The Priority Access Model. Reoffending Prevention and Diversion

Circles South-East and Thames Valley Police created The Priority Access Model to provide quick and vital support to individuals at risk from reoffending to lower reoffending rates and improve community safety.

This innovative approach was designed alongside the Project Vigilant partnership between Circles South-East and Thames Valley Police, to manage and reduce the risk of people previously convicted of a sexual offence (who have finished or are near to finishing their licence and are isolated and unsupported) from reoffending.

Individuals referred by Thames Valley Police can expect to receive targeted interventions quickly and effectively. Responsive mentoring enables Service Users to alter their thoughts and behaviour, and improve their wellbeing before a new offence is committed.

The principles of the Priority Access Model for those at risk of reoffending has since been applied across other statutory agencies and police forces in the South-East to achieve similar success in reducing reoffending and ensuring safer communities.

Success factors of the Priority Access Model

Early Identification and harm prevention:

People who have been previously convicted of a sexual offence and are deemed high-risk are identified by the police before an offence is committed and allows the officers to take preventative action by referring the individual to Circles South East knowing swift action will be taken to divert any harmful behaviour.

Assessment and tailored intervention plans:

Every individual referred to Circles South East will be assessed and their specific motivational factors, core beliefs and attitudes will be addressed until they can be stabilised, monitored and mentored effectively.

Reduced Isolation and Community Engagement:

The involvement of Circles South East’s trained volunteers for mentoring build a supportive environment for the individual, helping to reduce any feelings of isolation, but holding them accountable for their behaviour.

Why work with Circles South East to provide Priority Access in your area?

Reduced Risk of Reoffending: By referring a high-risk individual before they reoffend you are preventing further sexual harm; you don’t have to wait until an offence is committed. This proactive approach benefits both public safety and the rehabilitation process. It furthermore eases the burden on statutory agencies.

Priority Resource Allocation: If police or statutory agencies can identify and refer high-risk individuals, resources can be used more efficiently ensuring that those who need support most urgently will receive it.

Increased Public Confidence: Knowing that there is a quick and effective way of diverting a person at risk of causing sexual harm and preventing a sexual harm offence, will help communities feel safer and more confident they don’t have to wait for an offence to be committed before action is taken.

Positive Reintegration: This model promotes the positive reintegration of an individual who has been convicted of a sexual offence to help them manage their behaviour whilst being monitored and supported. This model of reintegration enables service users to successfully make the step from institutional care to independent management in the community.

Get in touch with Circles South East if you are interested in a priority access partnership

We welcome enquiries from Police forces and other agencies, across the South East looking to not only reduce sexual reoffending but increase the chances of successful rehabilitation and integration. We have the specialised knowledge, experience and resources to provide vital support and meet the challenges of working with individuals who have been convicted of a sexual offence.

We appreciate different forces and regions are structured differently and may face unique challenges, so while we are able to base our support on the Priority Access Model success , we retain the flexibility to design services to your specific needs..

For more information, please call

Please contact Alex Downer, South Central Senior Manager via email: info@circlessoutheast.org.uk or call 01235 816050