RBWM Domestic Abuse Forum

TERMS OF REFERENCE 2007/08

The purpose of the RBWM Domestic Abuse Forum is to work as: a consultative group to the Community Safety Strategy Group and the Berkshire East Domestic Abuse Steering Group; a co-ordinating body, overseeing the work of the two sub groups to the Forum (Children's Sub Group, Services & Policy Sub Group) to ensure delivery of the tasks and actions outlined in the RBWM Domestic Abuse Strategy Action Plan 2007-10; an information sharing and networking opportunity between practitioners.

The Royal Borough's Domestic Abuse Forum uses the following definition of domestic abuse:

'any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults, aged 18 and over, who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender and sexuality' (Family members are defined as mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister and grandparents, whether directly related, in-laws or step-family.)

Membership of the Forum

• The Forum will be chaired by Fiona Goussard, Assistant Team Manager, Maidenhead Family Centre
• The Chair will be rotated every two years, through nominations and a vote by Forum members.
• Membership of the Forum is open to individuals and agencies whose aims and objectives are compatible with those of the Forum.
• Any individuals or agencies wishing to join the Forum should contact the Chair.
• The Forum may invite any other individuals or agencies with compatible aims and objectives to become members of the Forum.
• The forum will maintain an up-to-date list of Members, and those organisations will receive copies of the minutes of the meetings via email.
• Copies of the minutes will be posted on the RBWM Domestic Abuse Forum website http://www.rbwmdvf.org.uk/

Length & Frequency

The Forum will meet at least 4 times a year for a 2 hour meeting.

Structure

There shall be two sub groups:
1. Children's Sub Group; meeting at least 4 weeks before the main Forum meetings
2. Services & Policy Sub Group; meeting at least 8 weeks before the main Forum meetings.

The sub groups will provide leadership in delivery of the relevant actions outlined in the RBWM Domestic Abuse Strategy Action Plan.

Each sub group will agree their own Terms of Reference (in line with those of the main Domestic Abuse Forum) and membership which will be reviewed on a yearly basis. Any changes should be submitted to the Domestic Abuse Forum AGM.

The Chair of each sub group will attend the main Forum meetings to provide updates on the work progress of their relevant sub group and provide a written yearly report to the AGM.

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

There will be an Annual General Meeting each September with the following standing items:

• Review of Terms of Reference
• Review of Membership
• Review of performance against targets
• Election of Chair (every two years)
• Written yearly reports from the sub groups
• Written yearly reports from the Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator & Chair

Administration

The Agenda for the main Forum meetings will be circulated to all members 10 days prior to the meeting by the Chair.

The minutes will be circulated by the Chair.

AIMS and OBJECTIVES

Aims of the Forum

• To develop, and work as, a strong multi-agency Forum, allowing for information sharing and networking.
• To promote awareness of domestic abuse issues, its consequences and affects, throughout the Royal Borough & encourage victims of domestic abuse to come forward and access help and support.
• To monitor, review and promote services and resources available for victims of domestic abuse.
• To identify good practice (both nationally and locally) and take steps to address gaps within the Royal Borough.
• To support the work of the two sub groups to deliver and implement services outlined in the Royal Borough's Domestic Abuse Strategy 2006-2009.
• To monitor the Royal Borough's performance against identified targets.
• To inform the Community Safety Strategy Group about the work of the Forum and, where appropriate, contribute towards the delivery of the Community Safety Strategy 2005-08, the Local Area Agreement (2007/8 - 2009/10), and Community Strategy

Objectives of the Forum

• To meet on a quarterly basis with a variety of statutory and voluntary agency representation where practitioners can network and exchange information ensuring that confidentiality is maintained when appropriate.
• To uphold and maintain the belief that domestic abuse is a crime; that it is unacceptable and should not be tolerated within the Royal Borough.
• To monitor and develop working partnerships with statutory and voluntary agencies and individuals committed to addressing issues surrounding domestic abuse within the Royal Borough.
• To lead, coordinate and develop policies and projects to respond to domestic abuse issues within the Royal Borough through the work of the two sub groups.
• To ensure that agencies within the Royal Borough are aware of each other and their work, and to work in partnership.

These Terms of Reference, Aims & Objectives will be revised annually.

Next review, September 2008.