Director’s cut
Welcome to what will be my last SFP Update. I will be heading off to a new role in Nottingham, at the end of June, leading the city’s approach to raising aspirations in its young people.
I will, however, continue to live in Sheffield and will maintain a commitment to this great city. As I look back over the four years I have been here, I can see a great deal that has been achieved through partnership:
- Recorded crime across South Yorkshire is at is lowest level for six years.
Between April 2008 and March 2009, Sheffield has seen a 10.2% reduction in recorded crime, which is 6,447 fewer offences than in the previous year.
The figures show a 17% drop in criminal damage, with 2,577 fewer incidents reported. Robbery has fallen by almost 7%, whilst vehicle crime, including theft of and theft from vehicles, is down by nearly 6% compared to the previous year.
The rate of burglaries has not increased, and South Yorkshire Police and partners are committed to tackling burglaries as one of their priorities. - The Partnership continues to lead the city-wide initiative to raise aspirations and attainment of children and young people via the Pledge for Success campaign.
To date we have received 386 pledges from organisations and individuals across Sheffield. - Volunteering is now embedded in the core work of the Partnership
- We have produced a clear Cohesion Strategy, and we plan to host an intergenerational volunteering event in October as a result of feedback at the launch event.
Walking In My Shoes is an initiative that encourages us to understand what it’s like to see things from another person’s point of view. - Partnership working has had a positive impact on the health inequalities of local people, for example in reducing deaths from heart disease and cancer.
- Strong, sustained improvements have been made in reducing the number of road traffic accidents.
- The Carbon Reduction Framework has been implemented, following the work of the SFP Climate Change Task Group and work with key partners in the city.
- Pre-recession we performed well in reducing the number of adults in receipt of benefits, including sustaining people in employment. This means that whilst unemployment rates are increasing in Sheffield, these are below the rates being experienced in the rest of South Yorkshire.
The new Strong Economy Board will oversee the city’s response to the recession.
And I believe I am leaving Sheffield First Partnership well-placed to face the challenges ahead.
Our current Deputy Director, Kirstie Haines, will be Interim Director from 1 July until a permanent appointment is made. Kirstie has already been playing an invaluable role in driving up the performance of the Partnership and the city and I feel confident the Partnership will continue to function effectively during this interim period.
So, may I wish you all well for the future.