Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 410 | 16th October 2015

[[{"fid":"864","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":""},"type":"media","link_text":null,"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default"}}]]

In this week's edition....

CLINKS NEWS: valuing volunteers in prison

Clinks has just started work on a project commissioned by NOMS, which will put the current state of volunteering in prison under the spotlight. We want to talk to organisations that involve volunteers in their work in prisons, and to gather information about what supports and hinders good volunteering in prisons. We have funding to commission case studies from organisations that provide particularly good examples. At the end of the project (in March 2016) we will publish examples of good practice and an analysis of gaps and problems, as well as producing a handbook of guidance for prison governors and staff. There will also be a national conference presenting the findings. The project lead, Ben Jarman, has written a blog introducing the project here

CLINKS EVENT: what does good rehabilitation look like?

'Just and affordable rehabilitation: what does good look like?' is our national conference [1st December, London, from £50] that will explore some of the solutions to improving the lives of people affected by crime, and shine a light on how the voluntary sector can contribute by putting service user voice at the centre of the debate; delivering distinct approaches to tackle inequality and over-representation; working towards better collaboration across sectors; tackling health inequalities; and thinking about devolution to local areas. Speaking at the event will be Dame Anne Owers, Clive Martin, Anne Fox and Andrew Selous; and experts will take part in a panel discussion on what good rehabilitation looks like. Find out more and book your place here

CLINKS REQUEST: designing a single assessment route for offenders

Through her Streetcraft Scholarship, Jade Theaker will be designing a single referral / assessment route that may be used for a particular group of offenders (e.g. women, youth, veterans etc.) or for a particular need/issue (e.g. accommodation, domestic abuse, children and families). At this stage the only single referral / assessment route that she is aware of is local authorities using the same referral form as part of the new housing act and she is really interested in whether there are similar processes being used and how they have been implemented. Please contact Jade directly if you have any information at Jade.Theaker@probation.gsi.gov.uk

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: members shortlisted for prestigious awards

Music in Prisons, Khulisa, Working Chance, Switchback and West Yorkshire Community Chaplaincy Project have all been shortlisted in the Guardian's Charity Awards 2015. The Guardian says: "The awards offer a priceless leg-up to organisations that are delivering practical solutions to present-day problems, never more important than at a time of continuing austerity in our public services." Find out more about our shortlisted members here

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: Catch22 acquires Only Connect

Social business Catch22 announced this week the acquisition of creative criminal justice charity Only Connect. The deal has been designed to foster innovation in the public sector, and will pave the way for a new type of relationship between smaller and larger sized charities. Only Connect will continue to operate independently, retaining its brand, board of trustees, premises and charity number ... staff currently employed by Only Connect will continue in this employment, and all current frontline services and programmes that are funded or contracted will remain unchanged. Danny Kruger, Chairman of Only Connect, said: "Many smaller charities fear losing their identity in a merger. [This] announcement shows that there is an alternative, one which will foster innovation and provide a platform for growth." Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: independent review of violence reduction programmes

An independent evaluation of Clinks member Khulisa's prison intervention programmes shows positive outcomes for participants on the courses. Silence The Violence is a cognitive-behaviour programme contributing to a reduction in violence/assaults whilst offering longer term positive effects on reducing re-offending. Milestones Mentoring is a solutions-focused through-the-gate mentoring programme working with young offenders released from HMP YOI Isis. The independent evaluation was commissioned from the UK Cabinet Office under the Rehabilitation Social Action Fund, and was conducted by the Restorative Justice for All Institute (RJ4All). Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: new project to increase offender employment

Nacro have launched The Aeneid Project to help employers access the vast hidden talent pool of people with convictions. The project aims to provide local employers and other organisations with the confidence and tools to access a vast, largely untapped talent pool of people struggling to find a job due to employers’ blanket ex-offender exclusion policies. Find out more about the project here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Justice Secretary visits Texas

Secretary of State for Justice, Michael Gove, went to Texas recently, accompanied by a BBC camera crew. "As the UK's imprisonment rate remains the highest in Western Europe, Panorama joins Michael Gove - the man in charge of British prisons - on a fact-finding mission in Texas". You can watch the 29 minute video on BBC iPlayer here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: have your say on education in prisons

Dame Sally Coates has issued a call for evidence as part of her review into the provision of education in prisons. She said: "I passionately believe that prisoners should be entitled to access good quality learning opportunities that will support their personal development, rehabilitation and employment on release. To inform my thinking about options for reform I would like to invite the submission of evidence from anyone who has thoughts to contribute in relation to how the provision of education for adult prisoners (over 18s) can be improved." Have your say before the 13th November deadline here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: workshop on education in prisons

The Ministry of Justice intend to hold a workshop to discuss emerging findings of Dame Sally Coates' review into prison education. The provisional date is 3rd December, and they've asked Light Lunch readers to express an interest by emailing Education_Review@justice.gsi.gov.uk

FUNDING: tackling discrimination and injustice

The Edge Fund have grants of up to £3,000 available to support work run by and for communities facing discrimination and injustice. Specifically, they fund work that challenges abuses of power and aims to change society by bringing an end to the systems that cause injustice. While applicants may be working on short term reforms, Edge Fund are looking for applicants that ultimately aim to end or replace these systems with a just alternative, rather than trying to improve or reform them. To apply for a grant of up to £3,000 you need to answer five questions in no more than two pages. The deadline for applications is 25th October. Find out more and apply here

FUNDING: supporting local communities in Merseyside

Up to £3,000 is available for organisations in Liverpool and Merseyside that help children and young people realise their potential, to improve the health and well-being of individuals across the region, or tackle and reduce poverty. Organisations with an income of less than £100,000 can apply before the 9th November deadline. Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: the power of prison radio

'Inside Prison Radio' is Prison Radio Association's annual development and training conference [24th November, London, from £50] for prison radio practitioners, and anyone working in or around prisons who's interested in the power of prison radio. There will be contributions from leading experts in the radio industry who'll give you tips and advice on how to make simple, compelling radio that excites your audience and keeps them listening. You'll be able to hear some examples of great prison radio, and there will be plenty of opportunities to contribute your own thoughts and ideas, ask questions, share good practice and chat to prison radio colleagues from projects across the country. Find out more and book your place here

CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: gender inequality and offending

'Community-led Solutions to Gender Inequality, Victimisation & Offending' is an IARS conference [15th December, London, £50] that will bring together affected women, policy-makers, researchers, funders and practitioners to debate and publish cutting-edge work covering the following topics: Violence against women, Migration, Asylum & Gender, Female Offenders, Women-led, best practice models, Understanding and addressing inequality, crime and victimisation through gender. Find out more and book your place here

CLINKS MEMBER'S TRAINING: working with high risk young people

'Risk & Vulnerability Training Day' is a Prodigal Love CIC training day [14th November, London, £137.50], which aims to demystify stereotypes regarding caring for and working with young offenders and to introduce the concepts of risk and vulnerability. The course will cover: Why do young people offend? Who are offenders? Why is it important to understand the impact of social, environmental and emotional abilities/diagnosis on challenging behaviour? The importance of foster care placements for high risk and vulnerable young people; How can we be better equipped to manage risk and vulnerability? Find out more and book your place here

RESOURCE: anonymity of children in trouble with the law

The Standing Committee for Youth Justice has launched new resources for Youth Offending Teams (YOTs) on anonymity for children in trouble with the law, to help ensure the YOTs' views are heard in court. When children in trouble with the law are named by the press or in the local community, it can have serious implications for the work of YOTs, the children themselves, and their families. Courts decide whether a child in trouble can be identified. However, they often do so without considering the YOT’s views. Find out more and download the resources here

RESOURCE: women's offending in Wales

Gibran, as part of their digital inclusion project CONNECT, have been reaching out to offenders and women who are both socially and digitally excluded. The project has made IT loans, delivered training to develop digital skills, and provided support to address offending behaviour. Gibran have also developed a web resource, which they'd like Light Lunch readers' help to grow. If you would like your services adding, can recommend any relevant resources, or have any feedback it would be welcome. Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBERS' VACANCIES

Job vacancies from our members this week include: A Community & Custody Case Worker and a Community Case Worker [Yorkshire & Humber], and an Assistant Support Worker (nights) [North East] with Changing Lives, a Coordinator SOS+ Gangs Project [London], a Contract Manager [Norfolk & Suffolk], and a Resettlement Case Worker [HMP Bedford] with St Giles Trust, and a Support Worker (hostel based) with Foundation [Richmondshire]. For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here

TIPS OF THE WEEK

  • Tip of the week I: You can print 100 supermarket coupons worth over £80. Details
  • Tip of the week II: For £95 two people can stay overnight at The Crown, a 16th-century inn set in the hamlet of Playhatch, Berkshire. Deal includes breakfast and £68 restaurant credit. Details
  • Tip of the week III: For £149 two people can stay overnight at the 4-star Lodore Falls hotel, Borrowdale, Lake District. Deal includes dinner, breakfast, tea and scones and use of the indoor and outdoor swimming pools, outdoor hot tub, sauna, gym and tennis court. Details

EXTRA INFORMATION

Get involved Donate | Become a Member | Follow Clinks on Twitter | Join Mailing List

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

 

About Clinks Light Lunch

This edition of Light Lunch has been sent to the inbox of 9,624 people working (or with an interest) in the Criminal Justice System of England & Wales. Who are they?

To submit content, read the Notes for Contributors here

To unsubscribe, email joe.gardham@clinks.org

[Disclaimer]

 

Designed, composed and circulated every Friday by...

Joe Gardham and Ben Watson

Clinks