Violence and Exploitation Prevention Partnership (VEPP) launches

Yesterday saw the official launch of Bedfordshire Violence and Exploitation Prevention Partnership (VEPP) in Marston Mortaine.

VEPP, previously known as Violence and Exploitation Reduction Unit (VERU), hosted the event for partners and stakeholders to discuss the decision to transition from VERU to VEPP and provide updates on the Home Office direction for VRU’s nationally.

The change represents more than a new name. It is a strategic realignment with aims to:

• Better communicate our purpose and priorities – moving from a unit to a collaborative partnership model.
• Emphasise prevention as a central pillar in tackling the root cause of violence and exploitation.
• Reinforce our role in coordinating partnership activity, enabling a consistent and integrated approach across agencies.

The partnership will coordinate three core workstreams:

• Serious Violence Duty (SVD): Supporting partners to meet statutory requirements.
• Prevention Partnerships: A newly formed government initiative, focused on targeted early intervention, being piloted via VRU areas.
• Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) Programme: Continuing to deliver the VRU within Bedfordshire embedding a public health approach to serious violence and exploitation.

Cara Gavin, Head of Bedfordshire VEPP, said: “I was privileged and proud to host the launch and it to be supported by so many colleagues across the professional partnership.

“We are thankful to Dr Laura Knight from the Youth Endowment Fund, Sara Featherstone from UK Home Office, Lucy Belcher from The Children's Society, Jordan Smith from Connect Futures and John Tizard our PCC for their insightful, dynamic and engaging presentations.

“Partnerships remain the foundation of our success. Whether through community-led projects, multi-agency safeguarding panels, or our trusted relationships with schools and communities.

“Our commitment to early intervention, community empowerment, and amplifying the voices of those affected, has never been stronger.

“Together, we are building a county where every young person can grow up safe, supported, and free from harm. A wholehearted thank you to everyone who attended.”

PCC John Tizard said: "The energy and commitment at the launch of the Bedfordshire Violence and Exploitation Prevention Partnership was very powerful.

"Through our partnerships we can help prevent violence and exploitation of children and vulnerable people. The inspiring speakers at the launch set out why this is vital and signposted what we need to do. I am proud of our VEPP, they are core to my team.

"We all have a responsibility, politicians, professionals, residents and citizens, to work together to prevent violence. We are helping those who may fall into the trap of violence to find alternatives, ensuring they have the right support whether that’s assisting parents or in schools.

"We are stronger when we work together, sharing intelligence, sharing data, sharing good practice and giving support to each other.

"Re-branding is more than a new name; it’s an opportunity to re-commit as partners to the prevention agenda."