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In this week's edition....
- CLINKS BLOG: help us to track TR
- CLINKS EVENT: networking opportunity for sector leaders
- CLINKS BLOG: inspiring stories from a women's centre
- CLINKS RESOURCE: do you need consultancy support?
- CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: practical guidance on employing ex-offenders
- CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: the role of faith groups supporting homeless people
- CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: research on women's offending
- CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: priorities for the new justice secretary
- CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: reducing drug and alcohol related crime
- CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: specialist mental health support
- CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: ministerial appointments
- FUNDING: work progression amongst low-paid workers
- FUNDING: for research into fuel poverty
- FUNDING: crime prevention in Derbyshire
- FUNDING: to support local initiatives in Bath
- COMMISSIONING: grants for criminal justice organisations
- CLINKS MEMBER'S TRAINING: practicing restorative approaches
- NON-MEMBERS' EVENTS
- CLINKS MEMBER'S VACANCIES
- TIPS OF THE WEEK
- EXTRA INFORMATION
CLINKS BLOG: help us to track TR
Clinks' Head of Policy and Communications, Nathan Dick, has blogged outlining the Clinks and NCVO project to track voluntary sector involvement in Transforming Rehabilitation. He writes: "What will Transforming Rehabilitation mean in reality? That question has occupied much thought and time at Clinks. It is a hugely important reform, not only for the voluntary sector, but most importantly for all the vulnerable people who need appropriate support that aids their rehabilitation and resettlement. Starting with an initial survey, we want you to share your experience so that we can develop a picture of the role that the voluntary sector is playing." Read the blog here, and please take 5 minutes to complete the short survey, here
CLINKS EVENT: networking opportunity for sector leaders
'What's keeping you awake at night?' is a morning workshop for voluntary sector leaders [4th June, central Manchester, £40] that will provide an opportunity for you to identify and discuss the key issues that your organisation will face over the next few years, explore ways forward, and identify your support needs and how these might be met. These are tough times to be a leader in the voluntary sector working in criminal justice. Finances are tight, service user need is escalating, and the impact that Transforming Rehabilitation will have on the sector is still unclear. Come and share your experiences of navigating these turbulent seas in a facilitated session with a small group of peers. This is an exclusive event for Clinks members. Book your place here
CLINKS BLOG: inspiring stories from a women's centre
Two weeks ago Hazel Alcraft, Clinks' Membership & Health Coordinator, visited our member Anawim, a women’s centre in Balsall Heath, Birmingham, to attend their very first awards ceremony. Hazel has written a blog about the visit; she writes: "I heard so many inspiring stories of the transformational change taking place in people’s lives, aided by the staff and support services that Anawim offer to local women. There was clear evidence of the strong partnerships Anawim has built with other services . . . and a glowing praise from staff at the local Community Rehabilitation Company. Amidst all the change in the Criminal Justice System and wider economic climate, the work of organisations like Anawim is as important as ever, quietly getting on with making a tangible difference to so many women’s lives." Read Hazel's blog here
CLINKS RESOURCE: do you need consultancy support?
Are you thinking about consultancy support but unsure how to access it? Our consultant members have a range of experience across criminal justice - so if you’re looking for support with anything from bid-writing and commissioning, to service design and delivery, then your needs may be covered. Use our consultants directory to learn about their background and key-skills, and then contact them directly. Click here to view the consultants directory
CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: practical guidance on employing ex-offenders
Nacro have published guidance for employers and other organisations on safe and fair recruitment. 'Recruiting safely and fairly: a practical guide to employing ex-offenders' is a tool for employers so that they can recruit safely and confidently when appointing individuals with criminal records, enabling them to tap into a vast talent pool. The guide aims to help businesses: understand their legal rights and responsibilities when it comes to dealing with people with histories of offending; update and implement safer and fair recruitment policies and procedures; and manage/mitigate any potential risks. Download the guidance here
CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: the role of faith groups supporting homeless people
'What a difference faith makes... to homelessness' is a Faith Action report that shows the dual role of faith-based organisations in homelessness – their meeting of a frontline practical support requirement and their advocacy to influence public and political debate. The report highlights the role of faith groups with contributions from over 30 organisations. Download the report here
CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: research on women's offending
Applications are open for The Griffins Society's 2015 Griffins Fellowship Programme, and the deadline is fast approaching. The Programme offers practitioners from the public or voluntary sectors a unique opportunity to contribute to practice and policy debates around the treatment of women offenders. Previous research experience is not necessary as the Programme provides academic supervision and support. The deadline for this round of applications is noon, Friday 22nd May. For more information and to express an interest, please e-mail research@thegriffinssociety.org
CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: priorities for the new justice secretary
Tracey Wild, Chief Executive of Langley House Trust is the latest contributor to Russell Webster's guest blog series setting out priorities for the new justice secretary. As justice secretary Tracey would ensure that we never lost sight of the fact that offenders are human beings – just like you and me – with basic needs which need to be properly met; ensure that the basic human needs of food, water and shelter are being met; look at commissioning specialised elderly care homes for those ‘cell blocking’ within our prisons; and ensure that Housing Associations retain their Local Housing Allowance exemption; and more. Read the full blog here
CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: reducing drug and alcohol related crime
RAPt have published three research and policy papers based on evidence they have compiled into what works in reducing drug and alcohol related crime. The papers focus on key areas of their work: 'Why reducing drug-related crime is crime is important, and why the new government needs to act', 'Substance misuse and mental health in prison', and 'A successful approach to tackling drug related crime'. These, along with papers to be published over the course of this year, aim to provide a comprehensive insight into the interrelated issues of substance misuse, mental health, prison and reoffending, as well as what can be done to improve these areas going forward. Download the papers here
CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: specialist mental health support
The London liaison and diversion pilot has been expanded to West, North West and Central London. Together for mental wellbeing, West London Mental Health NHS Trust, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust and Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust have announced the extension of this specialist mental health support service in police stations and courts to these areas on London. The pilot aims to help break the cycle of offending by making sure people with mental health problems and vulnerabilities such as addictions or learning disabilities get the support or treatment they need. Find out more here
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: ministerial appointments
Following the 2015 general election, Prime Minister David Cameron has formed a government. The Rt. Hon Michael Gove becomes Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Caroline Dinenage becomes Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice, and Dominic Raab becomes Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice. Find out more here
FUNDING: work progression amongst low-paid workers
Voluntary sector organisations are invited to apply for grants of up to £40,000 per year for two years to set up and run initiatives that will tackle low pay issues and improve the prospects of local residents struggling to survive in low paid jobs in Lambeth. The Walcot Foundation's Step Up grant programme requires applicants to have a track record of at least three years delivering employment support in Lambeth or a neighbouring borough, and have a minimum turnover of £100,000. The deadline for applications is 1st June, find out more and apply here
FUNDING: for research into fuel poverty
The Eaga Charitable Trust will fund organisations and individual research consultants with grants of between £2,500 and £25,000 for projects that contribute to understanding and addressing the causes and effects of fuel poverty. Activities funded include: Rigorous academic and/or public policy-related research; Robustly evaluated action projects; Dissemination and promotion of proven good practice; and Technical support for novel and innovative pilots. The deadline for applications is 1st June, find out more here
FUNDING: crime prevention in Derbyshire
Grants of up to £25,000 are available for organisations in Derbyshire supporting delivery of the police and crime commissioner's Police and Crime Plan to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, protect victims and vulnerable people and support witnesses. The deadline for applications is 5th June, find out more here
FUNDING: to support local initiatives in Bath
Bath Building Society has opened its annual Charity Awards to entries from local community organisations and charities. Charitable organisations with an annual income of less than £200,000, and that operate in and deliver projects that are beneficial to residents of Bath and North East Somerset, Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Bristol are eligible to apply. The following awards will be made: one award of £1,500, three awards of £1,000, four awards of £500, and three pairs of hot air balloon ride tickets (to be used by recipients for fundraising purposes). The deadline for applications is 8th June. Find out more here
COMMISSIONING: grants for criminal justice organisations
NOMS has five grants available for criminal justice organisations to deliver projects between July 2015 and March 2016. The grants are for organisations to: support women in prison in the North West, East Midlands and London; reduce disproportional use of force for Black and/or Muslim prisoners nationwide; produce easy read materials for prisoners across the prison estate; ensure all Approved Premises meet the needs of older offenders; and improve relationships between staff and service users at Approved Premises in the South West. Find out more about each fund and apply here
CLINKS MEMBER'S TRAINING: practicing restorative approaches
Restorative Solutions CIC are running Foundation and Practitioner Training [20th July, Manchester, £120 + VAT] to enable participants to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively practice restorative approaches in informal settings. As a result of the training, participants will be able to demonstrate: an understanding of the principles of restorative justice; sensitivity and recognition of the needs of others when applying restorative approaches; and the ability to identify and practice appropriate restorative approaches in a variety of settings. Find out more and book your place here
NON-MEMBERS' EVENTS
- 'Glimpse: Inside the Mind of a Child Sex Abuser’ | 20th May, Birmingham, from £259 + VAT | Details
- 'Gangs, youth violence and drugs – commissioning masterclass' | 29th May, London | Details
- 'Joining Up Prison Education: integration and re-integration' | 24th July, London, free | Details
CLINKS MEMBER'S VACANCIES
Member vacancies this week include: a Lead Project Mechanic with Life Cycle UK [Derby], a Project Manager, Support Worker, Business Development Manager, Administrator, Management Information Analyst, Employment and Recovery Coach and a Support Worker with Changing Lives [Various], a Navigator/Support Worker with Community Links [Batley], a Training and Volunteer Co-ordinator with Back on Track [Manchester], a Family Lead Practitioner with Lifeline Project [HMYOI Feltham] and a Project Worker with Nacro [London]. For more information about these vacancies and many more, click here
TIPS OF THE WEEK
- Tip of the week I: An all-inclusive holiday in Corfu, staying for seven nights at a four-star hotel, is only £299pp. Deal includes an upgrade to a sea view room, with flights from Leeds Bradford or Newcastle. Details
- Tip of the week II: Two people can get lunch at a Northumberland hotel's award-winning restaurant and a full day's spa access for £55. Details
- Tip of the week III: Get a voucher for a free Lego toy worth up to £6. Details
EXTRA INFORMATION
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Contact Us www.clinks.org | info@clinks.org | 020 7383 0966
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