Expressions of Interest are now open for VAW partnerships and/ or other local strategic partnerships/ committees to take part in the 2026-27 test phase of the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Needs Assessment.
The VAWG Needs Assessment tool is being developed to help local areas build a shared understanding of need, identify strengths and gaps in current systems and services, and inform future planning around responding to VAWG. Building on learning from the first test phase in 2025-26, a new cohort of areas will be supported to test and further refine the approach from 1st October 2026-31st May 2027. Guidance, peer learning opportunities and ongoing support will be available through the Improvement Service.
This test phase offers an opportunity to test and shape a national approach to the VAWG Needs Assessment, while strengthening your local VAWG evidence base to inform strategy, planning and service development.
Local VAW Partnerships and/ or other local strategic partnerships/ committees who are interested in participating in the test phase are invited to complete a short online expression of interest form by Friday 4th September 2026.
Further information is available by contacting the Improvement Service team at vaw@improvementservice.org.uk.