Commissioner’s Community Fund – Policy and Procedure 2026-2027

Aim:

The PCC wants to ensure that Divisional Commanders have access to resources to support local initiatives contributing to the delivery of the Safer West Mercia Plan.

 

Policy:

1.      All applicants will be subject to the abbreviated CCF form.

2.      Superintendents will need to demonstrate support for the proposal, which should be sent to the Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner for formal approval.

3.      Value for money should always be sought by the Superintendent.

4.      Funding will only be provided for policing and crime initiatives to support the objectives outlined in the PCC's Police and Crime Plan.

5.      There is no upper or lower limit to an application.

6.      Local Superintendents can approve applications under £5,000 without OPCC sign off, however all applications will still need to be forwarded to the OPCC grants mailbox for tracking, processing and funding expenditure.

7.      Applications over £5,000 will need to be submitted to the OPCC grants mailbox for review and approval by the OPCC Commissioning Panel, held fortnightly. This process may take up to three weeks so please consider the timeframe when applying.

8.      Following Superintendent and/or OPCC sign off, WMP hold responsibility for procurement, processing, payments, monitoring, and undertaking any follow-on activities relative to the funding.

9.      The OPCC will require financial monthly updates on individual initiatives and annual budget spend.

10. There will be no commitment to renew, increase, or continue funding beyond the approved terms.

11. Applicants should demonstrate how they will directly support the PCC’s Safer Communities Plan, under one or more of the four components, in addition to the Force control strategy and priorities:

–          Cutting Crime

–          Policing with the Community

–          Supporting Victims and Witnesses

–          Maximising Resources and Value for Money

12. All applications will be headlined to the OPCC Communication and Engagement Team, and the PCC should be considered in any branding, publicity, and events.

13. Applicants must demonstrate value for money and should not duplicate existing funding streams, including those from other agencies, or already funded through the OPCC, and any other project already funded by the UK taxpayer.

14. If the funded activity involves direct intervention or delivery of services to communities/cohorts, it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all proportionate due diligence checks have been undertaken on any selected provider, to ensure the activity is safe, suitable, and not likely to adversely impact on the reputation of the OPCC or WMP. If multiple people will be involved in delivery, it is the responsibility of WMP to ensure appropriate and adequate safeguarding policies and procedures are in place.

15. The release and management of funds will be subject to the terms and conditions.

16. All funding must be dispersed/spent, and projects completed by 31st March, and any underspends will be returned to the OPCC.

17. Monies may not be used for overtime or for increasing the number of posts within WMP.

18. Applications for over £5,000 will be subject to Creditsafe checks.

 

Procedure:

All suitable requests will be subject to a CCF application and will follow this procedure:

1.      The grant application will complete a CCF application form and submit it to their local Superintended.

2.      If approved by the Superintendent, the completed application will be sent to grants@westmercia.police.uk (opens email application) for processing.

3.      Once approved by the PCC, the applicant, the relevant Superintendent, and Force finance contact will be notified.