Circles UK National Conference 2011
Over 150 representatives from Circles Projects, Police, Probation, Prisons, faith groups and the Voluntary Sector came together in October for the fourth Circles UK National Conference. Delegates heard an interesting insight into the likely impact of the introduction of Police and Crime Commissioners from keynote speaker Lord Blair, former Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, while Ruth Mann, Forensic Psychologist at the National Offender Management Service, shared developments in current thinking regarding treatment for sex offenders and how Circles of Support and Accountability fit with and support this model. Delegates were also able to attend seminars on such topics as MAPPA, public disclosure, desistence and internet offending. Perhaps most powerfully, we were reminded of the centrality of the victim perspective through a presentation from Bridges, including the unique perspective of survivor of abuse who has gone on to volunteer with the Northumbria Circles project. The day was characterised by a strong sense of Circles “coming of age”, of a renewed sense of confidence and belief in the value of Circles, which we trust we can all take forward as we face the challenges of the year ahead.
Pictured: Lord Blair speaks at the Circles UK Conference
Yorkshire & Humberside Circles Anniversary Conference
On January 10th Yorkshire and Humberside Circles of Support and Accountability started the year on form when they hosted a conference in Sheffield to mark their first anniversary. The event attracted over ninety partners from Prisons, Police, Probation as well as the faith and voluntary sectors and Circle volunteers from across the region. The organisers had been concerned that bad weather might be an issue but what they didn't predict was that major hold up on the M1 would result in a nail biting wait to see whether the keynote speakers would arrive. Thankfully they all did and the programme included a well received presentation from Ruth Mann, entitled 'Circles and treatment - complimentary approaches' as well as an update on the national perspective on Circles from Stephen Hanvey with an interesting horticultural theme. An impressive range of lively workshops were on offer in the afternoon - the presenters had been asked to ensure that they engaged their audiences and it is unlikely that anyone succeeded in having a nap after lunch. All in all it was an interesting day with some excellent networking opportunities and a fine way for YHCOSA to celebrate their first year in the Circles business.
