Your Weekly Update On All Things ASB!
In this weeks edition:
- Joint Working Between The Housing Ombudsman & Local Government Ombudsman
- New Victims’ Code Campaign Announced
- ASB In The News
- Level 2 In Person ASB Case Management Principles Training – Lyndhurst!
- Janine & Darren’s Weekly Round Up
Joint Working Procedure between LGSCO and Housing Ombudsman: A Potential Step Forward for ASB Cases
The Housing Ombudsman Service and the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) have published a new joint working procedure aimed at improving collaboration on cases involving overlapping issues, including ASB. This recognises the cross-tenure nature of many neighbourhoods and the need for partnership-driven solutions.
The procedure sets out criteria for identifying cases suitable for joint investigations, allowing both organisations to work in parallel to address complex complaints. While the impact is yet to be fully tested, this approach could streamline case handling, reduce duplication, and deliver more coordinated outcomes. Key highlights include:
- ASB Focus: The procedure includes ASB case management and reviews as key areas where joint investigations may bring benefits.
- Efficient Collaboration: Cases are assessed for joint suitability within 5 working days, and investigations are designed to align timelines and responsibilities.
- Consent and Communication: The complainant’s consent is essential, and a single point of contact is established to simplify communication.
- Remedies and Reviews: Separate remedies are issued for each body, with the potential for joint findings and coordinated follow-up when appropriate.
For our sector, this new procedure could represent a promising step towards improved cross-organisational cooperation, with the potential to address complex, multi-faceted complaints more effectively and deliver better outcomes for residents and communities. We regularly support Local Authorities and Housing Providers to facilitate effective partnerships. Identifying scope to utilise this joint procedure will no doubt form part of these conversations going forward.
New Victims’ Code Campaign Announced
New Victims’ Code Campaign Announced
The Government has launched the ‘Understand Your Rights’ campaign to improve awareness of the Victims’ Code, particularly among young adults who are at the highest risk of becoming victims of crime. This initiative is part of the Government’s broader Plan for Change to create safer streets and better support victims.
Key highlights include:
- Target Audience: Young adults aged 16–24, who research shows are the most likely to experience violent crime but are often unaware of their rights.
- Campaign Goals: Increase confidence in the criminal justice system by ensuring victims understand their rights to respectful treatment, clear information, and access to support.
- Accountability: The campaign highlights the responsibility of organisations like the Police and CPS to uphold victims’ rights, as outlined in the Victims’ Code.
Minister Alex Davies-Jones and Victims’ Commissioner Baroness Newlove emphasised the importance of empowering victims to demand their rights and hold agencies accountable.
For ASB professionals, this campaign serves as an important reminder that awareness of the Victims’ Code should feature prominently in the development and review of organisational ASB policies. Ensuring policies are aligned with the Victims’ Code not only supports compliance but also strengthens the victim-centred approach that underpins effective ASB case management.
The campaign comes ahead of plans to consult on strengthening the Victims’ Code in early 2025 and enhancing the Victims’ Commissioner’s powers to increase accountability.
To access campaign materials or support the initiative, contact
ASB In The News
This week’s ASB coverage showcases how communities and authorities across the UK are responding with innovative initiatives and decisive actions to address local challenges.
From dispersal orders and fines to creative community projects like Renfrewshire’s “Good Vibes Only” and Felixstowe’s youth sports programme, efforts are making a real impact. These stories highlight a growing focus on balancing enforcement with community-driven solutions to create safer and more inclusive spaces for everyone.
The Headlines:
Derbyshire: Dispersal order issued after ASB – Read The Story Here
Wiltshire: On the Spot fines considered to tackle ASB – Read The Story Here
Renfrewshire: Good Vibes Only Project: Initiative to reduce ASB in Renfrewshire commended – Read The Story Here
London: Council reconsiders ASB clampdown in Haringey – Read The Story Here
Somerset: Injunction stops Somerset resident tormenting neighbours – Read The Story Here
Berkshire: Police instigate bike seizures in Tilehurst in response to bike related ASB – Read The Story Here
Greater Manchester: Closure order on property in Leigh after anti-social behaviour – Read The Story Here
East Anglia: A youth sports project in Felixstowe has helped reduce ASB – Read The Story Here
Level 2 ASB Case Management Principles – In-Person Training in the New Forest
Are you ready to take your ASB case management expertise to the next level? Whether you’re new to ASB or looking to enhance your current practice, join us for this in-person training day in the New Forest. This course is a rare opportunity to access nationally recognised ASB training outside of London, offering expert-led guidance to help you deliver better outcomes in your role.
Why Attend?
Held at the New Forest District Council in Lyndhurst, the course brings expert-led, practical training directly to you. Whether you’re new to ASB management or a seasoned professional seeking a refresh, this course ensures your approach aligns with current policies and best practices while equipping you with tools you can apply immediately.
What You’ll Learn
- Gain an understanding of the national and local ASB context and its importance.
- Learn key principles of case management, including triaging reports, assessing risk and vulnerability, and partnership working.
- Develop skills for conducting thorough investigations, interviewing effectively, and gathering high-quality evidence.
- Create and manage effective action plans while handling expectations for all parties.
- Ensure appropriate post-action steps and confidently close cases.
Accredited Qualification
This Level 2 course, assured by Highfield (one of the UK’s leading awarding bodies), provides formal accreditation equivalent to GCSE Level 2. Successful participants will receive a recognised certificate, demonstrating their expertise in ASB case management.
Course Details
📅 Date: 27 February 2025
🕘 Time: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: New Forest District Council, Bradbury Room, Appletree Court, Beaulieu Rd, Lyndhurst, SO43 7PA
💷 Investment: £199
Why Choose This Course?
- Expert-Led Content: Developed from nearly two decades of ASB practitioner experience.
- Practical Focus: Hands-on strategies you can apply immediately.
- Convenient Location: A rare chance to attend this nationally recognised course outside of London.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your skills, gain accreditation, and attend a nationally recognised course in a convenient location.
Janine & Darren’s Weekly Round Up
The final quarter of the financial year always brings a surge of activity, and this week has been no exception. It’s been a busy start to 2025, with a packed schedule of travel, training, and supporting organisations to tackle ASB challenges head-on.
Janine has been delivering tailored training sessions across the UK to support the implementation of key policies and strengthen teams’ understanding of critical areas like the Equality Act. She’s also been facilitating workshops to help organisations co-produce new ASB policies and procedures, ensuring input from both officers and residents.
We have been carrying out a series of ASB Policy “Health Checks” on behalf of different Housing Providers and we are also working with a number of UK Police Forces to promote the effective use of civil tools and powers through training programmes – get in touch if this is something that could be of use to your organisation.
It’s been a strong start to the year, and we’re looking forward to continuing to support ASB professionals in delivering impactful, effective solutions. As always, let us know how we can assist you or your organisation, and don’t forget our Level 2 ASB Case Management Principles course is taking place in Lyndhurst next month. We’re proud to bring this high-quality training to a location outside of London, making it accessible to a wider audience – get booked on as places are limited!
Have a great week,
Janine & Darren