Barnet Council has launched a new strategy to tackle serious youth violence, building on existing efforts to enhance community safety across the borough. The strategy was discussed at a meeting of the Safer Communities Partnership Board on Friday, March 13, 2026.
The board received a comprehensive update on strategic initiatives aimed at reducing violence and exploitation. These initiatives are part of a broader effort that includes the Modern Slavery Strategy, published in July 2024, which focuses on Prevent, Protect, and Prosecute
and has established a referral pathway to increase reporting and awareness. Barnet has also published its Modern Slavery Act Transparency Statement for 2026-27, with plans for internal staff training and embedding best practices, supported by training opportunities from Middlesex University and the Home Office.
Karen Popely, Interim Assistant Director of Children's Safeguarding, presented an update on Family Services, including the Domestic Abuse (DA) and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) agenda. The DA and VAWG Strategy 2025-29 was launched, with high-impact activities including the Step in Barnet
campaign and expanded MARAC and Safe & Together training. Progress was also noted on perpetrator programmes (CIFA, Drive, Rise) and multi-agency safeguarding pathways. The Serious Violence Duty is being embedded, with reported reductions in serious youth violence incidents and increased outreach delivery. The Victim Care Hub supported 38 victims, and over 1,500 residents were reached during Hate Crime Awareness Week. The Barnet Youth Justice Service maintained positive performance, with a 0% custody rate, achieved by prioritizing community-based interventions and rehabilitation, emphasizing early intervention, multi-agency collaboration, and the Child First principle.
Other strategic initiatives discussed include the Combating Drugs Partnership, with proposed priorities such as enhanced drug-related death surveillance, improved LGBTQ+ and chemsex support, and strengthened public health campaigns. Drug Test on Arrest compliance has improved to 72%, and a new Women's Drop-In Clinic has been launched. A digital inclusion programme for drug and alcohol users has also been introduced. Additionally, the renewal of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) campaign includes an explainer video and shorter animations highlighting new orders such as no loitering
and pigeon feeding.
Perryn Jasper, Prevent Coordinator, highlighted a 50% increase in Prevent enquiries. Referrals are increasingly for individuals with no ideology, susceptible to radicalisation
and a fascination with violence.
These individuals lack a fixed extremist ideology but exhibit vulnerabilities such as a sense of injustice, low self-esteem, isolation, or other psychological needs, often stemming from adverse experiences like bullying or abuse. The report notes that last year's figures were particularly low, and the current year is on track to be a record year for referrals.
The Channel Panel, a confidential, early intervention, multi-agency safeguarding program, plays a crucial role in addressing radicalisation and fascination with violence. It provides tailored support plans to individuals whose vulnerabilities make them susceptible to being drawn into terrorism or radicalisation. Barnet's Channel Panel meets monthly with eight core partners, discussing an average of seven cases per meeting in Q3 2025/26, with an average of 11 actions set per meeting.
The DA and VAWG Strategy 2025-29 aims for early intervention and prevention, improved support for victims and survivors, perpetrator engagement in behaviour change, strengthened multi-agency working, and safer streets and public spaces. Expected outcomes include improved victim disclosure, enhanced early intervention, increased access to age-appropriate services for young people, and greater feelings of safety across Barnet.
Safer Streets Ward Walks, an initiative allowing councillors to raise local concerns directly with council officers and police partners, have seen good engagement and outcomes, with actions tracked and followed up. Every ward is offered one walk per year.
Further details on the DA and VAWG Strategy 2025-29 can be found in the Q3 DA and VAWG Report and Appendix C - DA and VAWG. Information on the Serious Violence Duty is available in the Q3 Serious Violence Duty report. Updates on Family Services can be found in the Family Services Q3 9 Monthly Update. The Modern Slavery Strategy - Annual Update and Appendix A - Modern Slavery Act Transparency Statement provide more information on modern slavery efforts. The Combatting Drugs Partnership Board Update details drug-related initiatives. The Community Safety Partnership CSP Performance Update Q3 and Appendix A - SCPB Dashboard 2025-26 Q3 offer performance insights. The Agenda frontsheet and Public reports pack for the meeting are also available.
