Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 368 | 14th November 2014

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In this week's edition....

CLINKS NEWS: save the date of our AGM

Clinks members are advised to 'save the date' of our 16th Annual General Meeting (AGM) [29th January, London]. Our AGM is a great chance for you to hear from high level speakers, discuss issues that matter to you, and network with other Clinks members. Previous speakers have included funders, peers, prison ministers and academics. Be advised, we have sold out the venue within days of taking bookings for the last two years' events, and will be sending members their exclusive invite via email shortly. If you want to attend, find out how to become a Clinks member here

CLINKS NEWS: work for Clinks

National Alliance for Arts in Criminal Justice is seeking a Project Manager for six months' maternity cover. The role will involve working closely with the Steering Group and membership to: promote arts-based work with offenders, demonstrate impact, to raise the profile, improve best practice and influence relevant policy. The post holder will be responsible for collaboratively developing a large scale research and delivery programme in arts within criminal justice settings. We are open to possible secondments from relevant organisations. The deadline for applications is 24th November. Find out more and apply here

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: award for use of technology

Unlock has been awarded first prize in the 2014 Helpline Awards for the category 'Best innovative use of technology'. Christopher Stacey, Director (Services) of Unlock, said “As a small charity, we work hard to find the right balance in delivering our charitably-funded services by using a digital-first strategy...(helping) us reach the significant numbers of people that are affected by a criminal record. (Our) staff and volunteers, all of whom have personal experience of having a conviction, are at the end of a phone line, so that we're able to provide the kind of one-to-one information and advice that people with convictions often need." Read the full story here

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: important victory for books in prisons campaign

The Howard League for Penal Reform's Books For Prisoners campaign won an important victory last week as the Ministry of Justice agreed to increase the number of books that prisoners can keep in their cells. NOMS has sent an 'urgent' policy update to prison governors, granting them permission to allow prisoners to hold more than 12 books at a time. The rule change, which has been introduced 'with immediate effect', follows months of campaigning. Tens of thousands of people, including dozens of leading writers and the Prison Governors’ Association, have called on the Government to review restrictions which prevent families and friends sending books and other essentials to prisoners. Find out more and get involved here

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: start up businesses for women offenders

Startup's 'Startupnow for Women' project, which aims to reduce re-offending by supporting women ex-offenders to set up their own business, has been shortlisted for an RBS Inspiring Women in Enterprise grant award. The grants will aim to help build the capacity of organisations that encourage and support women, who are not yet in business, to explore enterprise. Juliet Hope, Chief Executive at Startup says "we are the first ex-offender charity to reach this stage in the Women’s category and the £44,000 award would have a huge impact on the work we’re doing. We have previously been shortlisted but failed to gain enough votes in this part of the process. Therefore, we’d be incredibly grateful if you could now vote for us and spread the word to your contacts and friends, you just need to follow the link and press 'vote for us now'!" Vote for Startup here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: inspection of NPS and CRCs

HM Inspectorate of Probation have asked us to let Light Lunch readers know that they will be inspecting 'Early Work and Effective Recording undertaken by the NPS and CRCs' in Bradford & Calderdale during the week commencing 8th December 2014. For enquiries, email Enquiries.HMIProb@hmiprobation.gsi.gov.uk

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: prisoners' phone calls recorded

Chris Grayling gave an oral statement on prisoner communications this week. The Justice Secretary said: "With permission Mr Speaker, I want to inform the House that telephone calls between prisoners and their constituency Members of Parliament, or their offices, may have been recorded and in some cases listened to by prison staff. This issue stretches back to 2006, and primarily relates to the period prior to autumn 2012, when this government made changes to tighten up the system. I have therefore asked HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Nick Hardwick to conduct an independent investigation, which will firstly assure me by the end of this month that the necessary safeguards are now in place, and secondly by early 2015 report in full on the facts and make further recommendations." Read the full address here

FUNDING: growing the local economy in North Dorset

The North Dorset Economic Growth Fund aims to support initiatives and projects which achieve growth in the local economy through commercial activity. The fund can support initiatives and projects from small businesses, start-up businesses, social enterprises, and not-for-profit organisations including charities. Applicants must be based in North Dorset. The general maximum grant is £5,000, although larger grants will be considered in exceptional circumstances. The next three deadlines for applications are 24th November, 16th December and 19th February. Find out more and apply here

FUNDING: help people understand personal health budgets

Some of the people who rely most on NHS services now have the 'right to have' their care delivered through a personal health budget. The Gearing Up for Personal Health Budgets Programme is inviting bids from voluntary sector organisations for £10,000 to help people and families get a good sense of what should be expected from the NHS, and equip them with the information and policy to help them get a personal health budget in line with established national best practice. The deadline for applications is 1st December. Find out more and apply here

FUNDING: tackle homophobic bullying in schools

The Department for Education and Government Equalities Office are inviting voluntary sector organisations to apply to its new £2 million fund to tackle homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying in schools across England. Grants of between £100,000 and £750,000 are expected to be awarded for projects that are innovative, sustainable, and of national significance. The deadline for applications is 3rd December. Find out more here

FUNDING: loan finance for charities

Loans of between £250,000 and £3 million are available to support registered charities and social enterprises working to improve the economic and social well-being of individuals, particularly those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged. The loans can be used for working capital, growth capital, property purchase or renovation and other capital expenditures. An expression of interest can be submitted at any time. Find out more here

AWARD: weekly cash prize for community organisations

The Galaxy Hot Chocolate Fund is looking to help small, local community groups and charities across the UK by donating cash awards to support 'warm hearted' people and projects. Open for entries until February 23rd 2015, the Fund will distribute five £300 awards to deserving recipients every week. Find out how to get involved here

CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: hate crime and sex offending

'Talking Justice: Transforming Lives' is a Prison Reform Trust event [3rd December, Bristol, free] themed around hate crime, sex offending and private versus state justice provision. The event aims to stimulate debate on the future direction of criminal justice and will appeal to those working across the full range of agencies and organisations involved with people across the Criminal Justice System. The day will consist of talks, networking and workshops. Find out more and book your place here

CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: responding to the new funding climate

'Responding To Legal Aid Cuts: Finding A Pathway For Charities, Legal Firms And The Government’ is an Only Connect event [11th December, London, £20] that aims to respond to the new funding climate. Deep cuts to Legal Aid have led to concern growing around the threat to support services and compromised access to justice. You will hear from thought leaders about how to meet this new challenge through early intervention, alternative approaches to dispute resolution and the development of new funding streams. Find out more and book your place here

CLINKS MEMBER'S TRAINING: for restorative justice practitioners

As part of Restorative Justice week, Restorative Solutions CIC have discounted the price of their training workshops. There are sessions for prospective Case Supervisors and trained restorative justice practitioners. Find out more and book your place here

NON-MEMBERS' EVENTS & TRAINING

  • 'Making Deprivation of Children’s Liberty a Last Resort: Towards evidence-based policies on alternatives' | 3rd & 4th December, Brussels, €150 | Details
  • 'Rediscovering Addiction & Recovery to Reduce Offending' | 11th December, Manchester, free | Details

OPPORTUNITY: have a renowned play at your event

'Sounds Like An Insult', by Vivienne Franzmann, explores the experiences of women offenders with complex mental health needs, and the challenges of diagnosis and treatment within the Criminal Justice System. Commissioned by Clean Break in association with NOMS and the Department of Health and performed by graduates of Clean Break’s theatre education programme, the production is available for your organisation, conference or event. Find out more here

CONSULTATION: improving police custody

Social researchers NatCen would like to talk to young people and adults who have been taken into police custody in the last two years. They want to hear people’s experiences so they can understand how well the process is working, and what might help to improve it. The research is being carried out on behalf of Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC), under the instruction of the Home Secretary. Find out more and take part here

CAMPAIGN: restorative justice week

Next week (16th - 23rd November) is Restorative Justice Week, and the MoJ are encouraging people to ask themselves "If you had a chance to meet the person who committed a crime against you, what would you do?" Restorative Justice brings together victims of crime or conflict with offenders to find a positive way forward. The Ministry of Justice has developed a range of communications materials to support this campaign. Find out more and get involved here

CAMPAIGN: changing the law on prostitution

Fiona McTaggart MP has tabled an amendment to the Modern Slavery bill stating that it should include prostitution – proposing the inclusion of the Nordic Model, which decriminalises the sale and criminalises the purchase of sex. UK Feminista have produced a click, fill-out-and-send form which is linked to be directly sent to your MP once you give your post code. Find out more and support the campaign here

CLINKS MEMBERS' VACANCIES

Members’ vacancies this week include: a Support Worker at Out There Supporting Families of Prisoners [Old Trafford], an Employment Support Worker [Ipswich], 2 x Children & Families Caseworkers [Leeds and London] with the St Giles Trust, a Training and Development Officer with NEPACS [Durham], and a Chief Executive at Circles UK [Reading]. For more information about these vacancies and many more, click here

TIPS OF THE WEEK

  • Tip of the week I: Travel around London for free this Friday when you use a contactless Mastercard. The same offer will run again on Friday 28th November. Details
  • Tip of the week II: There is a rare Eurostar discount of £59 for return train tickets to Paris, Brussels, Lille or Calais from London St Pancras, valid for travel between 5th January and 12th February. Details
  • Tip of the week III: For £99 per room, two people can stay overnight at Otterburn Castle Hotel in Northumberland. The deal includes breakfast and £30 per person dining voucher. Details

EXTRA INFORMATION

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