At the age of 15, Jack was at a crossroads. Already known to the police, a life of more serious crime beckoned. But then came 'A Fresh Start'.

The scheme is a 10-week course run by a social enterprise near Stroud, which provides controlled work and training experience for young offenders, and those at risk of offending.

Two years on, Jack has regular work at the Stroud Furniture Bank (pictured) at Brimscombe near Stroud, and can see a much more positive future. Today, he is one of many.

Out of the most recent batch of 10, referred in the last year by local Youth Support and Offending Services to the Grace Network which operates the scheme, three are now in work, one is looking for work where previously he was disengaged and two have just begun the programme. This follows on from nine others who moved through earlier versions of the project before the OPCC came on board.

A Fresh Start is one of 410 projects throughout Gloucestershire currently supported by the Commissioner's Fund.

It is just one example of why the Police and Crime Commissioner's innovative approach to reducing crime and anti-social behaviour has been short-listed for two national public service transformation awards.

'Creating Community Capacity' recognizes initiatives that do most to engage local communities, creating greater resilience, better life chances and less dependency of public services. The 'Police Service of the Year' goes to a police service deemed 'outstanding in transforming the delivery of its services'.

iESE, the Public Sector Transformation Partner, will announce the winners at a ceremony in Westminster next week.

Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl said, "Being short-listed for these prestigious awards is very exciting but more importantly, it is recognition for the great work done by my office and the many, many volunteers who are dedicated to making their communities better.

"I have always said that local people know their own areas best and often have the best solutions to problems they face on a day to day basis. Whether we win or not, it's gratifying to be vindicated by such a well-respected body as iESE."

Mr. Surl launched The Commissioner's Fund following his inaugural election in November 2012 when he set aside one per cent of the annual policing budget , around £1m. Its purpose is to attract bids from community groups or projects that help deliver one or more of the six priorities within his police and crime plan.

Other PCCs across the country operate similar schemes but not on the same scale. To date the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) has funded over 410 projects, a figure likely to rise to 450 once the current bidding round is complete.

With other funding streams, also managed through the Commissioner's Fund, the OPCC will have allocated around £12m to community based projects and voluntary sector organisations by April 2018.

Pictured: Viki Lee who manages the Stroud District Kids Stuff shop which is part of the Grace Network.