Decision details

Alison Cope has lived experience of losing her son Josh when he was stabbed in 2013. Alison devotes her time to campaigning for violence reduction, much of which involves 2–3-hour presentations to secondary school audiences across the UK. Alison previously presented at the Greater Manchester Hope Hack in Oct 2022, where her presentation was extremely engaging across an audience of over 100 young people. Following this, our commission with Alison in 2022-23 (which led her to speak at 12 schools across GM) was met with universal praise. Alison’s message is one of awareness of the dangers of carrying a weapon, but also considering the impact of violence on individuals, family and friends, and looking out for signs amongst peer groups where early intervention may be required. Alison’s presentation has been endorsed by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

It is important that the VRU considers additional support to schools where the presentations take place in order that disclosures or concerns can be addressed beyond the presentations, so each school will be offered the services of GMP School Engagement Officers and Youth Navigators. (This support will not replace the existing statutory safeguarding arrangements in each school). Feedback from sessions in 2023 and 2024 was incredibly positive, hence the VRU wishes to maintain its working relationship with Alison and recommission her in 2024/25.

The VRU’s Education Lead & Project & Policy Officer are in the process of identifying the schools wishing to participate and commit to longer term approaches to violence prevention.

The programme director agrees a 2024/25 budget allocation of £20,000 from the VRU Education 24/25 budget to commission Alison Cope to deliver a series of sessions in schools across GM between January and May 2024. Our intention is that schools in every borough of GM partake in this offer.

To date, the VRU has spent £10,000 with Alison Cope via her previous CIC, the Joshua Ribera Foundation in financial year 2022-23, and a further £22,500 to Alison Cope herself as a sole trader, as she no longer operates via her CIC (Joshua Ribera Foundation). All relevant IR35 procedures were followed in adherence with GMCA Commercial Services. The total value that the VRU will have spent with Alison Cope through her previous CIC & current sole trader status by the end of financial year 2024-25 will be £52,500.