In this week's edition.....
- TOP STORY: deadline extended for Transforming Rehabilitation registrations
- CLINKS NEWS: Clive on Transforming Rehabilitation
- CLINKS SURVEY: for organisations working in health and social care
- CLINKS EVENT: launch of our North East work
- CLINKS TRAINING: the CJS explained for local infrastructure
- CLINKS PUBLICATION: Ministry of Justice policy update
- CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: Easy Read campaign
- CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: updates to Disclosure and Barring Service
- CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: will resettlement prisons work?
- FUNDING: for groups tackling hate crime in Manchester
- COMMISSIONING: capturing the views of offenders in Essex
- COMMISSIONING: evaluation of youth project
- CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: art exhibition in Cardiff
- CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: for youth organisations
- CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: gender, race and restorative justice
- CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: information session for those with a criminal record
- CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: hear from the head of the College of Policing
- NON-MEMBERS' EVENTS & TRAINING
- OFFENDER HEALTH: addressing health inequalities
- OFFENDER HEALTH: transforming the lives of 15 million people
- PUBLICATION: issues for BAME-led organisations
- OPPORTUNITY: prisons urged to join adult literacy drive
- MEMBER'S VACANCIES
- TIPS OF THE WEEK
- EXTRA INFORMATION
NEED TO KNOW: deadline extended for Transforming Rehabilitation registrations
Following feedback from a recent event for Clinks Members (read Hazel's blog on that here), we are going to start highlighting a 'need to know' story, if there is one, each week. This week's 'need to know' is that the MoJ have extended the deadline of the Expression of Interest for all providers by a fortnight, to 14th November. And remember, whilst some Tier 1 providers may be asking you to register directly with them, Clinks recommends you also register formally with the MoJ, as you will be protected by the MoJ's standard partnership agreement when engaging with Tier 1 providers. You can do so here
CLINKS NEWS: Clive on Transforming Rehabilitation
Clive was interviewed by Russell Webster last week, as part of Russell's series on Transforming Rehabilitation. Clive sees the potential that TR will be a success - introducing new thinking, focusing more on rehabilitation than managing risk and offering more choice to service users. However, he also expresses serious concerns on: whether there will be enough money in the system to fund significant change; the use of a new, untested payment by results model; the possible fragmentation of the system; and the challenge of delivering local services within such large Contract Package Areas. Watch the short (6 minute) video here
CLINKS SURVEY: for organisations working in health and social care
Are you working on health and social care issues? Are you thinking about it? Clinks is running a quick survey to assess awareness and understanding of changes in health and social care among VCSE organisations working with offenders. The information you provide us with will help us shape the work we do on offender health and social care, and assess where support is needed. The survey closes on Monday, so please take part here
CLINKS EVENT: launch of our North East work
Join us for the launch of our exciting new work in the North East of England [19th November, Newcastle, free]. The morning session (9.30am – 12.30pm) will provide an opportunity for organisations to discuss changes to national policy and how this may impact on the VCSE Sector. Speakers include Clive Martin, Director of Clinks and Michael O'Toole, Crown Representative for the VCSE Sector. The event will also provide an opportunity to shape the work of Natalie Maidment, one of our Local Development Officers. The afternoon session (12.30pm – 2.30pm) is for commissioners, public sector officers, probation and police, and the VCSE Sector. It will showcase research carried out by Northumbria University ‘Exploring Arts and the Process of Desistance from Crime’ and some of the good practice carried out by VCSE organisations in the region. Book your place here
CLINKS TRAINING: the CJS explained for local infrastructure
Clinks and NAVCA are delivering a one day training course [5th November, Sheffield, from £35] to provide a better understanding of the Criminal Justice System (CJS) and local issues of community safety. Designed for anyone involved with the CJS within a VCSE organisation, this session will provide delegates with resources, latest commissioning of offender and victim services policy information and examples of good practice, as well as developing a better understanding of the nature of police, courts, prisons and probation services; and developing a strategic approach to engaging the criminal justice and community safety agenda and facilitating an open dialogue with your peers about your work in this field. Please note, this training is only available to Local Support and Development Organisations, such as CVS's and Volunteer Centres. Book your place here
CLINKS PUBLICATION: Ministry of Justice policy update
This document is produced for the Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory (RR3) Group and provides an update on the main policy areas of direct interest to VCSE organisations. Areas covered include changes to the custodial estate, women’s justice, NOMS Commissioning Strategy and offender health. It can be accessed here
CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: Easy Read campaign
Prison Reform Trust were in the House of Lords this week to support a presentation of the Easy Read campaign. Easy Read uses simple words and clear pictures to make written information more accessible to those who require it, enabling people to access the same information that others have. An ex-offender explains: "I can't read very well. When I was in prison I could never understand the forms and information or read any letters. Getting help with my paperwork and bills on the outside is what helped me to stop offending and start my new life." During the passage of the Offender Rehabilitation Bill, the Government committed to produce Easy Read versions of licence and supervision condition documents to help ensure that people with communication difficulties are able to understand their supervision requirements and what is expected of them. Read more here
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: updates to Disclosure and Barring Service
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has updated the 'DBS guide to eligibility'. The guidance helps you establish whether the law allows a criminal record check through DBS for a role you are recruiting for (or already have) in your organisation. It says: "Please take time to read it because the amendments we've included reflect changes in the legislation that enable eligibility for a DBS Certificate. Don't forget to update hard copies of the guidance that may be in use in your organisation. It's important to note that this isn't a list of all eligibility criteria or all roles, but it does give you the most commonly submitted duties and roles that we receive applications for." Find out more here [Source: NCVYS]
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: will resettlement prisons work?
'Will the new resettlement prisons work?' is the title of Russell Webster's latest blog, in which he looks at the numerous obstacles to success, including prison governors buying into the reforms, prison capacity, and prison closures. Read the full article and have your say here
FUNDING: for groups tackling hate crime in Manchester
Local voluntary and community groups, including small groups of neighbours, 'Friends Of' and resident associations, can apply for one-off grants of up to £200 to hold an event or activity to raise awareness of hate crime during Hate Crime Awareness Week. The group must be based and working within the City of Manchester and events must take place between 20th January 2014 and 26th January 2014. The funding can be used to cover the costs of room hire, decorations, speakers, food, arts/crafts, or any reasonable costs for holding an activity or event as part of the awareness week. The deadline for applications is 29th November. Full details here
COMMISSIONING: capturing the views of offenders in Essex
Essex Probation is commissioning a Research Project to ask offenders for their views, as service users, on the Criminal Justice System in Essex and on their experiences of dealing with other agencies in their attempts to stop reoffending. The successful bidder must plan to capture accurately and vividly the views of offenders and the commissioners look forward to receiving proposals that might combine ‘obvious’ methods such as individual and group interviews with possible 'less obvious' approaches such as accompanying selected Offenders on their daily round of agencies. The contract has an indicative value of up to £25,000 and will need to be completed by 31st March 2014. Proposals must be received by 15th November 2013. Find out more here
COMMISSIONING: evaluation of youth project
Clinks Member NCVYS wishes to commission an organisation or consultant to evaluate the impact of their Young Partners project. The maximum budget for the piece of work is £12,000 inclusive of VAT and expenses. The deadline for applications is Friday 1st November 2013. Download the brief here
CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: art exhibition in Cardiff
Cymorth Cymru are running 'Life Begins', showcasing some of the very best artwork created by people accessing supported living services in Wales. The exhibition runs all next week at Cardiff Library. The artists on display have faced a range of issues such as mental health problems, drug and alcohol issues, domestic abuse and family breakdown; and in many cases, these issues have resulted in homelessness. Contributors also include younger people who have experienced difficult home lives, as well as older people and people with learning and physical disabilities who need help to maintain their independence. More info is available here
CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: for youth organisations
Leap Confronting Conflict are hosting the 'Creative Collisions' national youth sector conference [6th November, London, from £20], for the youth sector to unite to challenge the discourse of disadvantage around young people. Nick Hurd, Minister for Civil Society, has been confirmed as keynote speaker and the day will also feature speeches by NUS President Toni Pearce, and a youth-led session and workshops by each of the youth sector partners involved in the event. Find out more and book your place here
CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: gender, race and restorative justice
'Listening to Community Evidence: Gender, Race and Restorative Justice' is an IARS event [6th December, London, from £40] that will launch new research and debate recent developments in three main areas: gender, race and restorative justice. Three panel sessions will focus on: Race equality in a changing criminal justice system; Pushing the barriers of restorative justice and rehabilitation thought psychology; and No More Abuse for refugee & asylum seeking women. Find out more and book your place here
CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: information session for those with a criminal record
Want to know about disclosing your convictions to employers? Unlock are running local information sessions for people with convictions [4th December, Chatham and 5th December, Maidstone, 5pm - 7pm]. They will be explaining about the organisation and their helpline, which provides confidential peer advice on overcoming the effects of criminal convictions. Helpline Advisors will be on hand to answer any questions you might have, and you can book a free one-to-one session the following week. Find out more here
CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: hear from the head of the College of Policing
The Howard League for Penal Reform's AGM and Public Meeting [20th November, London] will feature guest speaker Alex Marshall QPM, Chief Executive Officer, College of Policing. Alex Marshall was the Chief Constable of Hampshire for five years and in February was appointed to run the new College of Policing, tasked with setting the standards for policing across the country. Find out more and book your place here
NON-MEMBERS' EVENTS & TRAINING
- 'Can there be justice for young people without youth work?' | 2nd November, Sheffield | Email for details
OFFENDER HEALTH: addressing health inequalities
'Balancing Act: Addressing health inequalities among people in contact with the criminal justice system' is a new briefing from Clinks Member Revolving Doors Agency, that sets out the extent and multiplicity of health inequalities among people in contact with the Criminal Justice System, and how, by working with key partners across health, the local authority and criminal justice, Directors of Public Health can deliver on the cross-cutting priorities to create safer and healthier communities. Read more here
OFFENDER HEALTH: transforming the lives of 15 million people
NHS England’s Deputy Medical Director, Mike Bewick, calls for bold leadership to seize opportunities in primary care innovation to transform and improve the lives of the 15 million people in England who currently live with one or more long-term conditions. Read more here
OPPORTUNITY: prisons urged to join adult literacy drive
International bestselling author Martina Cole has called on all prisons and young offender institutions (YOIs) across the UK to sign up for The Reading Agency’s annual, nationwide Six Book Challenge to increase literacy skills among prisoners and help reduce reoffending rates. Over 100 prisons now run the Six Book Challenge with around 7000 prisoners taking part this year. However this is still under 10% of the UK’s prison population of 93,000, half of which have poor literacy skills. The Reading Agency aims to reach at least 10% of offenders and extend use of the Six Book Challenge to all 150 prisons, YOIs and secure units in the UK by 2015. Find out more here
MEMBER'S VACANCIES
Members’ vacancies this week include: a Malawi Prison Service vocational skills advisor with VSO [Malawi], a Service Manager with DISC Ltd [Leeds], a Finance Manager at POPS [Manchester], 6 x Support Workers with Nacro [Nottingham], Support Assistants (2.5 posts) and a Housing Support Worker with Foundation [Harrogate], a Case Manager [South-East London], a Case Manager [North West London] and a Project Manager [Peterborough] at Sova, Voluntary Mentors with Yorkshire and Humberside Circles [throughout Yorkshire], an IDVA worker [Hastings], a Novel Psychoactive Substances and Club Drugs Outreach Worker [Brighton & Hove] and a Recovery Worker [Brighton & Hove] with CRI. For more information about these vacancies and many more, click here
TIPS OF THE WEEK
- Tip of the week I: Don't forget the clocks go back this Saturday at midnight! An extra hour on the dancefloor or an hour less in bed?!
- Tip of the week II: Lastminute.com are having a £20 spa day sale, with spas all over the country included. Details
- Tip of the week III: Retreat to a 19th-century Cotswolds manor house with views of the Vale of Evesham for £89. Deal includes breakfast, 3 course dinner and bottle of wine. Enter promo code 'TZ1314'. Details
EXTRA INFORMATION
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