Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 405 | 11th September 2015

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In this week's edition....

CLINKS REQUEST: your input invited for our training courses

If you currently deliver the Clinks Volunteering with Offenders training (either the Prison or the Community version), you may want to comment on the rewrite which is currently underway. We are looking for a small group of voluntary sector organisations to join our email-based reference group, so that we can run our ideas past you and get your input. If you are interested, please email louise.clark@clinks.org by Friday 18th September stating when you last delivered the training.

CLINKS VACANCY: membership & marketing officer

Clinks have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced candidate to join our respected communications team as our Membership and Marketing Officer. You will take a lead role in marketing Clinks' products and services; administering, promoting and developing our membership scheme; maintaining and improving our database and website functionality; and assist in writing, designing and proof-reading materials for publication. The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday 21st September. Find out more here

CLINKS NEWS: volunteering around Europe

The Justice Involving Volunteers in Europe project’s latest newsletter includes their latest report exploring the role and value of volunteers across European Criminal Justice Systems, training volunteers in Hamburg, social volunteering in Portugal, restorative justice on Sardinia, and Brazilian rehabilitation methods in Hungary. Read the latest newsletter here

CLINKS WORKSHOP: writing winning bids

Do you want help on how to answer Expressions of Interest (EOIs), Pre-Qualification Questionnaires (PQQs), and Invitation To Tenders (ITTs), and understand how they are evaluated? Clinks and Candour Collaborations will be hosting an interactive one day workshop [22nd October, Cardiff, from £50] to support voluntary sector organisations working in the Criminal Justice System to effectively identify contract and sub-contract opportunities, write strong narrative responses, and engage Tier 1 providers to secure positions within supply chains. Find out more and book your place here

CLINKS RESPONSE: to the Spending Review

‘A country that lives within its means’ outlines the Government’s priorities for its Spending Review 2015 and the principles that will guide its decisions. Clinks’ response to the Spending Review 2015 focuses primarily on the review’s priorities around criminal justice and some of the other priority areas outlined which may impact on the Criminal Justice System (CJS) and the cost of providing services to those in contact with it. We concentrate on key issues for the CJS which may impact on costs and which we believe the Treasury and the Ministry of Justice should consider when assessing or developing policy proposals. Read our response here

CLINKS GUEST BLOG: does TR spell trouble for small charities?

In this Clinks guest blog, Paul Streets from Lloyds Bank Foundation provides an analysis of their recent research into the experiences of 800 small and medium sized charities. Paul says: "Transforming Rehabilitation has been lauded by the new government as a model to replicate for other areas of social service reform. Does this spell trouble for small and medium sized charities and if it does, will they cope? 'Expert Yet Undervalued and on the Frontline', our recent report from research among 800 small and medium sized charity grantees, shows us that these charities are already having a tough time." Read the blog post here

NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR ARTS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE NEWS: community art in Surrey

The National Alliance for Arts in Criminal Justice’s latest case study looks at the Watts Gallery’s ‘Big Issues’ project, which sees the gallery work with local community groups from in and around Surrey offering practical art, craft and design workshops led by professional artists and designers. The sessions help participants to develop confidence and learn transferable skills through creating art. Participants work towards creating finished pieces inspired by the Watts collection, which are then displayed in an annual exhibition in which participants are given the opportunity to sell their work. Click here to read the case study

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: evaluation of a peer mentoring project

The University of Birmingham has published an independent evaluation of the Transforming Lives peer mentoring project delivered by Crossroads Trust. The project aimed to provide support to offenders resettling to North Warwickshire to achieve their goal of desisting from re-offending through a model of peer-led support. The findings of the evaluation demonstrate the clear need for the service and highlight the developmental potential of the project for the future. Download the evaluation here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Michael Gove's speech on prison education

On Tuesday Michael Gove announced a review of education provision in prisons. Jess Mullen, Clinks’ Policy Manager blogs about what we might expect from the review and what Clinks suggest it needs to consider. Read the blog here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: inspection of probation

HM Inspectorate of Probation is carrying out an Inspection of Early Work and Effective Recording undertaken by the NPS and CRCs in Berkshire during the week commencing 19th October 2015. If you have any queries about this, please contact HM Inspectorate of Probation (Enquiries) mailbox at Enquiries.HMIProb@hmiprobation.gsi.gov.uk

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: farm shop opens at HMP Erlestoke

HMP Erlestoke in Wiltshire has set up a Farm Shop, due to open on 1st October. They will be selling fresh seasonal vegetables, garden plants and flowers, furniture and eggs. Find out more here

FUNDING: get London cycling

Cycling Grants London is offering grants of up to £10,000 over three years for projects that target groups that are traditionally under-represented in cycling (through income, health, ability, skills and access to information or equipment).The funding will support not-for-profit cycling activities that are tailored to local communities in London. To be eligible, projects should encourage people to cycle more often and cycle more safely, or focus on connecting with a diverse range communities which are currently detached, for a variety of reasons, from cycling in London. The grants can be used to buy equipment, train staff or volunteers and cover running costs. The deadline for applications is 21st September. Find out more and apply here

FUNDING: get funding for your dream project

Charities can apply for up to £1m from the Dream Fund, an opportunity to deliver the project you have always dreamed of, but never had the opportunity to bring to life. Dream Fund are asking charitable organisations across Great Britain to think big, be ambitious and collaborate with other not-for-profit partners to deliver their dream project. Applications must be innovative, creative and original, and present projects that are a genuine ‘dream’. All applications must come from at least two organisations that have joined forces to deliver an innovative project. The deadline for applications is 22nd September. Find out more and apply here

FUNDING: core costs support for criminal justice organisations

The Triangle Trust is currently inviting applications for Development Grants from not-for-profit organisations whose sole purpose is to support the rehabilitation of offenders or ex-offenders. The grants provide funds towards organisational core costs to support the development of a solid foundation for the long-term. The Triangle Trust would like to see applicants use these grants to develop sustainable income sources, so that when the grant comes to an end the organisation’s income will not be reduced. Funding is available for up to £40,000 per year for 3 years. The closing date for submissions is noon on Thursday 5th November 2015. Previously unsuccessful applicants to the Trust must wait two years before re-applying. Find out more and apply here

CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: celebrating women's centres

'Women’s Lives, Influencing Change' is a Nelson Trust event [21st October, London, free] celebrating 30 years of two Women’s Centres influencing change at grass roots. You will hear from key influencers in areas like domestic violence and trauma-informed treatment and what the future holds for the sector, with speakers including Diana Barran, Chief Executive Officer, SafeLives; Baroness Lola Young of Hornsey; and Lady Edwina Grosvenor, Prison Philanthropist. Find out more and book your place here

CLINKS PARTNER'S EVENT: what if there was no voluntary sector?

Clinks Director, Clive Martin, will be speaking at an Academy for Justice Commissioning seminar [14th October, London, free], reflecting on the key question posed in this year's annual review - What if there was no voluntary sector? Clive will offer his thoughts on what the future holds for voluntary organisations and the Criminal Justice System. Clive has worked for Clinks since it was set up in 1997 and has campaigned tirelessly on the importance of commissioning the voluntary sector and continually pressed for improvements in the Criminal Justice System. Find out more and book your place here

 

NON-MEMBERS' EVENTS & TRAINING

  • 'Mental Wealth in the criminal justice system ' | 17th September, London, free | Details
  • ‘The New Dynamics of Bullying and Victimisation amongst Young Men in Custody' | 28th September, Birmingham, free | Details
  • 'Employer’s Forum for Reducing Re-offending (EFFRR) Employer Celebration event' | 8th October, London | Details

PUBLICATION: families' role in the CJS

'Relative Justice' is a new Prison Reform Trust and POPS report that highlights the experiences and views of family members of people with particular needs in contact with criminal justice and liaison and diversion services. The report finds that families play a key role supporting vulnerable people through the Criminal Justice System, but are often let down by a lack of effective support and accessible information. Download the report here

OPPORTUNITY: evaluate a women offenders project

Gibran UK has secured 'Innovation' funding from the Big Lottery to pilot the use of IT with women ex-offenders, particularly the use of tablet technology. The project has been operational for two years and they want to commission an evaluation team with experience of ICT or working with women ex-offenders or preferably both. They don’t just want an outcomes based report; they want to work with evaluators who can explore with them and the women they have worked with the impact of the pilot and how the successes can be disseminated to a wider audience. The deadline for applications is 29th September. Download the full brief here

CLINKS MEMBERS' VACANCIES

Job vacancies this week include: a Data Officer with Spark Inside [London], a Resettlement Worker (Older Offenders) with Volunteer Centre Kensington/Chelsea [London], a Data Assistant & Administrator with Thames Valley Partnership/New Leaf [Chilton], a Senior Case Worker with St Giles Trust [HMP New Hall], a Volunteer & Programmes Manager with Fine Cell Work [London], Support Workers with Foundation [Redcar and Cleveland], a Sessional Project Worker with Nacro [Manchester], a Future 4 Me Project Worker and a Project Support Worker with 1625 Independent People [Bristol], a Communications Manager with Changing Lives [Gateshead], a Resettlement Worker [HMP Humber & HMP Hull], a Mentoring Volunteer Coordinator [Preston], Mentoring Officers [North East/North West], a Resettlement Team Leader [Northumbria] all with Shelter, a Seasonal Support Officer with Sova [Winchester], 2x Grants Officers and Assistant Support Workers (Nights) with Changing Lives [Gateshead], a Musician in Residence with Music in Prisons [HMP Coldingley], a Case Manager with St Loye’s Foundation [HMP Channings Wood], a Finance and Business Manager with Working Chance [London], an Administrator/Bookkeeper with Out There Supporting Families of Prisoners [Manchester], and a Fundraising and Communications Volunteer with the Prisoners Advice Service [London]. For further information about these vacancies and many more, click here

MENTORING & BEFRIENDING

Opportunities listed this week include: opportunities with Hibiscus Initiatives [London] and Volunteer Mentors with Nacro [South Yorkshire and Essex]. For further information about these opportunities and many more, click here

TIPS OF THE WEEK

  • Tip of the week I: This weekend many usually-closed or usually-charging English buildings are opening for free, including Beatrix Potter's house, Lion Salt Works, and BBC Bristol. Details
  • Tip of the week II: Stay five nights all inclusive in the Algarve for £199 per person, between November and March. Details
  • Tip of the week III: Stay two nights for £99 at a renovated coaching inn in Devon. Deal includes accommodation for two, breakfast and 20% dinner discount. Details

EXTRA INFORMATION

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Contact Us www.clinks.org | info@clinks.org | 020 7383 0966

 

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