Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 356 | 15th August 2014

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In this week's edition....

CLINKS REPORT: a vision of good commissioning

‘More Than a Provider: The role of the voluntary sector in the commissioning of offender services’ is a Clinks report highlighting our vision of best practice in commissioning. We interviewed frontline organisations over the course of a year to find out about their experience of trying to engage in commissioning; and also spoke to commissioners themselves and held a discussion workshop to hear from both providers and commissioners. This rich information helped us develop a vision of good commissioning for rehabilitation and desistance. You can read an accompanying blog from the author, and download the report, here

CLINKS BLOG: informing volunteering for the future

Robert Price, Justice Involving Volunteers in Europe (JIVE) Project Co-ordinator at Clinks, has written a blog for the Association of Volunteer Managers introducing the project and calling for volunteer managers to feed into a piece of Europe-wide research on the role and value of volunteers within the Criminal Justice System. He says, “As volunteer managers I don’t need to win you over or persuade you of the importance and the benefits of volunteering because you already know! However, what I would like is to hear your opinion and experiences of recruiting, training and managing volunteers within your organisation; it is this information which is vital to the project and will help shape in part its direction and structure, so please spare me 20 minutes of your time to complete the survey and help us inform volunteering for the future.” Read the blog, and fill out the survey, here

CLINKS BLOG: supporting the sector in the North East

Natalie Maidment, Local Development Officer for the North East at Clinks, has written a blog summarising the successes during the first year of supporting the voluntary sector in the North East. The partnership between Voluntary Organisations’ Network North East (VONNE) and Clinks has enabled us the gather intelligence on the region’s voluntary sector, make strong links with statutory sector organisations and commissioners to ensure the sector play a vital role in service delivery, enabled the sector to get to grips with a rapidly changing criminal justice policy landscape, and added valuable perspective to Clinks’ national policy work. Read the blog here

THE ARTS ALLIANCE NEWS: good practice in arts in criminal justice

The Arts Alliance has launched a new series of five blog articles on good practice within the arts and criminal justice sector, with funding from Arts Council England. The blog posts will be written by various people, both individuals and those from organisations, from across the sector and will be published over the next two months. The first blog in the series, written by Saul Hewish from Rideout, focused on their Talent 4 programme which aims to identify where talent comes from. On Thursday 21st August, The Arts Alliance will publish a post by Sarah Atter from TiPP, which will be followed by a live Twitter Q&A with Sarah on Friday 22nd August, 3pm – 4pm. You can join in the discussion with #ArtsCJS. To read Saul's blog click here

CLINKS MEMBERS NEWS: criminal justice innovation

The four successful candidates receiving a StreetCraft Scholarship have been announced. The Scholarship has been offered by Clinks, Centre for Justice Innovation and the Young Foundation, to champion the development of innovative frontline criminal justice projects. Lisa Rowles from Clinks members Khulisa; Roger Blackman from members The Reason Why Foundation; Leroy Johnson from In Sync; and Adam Crisp from Leicestershire Police will be taken through a three-month intensive training and mentoring program where they can learn from experts and leaders in the field on how to set up, develop, scale and sustain their criminal justice idea. Read more about the announcement here

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: the impact of welfare reform on people with multiple needs

Sam Thomas, Programme Manager at Drugscope, has examined the initial findings from a survey carried out as part of the Making Every Adult Matter (MEAM) Voices from the Frontline project, in which Clinks is one of the four partner organisations. Over 140 organisations participated in the survey who between them represent as many as 70,000 individuals. The survey reveals the impact of welfare reforms on people with multiple needs. Read the blog here

CLINKS MEMBER'S REQUEST: venue sought for mentor training

abandofbrothers are seeking a venue to run their residential training in the south of England, ideally in Sussex, Surrey or Kent but further afield will be considered. The ideal site would have indoor accommodation for 40 people, have some woodland on it and be available for exclusive use. All options will be considered, including farm buildings. Do you have an asset that you want to make more of? Contact Nathan.roberts@abandofbrothers.org.uk

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: results from the Peterborough SIB

The results from the first cohort in the Peterborough Social Impact Bond (SIB) pilot demonstrate an 8.4% reduction in reconviction rates relative to the comparable national baseline. Although it does not meet the 10% threshold whereby investors would receive a positive return in 2014, if performance continues at current levels investors will receive their capital back in 2016. Julian Corner, chief executive of the LankellyChase Foundation, an investor in the SIB, says: "Based on these results, we are optimistic that the second cohort will get much closer to that 10 per cent figure; so I would describe the results as encouraging, given the inevitable start-up challenges that something this ambitious faces." The results of the pilot can be downloaded here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: reparation from offenders to victims

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) are seeking views to explore how reparation from offenders to victims could be made more meaningful. As part of the MoJ’s response to action 35 of the 'Transforming the Criminal Justice System (CJS): A Strategy & Action Plan to Reform the Criminal Justice System', they held a series of workshops where they defined reparation as being made by offenders to victims through 3 broad strands: Out Of Court Disposal, as part of a formal sentence, and as part of a restorative justice process. Views are now being sought on the key themes and issues identified in the workshops. The survey closes on Sunday 17th August. Complete the survey here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: modern slavery campaign

The Modern Slavery campaign, launched by the Home Office, aims to raise awareness of slavery in the UK. A national helpline (0800 0121 700), supported by the NSPCC, has been set up to provide information and advice to child and adult victims of slavery, as well as to professionals and members of the public, and for the public to report suspected slavery. A dedicated website will help educate the public about how to spot the signs of modern slavery, report cases and where to refer suspected victims. Find out more about the campaign here

FUNDING: for community groups in Dorset

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset has created the Safer Dorset Fund that will provide up to £1500 funding to local groups to enable them to establish or further develop community projects that will make Dorset safer. Creative applications that improve life outcomes and safety in Dorset are encouraged from both adult and youth groups. The fund will be launched on the 1st September. To help interested groups apply they have organised a bid writing workshop on the 19th September. Reserve your place by contacting Jade.Leahy@dorset.PNN.Police.uk

FUNDING: supporting Northumbria's voluntary sector

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria is inviting charities, voluntary groups, community groups, and social enterprises to apply for grants of up to £2,000. Groups that support the following areas of the police and crime plan are encouraged to apply: putting victims first; dealing with anti-social behaviour; domestic and sexual abuse; reducing crime and community confidence. The closing date for applications is 29th August. For more information, click here

FUNDING: contribute to policing priorities in Durham

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Durham is offering up to £20,000 to voluntary sector organisations for projects that support the PCCs policing priorites. Applications are encouraged where additional funding from other sources has been secured, and that contribute to the following objectives: tackle anti-social behaviour; tackle the harm caused to communities by alcohol and drugs; reduce the impact of domestic abuse; reduce the impact of hate crime; and improve road safety. The closing date for applications is 1st September. For more information, click here

FUNDING: make a lasting difference to communities

The Yorkshire Building Society is inviting UK registered charities to apply for one of 15 donations of £10,000 to fund projects that will make a lasting difference to their communities. Charities that can provide a tangible benefit to the people within their local area are welcome to apply for the Lasting Legacy Fund, and charities must fit within one of the following sectors: children; elderly; disabilities; and general public. The deadline for applications is 5th September 2014. To apply click here

CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: discussing the future of prisons

'Through the gate: Transforming rehabilitation and the future of prisons' is a Howard League for Penal Reform event [19th November, London, from £45] that will discuss how the Transforming Rehabilitation agenda will transform prisons at a time when the prison system faces 'unprecedented budget cuts and for many behind bars travelling through the gate remains a distant prospect'. The event will ask what the future is for prisons and what other key issues should be in focus. Themes will include: through the gate and achieving desistance; beyond the gate and key issues in focus; and within the gate and change inside prison. Book your place here

CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: building long-term resilience and well-being

‘Working with vulnerable and protected groups to build resilience’ is a Kazuri Properties conference [25th September, London, from £100] that aims to increase each participant’s ability to draw upon the resilience they need in their lives. The day will involve a mix of presentations, story-telling, guided exercises and group discussion and will look at: how traumatized and vulnerable communities can recover and build sustainable lives as participating stakeholders in civil society; how trauma affects us personally; and how those we come into contact with can build long-term resilience and well-being. Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: supporting adults with learning difficulties

'Adults with learning disabilities living in the community' is a Lemos & Crane conference [20th November, London, from £185] for practitioners on using creativity, nature, positive relationships, friendships, empowering family support and financial inclusion. The conference will consider how adults with learning disabilities living in the community can be supported to combat isolation, harassment and abuse and build long-term resilience and well-being. Key themes include: mindfulness and spirituality as a means of building a positive sense of personal identity and community fellowship; arts and creativity as ways of strengthening positive self-image and creating personal narratives of identity and transformation. Book your place here

CLINKS MEMBER'S TRAINING: setting up a mentoring programme

The Mentoring and Befriending Foundation is running a 'Setting up and managing a mentoring or befriending programme' two-day training course [9th and 10th September, London, from £150] that aims to  provide attendees with practical guidance on how to set up and manage a safe and effective mentoring, peer mentoring or befriending programme. The course will aim to help attendees: be clear about who you are going to help and the difference you want your project to make; determine the most appropriate model of mentoring or befriending to help achieve the intended outcomes; put in place policies and procedures to ensure the safety of all participants; and develop effective referral processes for potential service users. Book your place here

    COMMISSIONING: delivery partners for NOMS ESF

    Ixion Holdings and Clinks members Pact have agreed a partnership to bid for services under NOMS Round 3 provision for the European Social Fund (ESF) 2014-2020 programme, and are seeking national and local delivery partners to make up their supply chains. They hope to continue as prime contractors for the programme in: London, South East, North West, East of England, and West Midlands. They would like to seek expressions of interest (EOI) from organisations who have a demonstrable track record of delivering services for the most hard-to-reach offenders, including: women; young people; the over 50s; ex-service personnel; people from the BAME community; people with disabilities and health conditions, including mental health, drug and alcohol addiction; and those with debt and accommodation problems. Complete the EOI here

    COMMISSIONING: Liaison and Diversion in Birmingham

    NHS England Shropshire and Staffordshire Area Team (West Midlands) wish to commission a 1 year contract to scope out and implement a small scale pilot of a Liaison and Diversion (L&D) service in Birmingham. It is hoped the pilot will provide a foundation block and move toward the nationally recognised operating model for L&D. The provider will need to demonstrate how the pilot will connect with existing services along the pathway, for example courts and prisons, and must address the needs of individuals with mental health and learning disabilities. The deadline for applications is 3rd September. For more information click here

    RESOURCE: Latest NOMS ezine

    The August 2014 edition of Changing Lives, the NOMS ezine, includes: Michael Spur, NOMS Chief Executive Officer, with the latest on Transforming Rehabilitation; an update on NOMS in Wales; a pathfinder 'secure college' for young offenders; the success of the Drug and Alcohol Recovery Team at Deerbolt Young Offender Institution; how NOMS North East is reducing reoffending by joining forces with the Association of North East Councils; and more. Download it here

    CLINKS MEMBERS' VACANCIES

    Vacancies this week include: a Local Networks Manager with Making Every Adult Matter (MEAM) [London], a Recruitment Assistant with Changing Lives [Gateshead], a Trustee with Women’s Work [Derby], 3 x Community Peer Navigators and a Peer Navigator with User Voice [Cumbria], 10 x Sessional Support Workers with Nacro [Manchester, Chester and Liverpool], a Young Peoples Drug and Alcohol Senior Practitioner, Coordinator, Team Leader, Administrator and Support Worker with Lifeline Projects [HMYOI Wetherby], a Trustee with the Elizabeth Fry Charity [Reading], a Trainer Assessor with St Giles Trust [Camberwell], 2 x Community Chaplains and an Operations Manager with Futures Unlocked [Rugby] and a Priority Prolific Offender Mentor with Foundation [County Durham]. For more information about these vacancies and many more click here.

    TIPS OF THE WEEK

    • Tip of the week I: Last minute flights from northern airports to Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca are only £49 return. Details
    • Tip of the week II: Sample over 300 wines in the company of celebrity wine critics in York for £15. Details
    • Tip of the week III: Save 82% on this 3-hour perfumery blending workshop in the stylish surrounds of Tower Bridge, London. Details

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    Clinks

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