Each Probation region has been given funding which can be made available to Voluntary and Charity sector organisations who work with/ led by Black, Asian Minority Ethnic members of the community involved with the criminal justice system. The purpose of this funding (up to £10,000 per successful applicant) is intended to strengthen the capacity of those organisations who engage with BAME service users but may need some additional help to further develop their work.
 
To access this funding, you will need to have a clear priority of around working with ethnic minority service users and be a specialist in this field. This funding also includes organisations working with GRT communities.
 
This funding is not solely intended for organisations already working with the criminal justice system but could be used to build capacity for these organisations to work in criminal justice. For example, a service currently offering mentoring services to BAME service users may be eligible for funding.
 
This funding aims to prepare organisations to participate fully in new probation arrangements (in place from June 2021) and other opportunities that may be provided by the co-commissioning of services by probation regional directors with PCCs and other statutory partners, to improve rehabilitation outcomes and divert young people from the criminal justice system.
 
These funds are available to spend before 31st March 2021.
 
If you are interested in applying for this funding, please contact the Regional Equality Manager for the South West: Denise.Norton@justice.gov.uk