What is the VRB?
Birmingham’s VRB is made up of dedicated professionals and community representatives working collaboratively to make our city safer. The Violence Reduction Board is part of the Birmingham Community Safety Partnership, and its mission is clear: reduce serious violence and protect residents from harm.
What Does the VRB Do?
The VRB brings together experts from across the city, including police, health services, youth workers, and community organisations, to tackle issues like:
- Knife crime
- Youth violence
- County lines drug activity
- Modern slavery
- Serious organised crime
Rather than working in isolation, these groups share information and resources to understand the root causes of violence and respond effectively. The board uses a public health approach, meaning it looks at violence not just as a crime issue, but as something that can be prevented through education, support, and early intervention.
How Is the Work Organised?
The VRB meets monthly to review progress, share updates, and plan new actions. It oversees a city-wide strategy called the Birmingham Reducing Serious Violence Strategy, which sets out priorities and goals for reducing harm. It also keeps track of risks and trends through a violence risk register, helping the city respond quickly to emerging issues.
Who’s Involved?
Membership includes representatives from:
- West Midlands Police
- Birmingham City Council (Children’s Services, Adult Social Care, Education)
- NHS Integrated Care Board
- Youth Offending Services
- Probation
- Community and faith organisations
- Third sector services like Redthread
Importantly, the board also includes community voices and youth representation, ensuring that decisions reflect the lived experiences of Birmingham’s residents.