The postcode lottery of ASB Case Reviews
The ASB Case Review (also known as the Community Trigger) was designed to give victims a voice when repeated reports of anti-social behaviour go unheard. However, the way this process is applied can vary significantly across different areas. For example, local agencies adding various additional caveats to the threshold where a review might be considered and in some areas a lack of an appeals process.
This uneven approach creates a postcode lottery, where access to protection and justice depends more on where a victim lives than on the seriousness of the harm they face.
What is The ASB Help PLEDGE?
In response to this inconsistency, we at ASB Help launched The PLEDGE, which seeks to encourage all agencies involved in the ASB Case Review process to embed best practice into their policy and procedures. This helps us in our mission to ensure that the ASB Case Review is not a postcode lottery and that any victim of persistent ASB (when the threshold is met), regardless of where they live, are truly given a voice and partners work together, and problem solve to secure a satisfactory resolution.
Important updates to The ASB Help PLEDGE
We have recently enhanced our PLEDGE process to make it more accessible and beneficial for organisations.
By introducing a new online portal, agencies can now sign up and manage their membership more easily. We have also expanded the benefits available to PLEDGE signatories, including access to an exclusive resource hub designed to support ASB Case Review best practice.
To help maintain and further develop the quality of our services, we have introduced a membership fee as part of this enhanced offer. This investment will enable us to continue strengthening our support for both victims of ASB, and the agencies working to support them.
How does The ASB Help PLEDGE work?
We commit to providing help and support at each stage of the process, which involves the following steps:
1. Questionnaire
You will complete our online questionnaire regarding your ASB Case Review procedure.
2. Review Questionnaire
We will review the completed checklist, current policies and processes and current local information.
3. Meeting
We will meet with you (if necessary) to discuss our findings and recommendations to ensure your material meets best practice guidelines and is accessible to all victims.
4. Templates
We can provide best practice policy and procedure template documents.
5. Approval and payment
Once we have approved your application, you will be automatically sent an invoice. Initial sign up to The PLEDGE costs £250, and £100 annual renewal thereafter.
6. Certificate
When all is complete, you will receive immediate access to our online resource hub and we will present you with a PLEDGE certificate and can attend a certificate presentation ceremony.
What are the benefits of signing up to The ASB Help PLEDGE?
- 15% discount on a session of ASB Case Review training for 20 people.
- Exclusive access to our ASB Case Review resource hub.
- Access to advice and support from our experienced team throughout the duration of your commitment to the PLEDGE.
- Signing up will show your commitment to victims by demonstrating that your organisation takes anti-social behaviour (ASB) seriously and puts victims at the heart of your response.
ASB Help PLEDGE case studies
Take a look at our PLEDGE case studies to see how organisations are strengthening their ASB Case Review processes by signing-up.
The PLEDGE means:
P
Promote awareness
People need to be aware of its existence. Resolve recently commissioned a YouGov Survey which found that 80% of respondents had never heard of the ASB Case Review.
L
Legislation & best practice
It is vital that organisations comply with the legislation and the ASB statutory guidance.
E
Easily accessible
There should be multiple ways of making an ASB Case Review application. For example, in writing, online, over the telephone, completion of a form, via a postal address, email address.
D
Development & continuous improvement
There is always key learning to come out of an ASB Case Review and it is important to listen to this and act upon constructive feedback. It is also vital to keep up to date with national developments and reflect this in your ASB Case Review process.
G
Get talking
Talking with the victim is absolutely vital and they should be kept informed throughout the whole of the ASB Case Review process. It is equally important to work in partnership with all the relevant agencies and develop a multi-agency problem solving action plan to address the ongoing ASB.
E
Empowerment
The ASB Case Review was introduced into legislation to give victims a voice and for them to be actively listened to. This is integral to the ASB Case Review process and in line with.
FAQs
Initial sign-up to the PLEDGE costs £250. You will then be charged £100 per annual renewal.
We have introduced this fee so that we can continue to maintain the quality of our services, streamline our PLEDGE process and provide even more benefits to organisations who sign-up.
Signing up to The ASB Help PLEDGE shows the community you are committed to identifying and supporting victims of anti-social behaviour. It demonstrates your willingness to work collaboratively to bring an end to anti-social behaviour as well as steadfast determination to deter such behaviour in the future. By utilising ASB Help’s best practice guidance, you are signalling to stakeholder’s you have embraced the spirit of the ASB Case Review and you are meeting your obligations to the community.
Yes, you can publish The ASB Help PLEDGE in your marketing material. You will also have access to an exclusive ASB Help PLEDGE graphic to use on social media. ASB Help will also publicise that your organisation has joined The PLEDGE but we reserve the right to remove any publicity if we identify concerns that an organisation is not adhering to the commitments in The PLEDGE.
Yes, if you sign up to the PLEDGE, your PLEDGE will be active for a year.
You will be sent an automated reminder when your PLEDGE is due for renewal.
We do this so that we can ensure agencies are keeping up to date with best practices and continue to keep victims at the heart of their process.
PLEDGE Terms and Conditions
Commitment and Revocation Policy
By signing up to the ASB Help PLEDGE, the organisation commits to operate in accordance with its own policy and procedure document, as well as recognised best practice standards.
ASB Help reserves the right to review and assess compliance at any time. Should it be determined that the organisation is not adhering to its stated policies, procedures, or best practice, ASB Help may revoke the organisation’s PLEDGE status without prior notice. The organisation acknowledges and accepts this condition as part of its commitment to the PLEDGE.
Interested? Sign up here!
If you have any questions regarding The PLEDGE, please get in touch via our PLEDGE enquiry form.