HOUSING providers across Avon and Somerset attended a conference at police headquarters to discuss effective ways of working with the force.


Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Sue Mountstevens invited a number of housing providers to the conference on Wednesday, July 1 with the aims of fostering effective ways of sharing information between the police and the sector and to develop a joint vision for ways of working going forward.


Speaking at the meeting, PCC Sue Mountstevens said: “I am delighted that so many of you are here today to join me to explore the housing sector’s role in realising the ambitions set out in my Police and Crime Plan.


“While a great deal has already been achieved, I am determined to explore new ways of working to protect the most vulnerable in society and build safer and stronger communities.”


More than 50 people attended the event including representatives from all of the local authorities and a range of housing providers including Alliance Homes, Merlin, 1625 Housing, Yarlington Housing, Magna Housing, Aster Housing, Knightstone Housing, Raglan Housing, Falcon Housing and Curo Group amongst others.


The meeting began with an opening address by the PCC before presentations from assistant chief constable Sarah Crew , Andrew Snee from Curo, Annie Cole from Magna Housing, Angela Gaiscoigne from Shal Housing and Gudrun Burnet from Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA).


Guests were invited to put their questions to the panel of speakers and attendees took part in roundtable discussions based on sharing examples of good practice and meeting the Police and Crime Plan priorities.


Feedback from the event will be gathered and evaluated by the PCC and Avon and Somerset Police, before a plan of action is established and ways of taking the findings forward are agreed.