Introducing our new CEO
We’re excited to introduce our new CEO. Steve Parker joins the CASS+ team as CEO to lead us into our next stage of development.
Steve brings an impressive track record as a police officer. His 30 years in Criminal Justice are just what CASS+ needs for this new chapter. Across a variety of roles, Steve has worked within many partnerships throughout Devon and Cornwall. He is particularly proud of his work alongside Plymouth City Council and Twelves Company (now First Light) to develop the concept, secure the funding, and implement the original Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Plymouth in 2008.
We asked Steve about his plans.
What attracted you to CASS+?
We’re really honoured to welcome you to the team. We know that you have swathes of experience. Tell us what attracted you to CASS+:
I was looking for an opportunity to make a positive difference and build on the skills I had gained during my police service. Firstly, I could see the potential in CASS+ to make that difference; continue to grow organically; and broaden its impact. Last year, 1,259 people accessed our service, and the team helped 569 people in crisis with one-to-one support. These people were getting much-needed, tailored help for their finances, accommodation, general wellbeing, domestic abuse, substance use, mental health, literacy and learning needs, general court support, and education, training and employment. This is such a unique service with huge potential to change lives and I am excited by the opportunity to increase the impact even further.
Key successes
What are the key successes of your career and how will these help you in your new role?
Much of my career has been spent in crime investigation and public protection. After qualifying as a detective in 2000, I rose through the ranks and recently retired as Assistant Chief Constable with responsibility for the Crime, Justice and Vulnerability portfolios.
My main operational responsibilities have been as a Senior Investigating Officer and I led numerous complex and serious investigations. Alongside that, I led the force’s safeguarding review that changed the way the force assesses and responds to vulnerable people. As part of all this, I was a member of safeguarding and criminal justice partnerships across Devon and Cornwall. I was the police lead in developing the multi-agency hubs within all the local authorities across the force area. Nationally, I’ve been involved in the work to improve the quality of serious investigations, and launched the Homicide Prevention Framework as part of my work within the National Homicide Prevention Strategy.
Key strengths
It was evident to our Board of Trustees that you have the skills, knowledge and experience to lead this organisation, especially as we’re currently working in the family courts and have a new site at Exeter Crown and County Court. Tell us about the strengths you bring to this organisation:
The key is my passion for reducing reoffending. Throughout my career, I’ve been involved with statutory and non-statutory partnership arrangements in this area. Initially, I line managed operational teams and chaired Multi-Agency Public Protection Panels. More recently, I had strategic responsibility for these areas and I really appreciate the positive difference that the work can make to the community.
So, this means that I led teams of various sizes throughout my career. My experience of the criminal justice system will help enormously, especially working with others to develop initiatives. I also hope that my involvement with complex change programmes, delivering a shift in organisational culture will also help. As a result, I believe I bring many transferable skills that will help CASS+ build on their successes to date.
Next steps
Fresh eyes on a situation are the key to success. What do you think your first steps will be?
My priority is to get to know the team and understand how they currently operate.
Additionally, given Devon and Cornwall is such a large geographic area and quite complex in the way agencies work together, I want to understand where we have gaps in our delivery and identify how to plug them.
Finally, I want to make sure I get to know key local stakeholders and identify how we can work together to develop new ways of addressing vulnerabilities in each of our localities.
Huge potential
The potential is huge. What is your long-term vision for CASS+?
Certainly, the potential is huge. I want to help the organisation to grow organically. Therefore, my first priority is to continue to deliver the current service which makes such a difference already. Above all, I want to build on that by finding ways to extend our delivery further across the South West. Additionally, I would like to see CASS+ become known as a centre of excellence for our work and to spread what we have learned across the wider Criminal Justice System.
Welcome from the Chair of the Board
To sum up, when we interviewed Steve, we could immediately see the potential for CASS+. Steve brings an immense amount of experience drawn from many years of working in diverse roles in Devon and Cornwall Police. We are confident that he is the new talent that this charity needs to evolve and progress. CASS+ has operated in the Magistrates’ Courts in Devon and Cornwall since its inception and has been a vital part of the Justice System in this region. With Carole Edwards standing down as CEO, it is time for a fresh perspective from Steve in order to take CASS+ to the next level.
The Board welcomes Steve and we look forward to working with him for many years to come.
Tim Auburn, Chair of the Board of Trustees