Community engagement on the agenda as Norfolk hosts regional conference

Added: 15/10/2008
Category: Norfolk County Council

Working together to protect and enhance the safety and quality of life of our communities will be the focus of a major conference in Norfolk.

The one-day conference, entitled The Challenge of Multi-Agency Working - Problem Solving in Partnership, is being organised by the National Community Safety Network and takes place at Norwich City Football Club tomorrow (Tuesday October 14).

The opening address will be given by Ian McPherson, Chief Constable at Norfolk Constabulary.

Chief Constable McPherson said: "Working together with our partners to problem solve the issues that affect the residents of Norfolk is a vital tool in ensuring increased community safety and public confidence. This conference will provide an opportunity to further enhance our current local successes in partnership working and address some of the more logistical challenges we face.”

The first main speaker will be Peter Burnham, Head of Community Safety at Norfolk County Council who will present 'Real People, Real Lives'. The presentation will highlight the role played by different agencies in crime and disorder prevention.

Mr Burnham said: "The importance of a multi-agency approach to community safety issues is something we appreciate and embrace in Norfolk and this conference is a welcome chance for us to share some of our learning. The police cannot tackle community issues on their own, and cannot be expected to. There has to be a joined-up approach involving a wide range of agencies, housing associations, local authorities, youth workers, fire and rescue, to name but a few."

Mr Burnham said the conference, which will be attended by delegates from across the region, would be a chance for people to share experiences of partnership working in the community safety field.

The conference will also include case study sessions and a drama performance to help bring some of the issues to life.