at the checkout
ASB News & Updates
Good Case Reporting Basics Highlighted In The Latest Housing Ombudsman Maladministration Report
The Housing Ombudsman’s Learning from Severe Maladministration report, published today, has highlighted the difficulties in investigating cases with incomplete records and has stressed the importance of not sharing personal and sensitive information about alleged perpetrators with neighbours, while keeping reporters informed about case progression without compromising the alleged perpetrators’ information rights.
Read the full report here
Janine’s thoughts: We know that good case file recording is essential in effective anti-social behaviour – it is one of the “golden threads” of effective ASB case management that we include in our training sessions. However, despite its importance, this aspect often gets overlooked in practice, leading to various challenges. Poor record-keeping can result in misunderstandings of the case, leading to inaccurate decisions regarding severity, persistence, vulnerability, and appropriate actions. It complicates the preparation of witness statements for legal action, creating gaps in the case history and weakening evidence quality, thereby reducing the chances of a successful outcome. It can also hamper the ability to justify decisions under scrutiny from service complaints, ombudsman enquiries, ASB case reviews, and legal challenges. Get in touch if this has prompted you to think about refresher training for your team. Email me at janine@greenandburtonasb.co.uk.
The Manifesto Club Report on ASB Powers and Policing – Concerning for all or too harsh a critique?
The Manifesto Club have released a report which examines the use and impact of ASB powers by the police, highlighting several potential concerns that are particularly relevant for ASB professionals. It suggests that the Home Office’s promotion of flexible ASB powers with low thresholds and severe penalties may be problematic. Additionally, it suggests that there is a lack of comprehensive data and inconsistent record-keeping on the use and effectiveness of these powers, raising questions about their oversight and impact. You can read the full report here.
Janine’s thoughts: This report is critical of the Home Office and Police and may not be fully balanced in its review of ASB Powers when you read into the detail. However, what it does do is serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of implementing safeguards to ensure these tools are used appropriately and fairly. This highlights the need for comprehensive training and specialist support for those involved in ASB enforcement to ensure that a proactive approach is undertaken with effective application of ASB powers. Additionally, with the Criminal Justice Bill proposing to extend Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) to the police and dispersal powers to councils, it is imperative for organisations to start developing processes and training programs now to adapt to these forthcoming changes.
New Grant Funding Announced To Tackle Fly-Tipping
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, along with MP Robbie Moore, have announced nearly £1 million in grants to 26 local councils to combat fly-tipping. These funds will support initiatives such as increased CCTV and AI-assisted cameras, public awareness campaigns, and improved enforcement strategies. Key beneficiaries include the London Borough of Hounslow, City of Wolverhampton Council, and Cheshire East Council, which will implement various measures to identify and prosecute offenders and prevent fly-tipping.
Darren’s thoughts: This funding is a much needed investment that leverages advanced technology and public engagement to tackle environmental crime. By enhancing detection and enforcement, while also raising awareness about responsible waste disposal, this initiative has the potential to significantly reduce fly-tipping and promote cleaner, safer communities.
Free Resources For You
This month our focus topic is Disability – and last week we shared with you our thought leadership piece on understanding disability in the context of ASB. This week we wanted to hone in on the practicalities of being an ASB officer and working with those that may have a disability that could be misconstrued as ASB. Check out our blog to help you with a pragmatic approach for managing ASB cases with disability – and let us know how you operate in your role…
Forbes Solicitors Webinar Featuring Janine Replay
Last week Janine was pleased to collaborate with Forbes Solicitors on a recent webinar on how to work with witnesses from initial report to trial.
Hosted by Kirsty Varley, Forbes’ Housing Expert and Partner, Janine was able to share her expertise from an Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) perspective. The session delved into proactive and productive measures that ASB professionals can employ when working with witnesses during a case. Emphasising the importance of effectively managing expectations, Kirsty and Janine offered practical tips to alleviate the trial process. This free webinar was a valuable resource for all ASB professionals, providing essential knowledge and strategies for improving their practice.
If you need support with the topics covered in the webinar then reach out to Forbes via their website or get in touch with us to see how we can support you.
We hope that you have some nice plans for the Bank Holiday and enjoy the sunshine while it lasts!
Janine & Darren