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In this week's edition....
- CLINKS NEWS: catch up on our AGM
- CLINKS EVENT: personalisation in criminal justice settings
- CLINKS EVENT: arts in criminal justice conference
- CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: community cafe for older offenders in Manchester
- CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: enterprise in prisons
- CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: new pupil referral unit opens in Basingstoke
- CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: improving quality in restorative justice
- CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: compliance with the Victims' Code
- CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: new rehabilitation law
- CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: South East prison closing for refurbishment
- CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: prisons to supply armed forces with equipment
- CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: chief inspector of probation resigns
- FUNDING: working with people in need in Guildford
- FUNDING: for women's organisations in Birmingham
- FUNDING: for small organisations in Greater Manchester
- FUNDING: community inclusion in Wales
- CLINKS MEMBER'S TRAINING: for case supervisors
- NON-MEMBERS' EVENTS & TRAINING
- RESOURCE: babies affected by imprisonment
- PUBLICATION: employment for women offenders
- PUBLICATION: evidence base for addressing complex needs
- CONSULTATION: the right to participate in public affairs
- CLINKS MEMBERS' VACANCIES
- TIPS OF THE WEEK
- EXTRA INFORMATION
CLINKS NEWS: catch up on our AGM
Missed our AGM last week? Ben Watson, Clinks’ Communications Assistant, has put together an online summary of Clinks’ 16th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and reception, held on 29th January 2015. It highlights the social media activity from the event, providing an insight into the speeches, delegates’ thoughts and their questions for the speakers, and pictures of the event. It will be especially useful for those who could not attend the AGM. View it here or view our review of 2014 here
CLINKS EVENT: personalisation in criminal justice settings
Clinks will be facilitating a workshop [24th February, London, free] looking at the specific issues involved in applying personalisation in criminal justice settings, including in custody, exploring the potential for the voluntary sector in personalisation, identifying issues and seeking solutions. The workshop will feature an overview of current thinking from Caroline Marsh, former Director of NOMS; a case study of personalisation in practice from Frances Flaxington, Catch 22; and a discussion to explore obstacles, solutions and support needs for the sector. Find out more and book your place here
CLINKS EVENT: arts in criminal justice conference
The National Alliance for Arts in Criminal Justice’s Annual Meeting [26th February, London] will see Tim Robertson, CEO of the Koestler Trust, reflecting on his time as Chair as he leaves the post this year. Tim will answer questions from the audience on the National Alliance for Arts in Criminal Justice, its future, and the sector more generally. In addition, the afternoon will include a review of the National Alliance for Arts in Criminal Justice's work over the past year, previewing future priorities and networking. For more information and to book, click here
CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: community cafe for older offenders in Manchester
RECOOP is opening a Community Support Café service this month, at The Mustard Tree in Ancoats, Manchester. The Café, offering a rolling six week programme, will be open to male and female offenders over the age of 50 years, and who have been convicted of a criminal offence in the last six months; released from prison in the last six months; or are currently being managed at Tier 1 or 2. The Support Café will combine elements of the health and wellbeing clinic service currently being delivered in prisons, with additional group and 1-2-1 work offering information and signposting support. Its aim is to offer regular, dedicated and focussed support to older offenders that will complement health, care, community interactions and resettlement initiatives. For more information, email TracyEadie@recoop.org.uk
CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: enterprise in prisons
EDP Drug & Alcohol Services is currently delivering a Social Enterprise Qualification to groups of learners from HMP Dartmoor, which aims to accredit social enterprise learning. Recently, learners from HMP Dartmoor created their own products which they then sold at a ‘pop up shop’ in the prison and at EDP's Head Office. Proceeds went to a cause that was close to their heart. One group decided to create their own key rings from matchsticks and stone ornaments, which they sold on-site, and gave all proceeds to Macmillan Cancer Trust. Find out more about this initiative here
CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: new pupil referral unit opens in Basingstoke
Catch-22’s Ashwood Academy opened in Basingstoke last week, aiming to provide a supportive alternative education centre for learners aged 11 to 16 years-old. The Academy provides short-term placements for young people in the Basingstoke area who have behavioural, emotional or medical challenges. The Private Equity Foundation (Impetus-PEF) also announced last week that it is providing a package of £300,000, as well as strategic and operational support to Catch-22, to develop their alternative education provision model at Ashwood Academy and other education centres in the future. Find out more here
CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: improving quality in restorative justice
The Restorative Service Quality Mark (RSQM) celebrated its first anniversary this week. Julius Hinks, from Restorative Justice Council explains: "We know that restorative justice works but it’s essential that it’s always delivered to a high standard. A year after its launch, the RSQM is gaining momentum. 14 organisations from a range of sectors hold the award, including 12 in the criminal justice sector, and applications are growing steadily. RSQM awardees are seeing an increase in enquiries about restorative justice, are finding renewed legitimacy with their service users and are feeling proud of attaining this robust award which celebrates their good work." Find out more about the RSQM here
CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: compliance with the Victims' Code
The Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, Baroness Newlove, recently published her first major review looking at compliance with the Victims’ Code. IARS welcomes the findings of this report, but expresses great concerns about its light touch and the lack of concrete and obligatory recommendations that would make a real difference to victims and their families. Read IARS' full response to the review here
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: new rehabilitation law
The MoJ brought a new law into force this week that saw "a major gap closed which allows 45,000 short-term prisoners to leave prison unsupervised every year." From this week anyone sentenced to more than a day in prison will receive at least 12 months rehabilitation on release. The new probation providers will have to "focus on life management, with mentors on hand to support offenders into housing, employment and substance abuse programmes, helping them address the root causes of their criminal behaviour." Read the press release here
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: South East prison closing for refurbishment
Blantyre House Prison, near Maidstone in Kent, is to be closed temporarily for refurbishment with prisoners and prison officers being dispersed to other prisons in Kent and Sussex. The Ministry of Justice has stated that the prison, which holds 120 category C and D prisoners, will be reopened when the work is completed later in 2015. Others such as the Prison Governors Association have expressed concern that the prison will never reopen and the staff will be relocated permanently to plug gaps in other South East prisons. Read the full story here [Source: APOF]
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: prisons to supply armed forces with equipment
Prisoners will be making sandbags, fence posts and other support products for Britain’s armed forces after a 10-year service level agreement was signed this week by Justice Secretary Chris Grayling. "The agreement – which is set to extend a 6-month trial that has already produced savings of nearly £500,000 – will see offenders learn valuable employment skills as the work is brought back to British shores. A number of the products were previously made overseas, while a number of items, such as hydraulic jacks, will now be able to be repaired rather than simply replaced." Read the press release here
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: chief inspector of probation resigns
The chief inspector of probation, Paul McDowell, has resigned following recent conflict of interest stories. He said: "I have today resigned from my position as HM Chief Inspector of Probation for England and Wales. It is imperative that any inspectorate is independent and seen to be so. Although we have measures in place to manage any conflicts of interest, and I would always carry out my duties without fear or favour, it is clear that a perception of conflict around my post remains." Read the press release here
FUNDING: working with people in need in Guildford
Guildford Poyle Charities currently has up to £170,000 of extra funding available for any organisations working with people in need, hardship or distress and where all, or a significant proportion, of their clients live in the central area of Guildford. All applications are welcomed and particularly those for new or existing schemes which introduce new types of support or increase the number of people helped. Funding for up to three years will be considered. The deadline for applications is 20th February, find out more by emailing janice@guildfordpoylecharities.org
FUNDING: for women's organisations in Birmingham
To coincide with International Women's Day on 8th March 2015, Sport Birmingham will be funding fun physical activities that will help improve the lives of women. Grants of up to £500 are available for organisations, groups and individuals to host activity sessions for women across the city. Funding can only be used for new projects set to launch alongside the This Brum Girl Can campaign, and activities must take place either on, or in the lead up to, 8th March 2015. The deadline for applications is 21st February, find out more here
FUNDING: for small organisations in Greater Manchester
Grants of between £500 and £1,000 are available to small organisations, with less than £100,000 turnover, that are working to help local people living tough lives in Greater Manchester. Grants can support a variety of things, including running costs, project costs, or equipment. The deadline for applications is 23rd February, find out more here
FUNDING: community inclusion in Wales
Grants of between £500 and £1,000 are available for projects in Wales that help people of all ages feel more included in their community, builds their skills and increases their sense of achievement. The deadline for applications is 25th February, find out more here
CLINKS MEMBER'S TRAINING: for case supervisors
Restorative Solutions CIC are running a 'Case Supervisor Training' workshop [14th April, Kettering, from £95 +vat] to help Case Supervisors develop a detailed understanding of their role in respect of the delivery of Restorative Approaches by Restorative Practitioners. Find out more and book your place here
NON-MEMBERS' EVENTS & TRAINING
- 'After the Accident: restorative justice play' | dates throughout February across the South West | Details
- 'The Stephen Lawrence 2015 criminal justice lecture' | 17th February, London, £20 | Details
- 'Health Equity North: One year on' | 19th February, Chester, free | Details
RESOURCE: babies affected by imprisonment
i-Hop have produced a poster and two page briefing about babies affected by the Criminal Justice System (CJS) and how i-HOP can assist professionals to support them. Recent NSPCC research highlights the disruption to family relationships that involvement in the CJS can have, affecting carer-infant bonding. Insecure attachment can lead to adverse outcomes such as poor physical and mental health in later life. It is essential for professionals working with babies in secure and community settings to have an understanding of and ability to respond to these needs. Find out more here
PUBLICATION: employment for women offenders
'Working it out – employment for women offenders' is a new Prison Reform Trust report that highlights the problems faced by women in gaining employment and profiles good practice in custody and the community. The report found fewer than one in ten women released from a prison sentence of under 12 months managed to secure a ‘positive employment outcome’ within a year of release. This is three times worse than the equivalent figure for men. Download the report here
PUBLICATION: evidence base for addressing complex needs
'Comprehensive Services for Complex Needs: A Summary of the Evidence' is a new briefing by Revolving Doors Agency and Centre for Mental Health that assesses the evidence-base for three service models aimed at people facing multiple and complex needs: Multisystemic Therapy, wraparound and the link worker model. People in this situation face a combination of problems at once, including poor mental health, offending, substance misuse issues, and homelessness. The briefing outlines both the cost-benefit and the effectiveness of these service models, and suggests what commissioners can do next to improve outcomes for this group. Download the report here
CONSULTATION: the right to participate in public affairs
The Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights is looking for input for a forthcoming report on best practices, experiences, challenges (and ways to overcome challenges), concerning the right to participate in public affairs. Information is requested on: participation in the conduct of public affairs; the right to vote and to be elected; and equal access to public service. This might be of interest to readers concerned about prisoner rights and voting. The deadline for participating is 20th February. Find out more here
CLINKS MEMBERS' VACANCIES
Vacancies this week include: a Director at AGENDA (the alliance for women and girls) [London], a Creative Programmes Manager with Music in Prisons [London], a Research Assistant with Salford University (Beyond Youth Custody) [Salford], Trustees with Unlock [Maidstone], a Senior Programme Manager with User Voice [Cumbria], Women's Offending Community Coordinator with Changing Lives [Newcastle], Restorative Justice Volunteers with Restorative Solutions [Durham and Barnet], and a Visiting Support Worker, a Support Worker and a Project Leader with BCHA [Dorset]. For further information about these vacancies, and many more, click here
TIPS OF THE WEEK
- Tip of the week I: Get 2for1 on any tapas dishes on the main menu at La Tasca when you book a table in advance and quote '2for1' at the time of booking.
- Tip of the week II: Stay 7 nights, 5 star half board in Corfu for £199 per person. Price includes flights, accommodation, breakfast and dinner. Details
- Tip of the week III: Stay two nights in a Q-Hotel in Norfolk, Northumberland, West Yorkshire, Lincolnshire or Scotland from just £80 per room per night. Deal includes three course dinner, breakfast and use of spa facilities. Details
EXTRA INFORMATION
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