Gloucester City Safe has achieved national re-accreditation as a Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) for a further three years – and has gone one step further by exceeding national standards.
Following a detailed external assessment, the partnership was praised as one of the first BCRPs in the country to surpass the National BCRP Standards, marking a major milestone for the scheme and its work supporting businesses across Gloucestershire.
The assessment examined governance, partnership benefits and objectives, communications, operational systems, procedures and data integrity. The independent assessor concluded that Gloucester City Safe not only met expectations, but exceeded them.
Describing the scheme as “an excellent example of a well-established partnership”, the assessor highlighted the strength of its county-wide operation across six areas in Gloucestershire, as well as its close working relationships with Gloucestershire Constabulary, local councils, business improvement districts and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire, led by Chris Nelson.
Particular praise was given to Gloucester City Safe’s strong online presence, which clearly communicates the services and support available to members, and to several examples of best practice. These included the partnership’s innovative collaboration with criminology students from the University of Gloucestershire, who gather feedback from businesses and the public to help shape and improve the scheme.
Assessors also highlighted the weekly “Huddle” meetings as a standout initiative. These sessions bring together businesses, partner agencies and stakeholders to share intelligence, discuss emerging crime trends and address issues in real time.
“The ‘Huddle’ meeting is a great idea and provides partnership agencies, members and businesses with regular updates and the opportunity to discuss emerging crime trends and any issues,” the assessor said. “Steve and his team should be very proud of the continued success of the City Safe scheme.”
Nick Evans, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner and chair of Safer Gloucestershire, said the achievement demonstrated the value of partnership working.
“Gloucestershire Safe’s achievement in exceeding national standards is a testament to the power of partnership working,” he said. “By bringing together businesses, BIDs, local authorities and law enforcement, the scheme has created a safer, more resilient environment for our communities. I hope this reassures our city centre community that they are well cared for.”
Chief Inspector Ash Shingler of Gloucestershire Constabulary added: “We are delighted to see Gloucester City Safe achieve national re-accreditation and exceed the BCRP standards. This recognition reflects the strength of collaboration in tackling retail crime and creating safer communities.”
Roger White, chairman of Gloucestershire Safe, said the accolade reflected the dedication of everyone involved.
“Exceeding national standards is no easy achievement,” he said. “It only happens because of the outstanding commitment of our team, the vital support of our funding partners and the continued cooperation of partner agencies. It is something we should all be extremely proud of.”
During an assessment visit in spring 2025, assessors observed first-hand the strong collaboration, shared goals and mutual respect underpinning the partnership’s success, with academic input from the University of Gloucestershire highlighted as a key factor in driving continuous improvement.
The lead assessor concluded that Gloucestershire City Safe was “a shining example of what can be achieved through partnership, professionalism and shared purpose” and a “beacon of best practice” for BCRPs nationwide.
The national recognition reinforces Gloucester City Safe’s commitment to reducing crime, supporting local businesses and strengthening partnerships across the county.