Problem solving using the ID PARTNERS Problem Solving Process

Introduction

Safer Bristol Partnership uses the effective  ID PARTNERS Problem Solving Process (pdf, 56 KB) (PSP) to enable you to work through a problem in a systematic way while encouraging innovation. It's a  partnership approach and understanding of problem solving, developed by Sixth Sense Training.

What is problem solving?

It's a way of  identifying and defining a problem and engaging partner agencies in the whole process, to find effective solutions to community, crime and business issues. It can help prevent problems from arising in the first place. 

How do we effectively problem solve?

A Process - something that all partners can follow. In the ID PARTNERS (pdf, 56 KB) process you work to an agreed plan that covers all eventualities while injecting your initiatives with freshness and vigour. 

Training - even natural problem solvers can benefit from the varied and quite specialised skills you need to be a truly effective problem solver. 

Support - that means building a network of subject matter experts and people who are tackling, or have tackled, similar problems. Also to provide care for colleagues who are taking on long-standing issues that are difficult, stressful, and often upsetting. You need to ensure management buy-in. Support also means developing your own local ‘champion’ problem solving advisors, so that your activities become sustainable. See the list of advisors below.

Safer Bristol Problem Solving advisors

The PSP advisors are trained to help and support the Neighbourhood Delivery Teams, joint tasking groups and key partners with their problem solving work. 

Problem Solving advisor (general): mark.parry@bristol.gov.uk

South Bristol:
Kate O’Connor: kate.o’connor@bristol.gov.uk
Emily Smith: emily.smith@bristol.gov.uk

North and North West Bristol:
Jenny Dean: jenny.dean@bristol.gov.uk
Cheryl Coles: cheryl.coles@bristol.gov.uk

Central and East Bristol:
Neil Burwell: neil.burwell@bristol.gov.uk
Julia Pullin: julia.pullin@bristol.gov.uk
Georgie Bryant: georgie.bryant@bristol.gov.uk

Police Problem Solving advisors
Natalie Steadman: natalie.steadman@avonandsomerset.police.uk
Lee Kerslake: lee.kerslake@avonandsomerset.police.uk
Jonathan Ames; jonathan.ames@avonandsomerset.police.uk

Neighbourhood Priorities Fund

Safer Bristol has set aside funding - Neighbourhood Priorities Fund (NPF) - to support the problem solving process.

The seven local Neighbourhood Delivery Teams (NDT) work together to resolve community safety issues by using the problem solving process ID PARTNERS,  and can apply for NPF funding to help deliver solutions.

Some examples of the way the funding has been used

Increased bike thefts during the summer and at local universities when students returned:

• A PSP was developed and request for funding made
• Road shows were arranged with police partners to carry out education programmes on bike thefts, how to secure your bike, bike security marking tags
• Discounts on secure bike locks for local cyclists and students

Summer holiday anti-social behaviour (ASB):

• Worked with the police and youth providers to come up with a range of positive activities for young people
• Built positive local relationships with the young people and other partners
• Young people were signposted onto services that they were able to access and benefit from
• ASB reduced by approx 40% from the previous year’s summer holiday period