Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 345 | 30th May 2014

In this week's edition....

CLINKS RESOURCE: a Transforming Rehabilitation checklist for boards

Clinks and Russell-Cooke Solicitors have developed a new resource to be used by the boards of voluntary sector organisations considering contracting under the Transforming Rehabilitation (TR) programme. 'Subcontracting under TR: a checklist for Boards' was developed as part of our TR Legal Support project and includes a checklist of issues that the management team and boards of organisations may want to consider before entering into subcontracting arrangements using the Industry Standard Partnering Agreement (ISPA). Download this, and browse through our resources developed as part of the project, here

CLINKS EVENT: changes to the disclosure of criminal convictions

This masterclass, run by Unlock in partnership with Clinks [3rd July, Cardiff, £49], will provide you with a greater understanding of how the criminal record and disclosure systems operate (and how they have changed) and the implications this has for people with convictions when seeking employment, volunteer work and more broadly in moving on positively in their lives. It will cover the changes to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and how this effects what people with convictions have to disclose; how to work out whether convictions are ‘spent’ under the amendments to the Act; if and how the new filtering process by the Disclosure and Barring Service changes what will be disclosed on a criminal record check; and the different types of criminal record checks, and how to make sure the right check is being done by an employer. Find out more and book here

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: new director for Birth Companions

Naomi Delap has recently started in her new role as Director of Birth Companions. The charity offers support to vulnerable women in prison and in the community in the critical time around the birth of their children. Commenting on her appointment, Naomi said “it’s very exciting to be joining this extraordinary organisation at such an exciting time in the development of their services”. Naomi previously ran a social enterprise, Inside Job Productions, for Media for Development. Find out more about the work of Birth Companions here

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: supporting LGBT rough sleepers

'Finding Safe Spaces' is a new Stonewall Housing project working with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people who have experienced rough sleeping. Between June and August they are inviting LGBT people to talk to them about their experiences and use the information to train rough sleeper prevention service workers, and also help them improve other services working with LGBT rough sleepers. For more information and to get involved, contact robin@stonewallhousing.org

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: research into resettlement of women leaving custody

Beyond Youth Custody is currently focusing on resettlement work with girls and young women, and as part of their research has launched two online surveys. They would appreciate your input to inform their research and develop learning on this vulnerable client group. The first survey is to gather feedback from staff members from organisations or projects that are involved in resettlement work with girls or young women, or by professionals from public or other bodies who are involved in such work. The second survey is for girls and young women (up to the age of 25) who have recently left custody.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: a Transforming Rehabilitation update

The deadline for Tier 1 bidders to submit bids to the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has been changed from 16th June to 30th June. The release of the final version of the Industry Standard Partnering Agreement has also been delayed, and it is now estimated that this will be released at the end of May. As a result of this, recent indications from Tier 1s suggest they are unlikely to enter into full agreements with organisations in their potential supply chain before the 30th June bid deadline. The MoJ has also released an updated list of bidders by Contract Package Area (CPA). We are keen to hear about the arrangements you are making with Tier 1s and what is being asked for in terms of agreements. Let us know by calling our TR Helpline, now extended until 30th June, on 020 3637 0155, or by emailing TRHelpline@clinks.org

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: response to consultation on fraud, bribery, and money laundering offences

In October 2013 the Sentencing Council consulted on their draft guidelines on sentencing fraud, bribery and money laundering offences to which Clinks submitted a response. They have now published a response to the consultation and the definitive guideline for these offences. Clinks are particularly pleased to see that in line with our, and other voluntary sector organisations’ suggestions, a mitigating factor for benefit fraud has been amended to state ‘remorse’ rather than ‘remorse, particularly where evidenced by voluntary repayment.’ Clinks’ consultation response can be downloaded here. The Sentencing Council's response and final guidelines can be downloaded here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: inspection reports published

HM Inspectorate of Probation has published their inspection reports of adult offending work in London and Durham Tees Valley. Both reports are available to download from their new website which allows easier access to their latest reports and inspection programmes, sign up for alerts and view their latest tweets. You can view their website, and their latest reports here

FUNDING: re-defining and shaping public space

The European Cultural Foundation are inviting applications from those working in the arts, cultural, academic and educational, environmental, trade and industry, health and social care, and human rights sectors for innovative and daring ideas for cross-sectoral collaboration that engages Europeans in re-defining and shaping public space. Fifty ideas will be chosen, and their applicants will attend the 'Idea Camp' in Marseilles, France, between 23rd and 25th October. Twenty five research and development grants of up to €10, 000 will then be awarded for applicants to develop their ideas further. More information can be found here

FUNDING: for projects working with young people in Birmingham

Barrow Cadbury are funding a small number of projects in Birmingham and the Black Country that work with young people in the transition to adulthood (aged 16-25) who are either at risk of, or in contact with, the Criminal Justice System. They expect to fund a mixture of projects working with young men, or young women, or both, and projects must demonstrate effective ways of working with young adults from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Projects must be looking for funding to evaluate a promising approach, or in need of a small amount of seed funding to test a new idea. Find out more and apply here

FUNDING: rights and justice for vulnerable and marginalised communities

The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust has launched its new grant programmes with applications welcome in its priority areas which include 'Rights and Justice'. Priority will be given to those that deliver in these areas: protection and promotion of equality and human rights and their enforcement; promoting rights and justice for minorities who face the most severe forms of racism and discrimination; and promotion of rights and justice for refugees and other migrants. The Trust places an emphasis on supporting those who experience racism at first hand and is particularly interested in receiving applications related to rights and justice for Black and minority ethnic women. The Trust awards 100-120 grants per year, giving a nominal average grant of £50,000, and the deadline is 18th August. Find out more and apply here

CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: supporting people with mental illness into work

'Working it out - how to successfully support people with mental illness into employment' is a Centre for Mental Health event [25th June, London, £120] that aims to provide tools, guidance and expertise in supporting people with mental illness into work. Workshops will include: working in partnership with the third sector to provide an integrated Individual Placement and Support (IPS) employment service; setting up an NHS Trust IPS employment service; supporting people with mental health conditions to retain their job; setting up IPS within an IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) service; quality assurance and continuous improvement; and measuring outcomes and data collection. To find out more, and for bookings, click here

CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: support people with learning difficulties

Respond are hosting an information evening [9th June, 6pm - 8pm, Central London, free] for potential volunteers for the Circles of Support and Accountability (COSA) project. Volunteers work in a Circle of 4-6 volunteers who are matched with a person with learning disabilities who has displayed sexually harmful behaviour, supporting them and holding them accountable for potentially risky behaviour. The event will feature talks from the coordinators of the project and current volunteers. For more information, email Julia.dick@respond.org.uk

NON-MEMBERS' EVENTS & TRAINING

  • 'Choices Consortium - A change is coming!' | 5th June, London, free | Details
  • 'The 3rd Annual Social Justice Conference' | 4th November, Central London, from £100 (with promotional code SJ3005 until 30th May) | Details
  • ‘Using the Arts with Juvenile and Young Offenders’ | 25th June, Plymouth, £75 | Details

CLINKS MEMBER'S AWARDS: celebrating the people who make change possible

The No Offence! '2014 Redemption and Justice Awards' will celebrate both the people who change and the people who help to make change possible, from across every sector of criminal justice. There are 9 award categories for you to nominate for: Employer; Innovation; Inspirational; International; Mentoring; Partnership; Unsung Hero; Volunteering; and Young Person. Nominations are open until 10th June. Finalists will have the opportunity to attend the awards ceremony in London on 1st October. For more information about nominations, and to book to attend the awards ceremony, click here

AWARDS: for social enterprises in the UK

Social Enterprise UK's Social Enterprise Awards 2014 are now open for nominations. The awards aim to recognise organisations for their business excellence and contribution to society, and recognise the achievements of people working at the heart of the social enterprise sector. The 11 categories include 2 new categories: 'Inspiring Youth Enterprise' and 'Social Enterprise Women's Champion'. Nominations close on 11th July, and the awards ceremony will be held in central London on 26th November. Find out more here

PUBLICATION: innovation in the voluntary sector

'What to think about when you want to innovate: A brief guide for voluntary sector organisations' is an NCVO report that provides guidance to voluntary sector organisations wishing to innovate. Topics covered include: pointers for trustees and chief executives on how to foster an environment that encourages innovation; the importance of taking time to get a full understanding of where to focus your innovation efforts; practical suggestions on where to look for innovative solutions; and six questions for commissioners to ask themselves when seeking innovation from the voluntary sector. There are also many case studies on how other organisations have approached innovation. Download the guide here

PUBLICATION: two practitioners' guides on trauma

Beyond Youth Custody has produced two guides for practitioners on trauma in young people in or leaving custody. 'Young offenders and trauma: experience and impact' aims to highlight what is currently known about the links between trauma and young people’s behaviour and development, and 'Developing trauma-informed resettlement for young custody leavers' outlines the key features of trauma-informed approaches to working with custody leavers. It also focuses on some of the implications that trauma and its effects might have for resettlement practice. Both guides can be downloaded here

PUBLICATION: latest prison factfile published

Clinks Member Prison Reform Trust have launched the Summer 2014 edition of the Bromley Briefings prison factfile, which focuses on the increasing prison population and the need for community-based solutions. "Opinion polls show strong public backing for measures that reduce crime and disorder from better supervision of young people by their parents to making amends to victims, from mental health and social care to treatment for addictions. It’s time to put prison back where it belongs – as an important place of absolute last resort in the justice system." Download it here

CONSULTATION: shape the future of policing in North Yorkshire

The police and crime commissioner for North Yorkshire is keen to hear from charities and community groups to help them better understand what the priorities for policing and community safety are for the people of North Yorkshire. The Big Police Debate is a major consultation exercise that will shape the future of policing and community safety in the area. They are particularly interested to hear from: alcohol and substance abuse groups; mental health focused groups; vulnerable adults; people who have been through the justice system / offenders; disabled people and people with learning difficulties; the LGBT community; and BAME groups. Find out more and take the survey, here

CLINKS MEMBERS' VACANCIES

Member vacancies this week include: a Workshops and Training Coordinator with Fine Cell Work [London], an Intensive Family Key Worker with CRI [Eastbourne, Wealden and Lewes], Volunteer Mentors with SOVA/CRI Greenwich [Greenwich], Director of Research and Development with Revolving Doors Agency [London], an Inspire Senior Practitioner with Brighton Women’s Centre [Brighton], a Counsellor with Women in Prison [London], a Trainer Assessor/Resettlement Worker with St Giles Trust [HMP Huntercombe, Oxfordshire], a Project Manager with Sova [Reading], a Resettlement Worker with Vision Housing [London], a Golden Key Service Coordinator with Second Step [Bristol], 12 x Service Level Navigators and a Business Development Manager with Changing Lives [Newcastle], and Probation Volunteers with Nacro [Kent]. For further information about these vacancies, and many more, click here

TIPS OF THE WEEK

Tip of the week I: Return flights from London to Milan are only £46 on selected flights between 11th June and 10th July. Details

Tip of the week II: Save up to 40% on this 'Fairytale' Snowdonia Escape with fine dining. Details

Tip of the week III: Get 12 bottles of wine delivered for £58. The usual full prize is £122. Details

EXTRA INFORMATION

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