Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 455 | 23rd September 2016

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In this week's edition...

CLINKS STATEMENT: Transforming Rehabilitation inquiry

Clinks has published a statement in response to the House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts inquiry into Transforming Rehabilitation. The inquiry has found that progress has been slow and the revolution promised has not been realised as yet. Voluntary sector organisations, deemed central to the programme at the outset are not being engaged effectively. Anne Fox, Chief Executive Officer of Clinks said, “We all need our probation services to be the best they can, but right now they appear inconsistent and lacking in real innovation. To revolutionise and transform rehabilitation the voluntary sector’s expertise of working in innovative ways with impressive results needs to be fully involved. However, the Public Accounts Committee has recognised that the full potential of the voluntary sector is not being realised." Read the statement here

CLINKS OPPORTUNITY: preventing suicide and self-harm

We're looking for applications to join a new Special Interest Group of the Ministry of Justice's Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group (RR3) to explore how to provide effective care and support for people at risk of suicide and self-harm in prison. We will consider the role and contribution of the voluntary sector in providing care, the challenges and barriers to effective care and support, and make recommendations for change. We welcome applications from voluntary sector organisations whose work brings them into contact with people who may be vulnerable and at risk. The group's first meeting is on 20th October in London. Travel bursaries are available for those coming from outside London. Find out more and apply here

CLINKS OFFER: discounts on business planning guides

Clinks members can get three of DSC's business planning guides for £25. The guides would usually cost over £45. 'Business and Strategic Planning' takes you through the process from the inception of a business plan, through research and forward-thinking, to putting the plan into motion. 'A Practical Guide to Managing in a Downturn' provides practical legal and financial advice to help steer your organisation through tough times. 'Motivating Staff' gives tips and advice on how to keep staff motivated and energised. This offer ends 7th October. For more information click here

CLINKS EVENT: service user involvement

Are you new to service user involvement work? Would you like to transform how you involve your service users, but aren’t sure where to start? If so, this meeting of our service user involvement managers’ network [21st October, London, £25] is for you. Hear from organisations who have successfully introduced service user involvement, and from people with lived experience who are now helping to shape their services. With plenty of practical advice and opportunities to discuss your own situation, this event will equip you to make meaningful service user involvement a reality in your work. For more information and to book a place click here

CLINKS RESPONSE: Carers Strategy consultation

Clinks submitted a response to the Department of Health consultation on the Carers Strategy. Although the survey was primarily aimed at carers, it also offered an opportunity for other organisations to contribute information. We believe it is of the utmost importance that there is better identification of carers, including among those in prison and their families, and that they are able to access relevant information and advice. We need to improve services and other formal support for carers affected by the Criminal Justice System, ensuring that carers are fully involved in the design of those services. Download the response here

CLINKS RESPONSE: disqualifying people from acting as trustees

Clinks has responded to the Charity Commission’s consultation on the power to disqualify from acting as a trustee. We have worked alongside partners, such as Unlock and the Prison Reform Trust, to raise concerns on behalf of the voluntary sector about new powers granted to the Charity Commission under the Charities (Protection and Social Investment) Act 2016 to disqualify people with certain convictions or cautions from acting as trustees or being employed as senior managers in charities. This law is due to come into force in April 2017. Clinks is committed to removing any unnecessary barriers that stop people with lived experience of the Criminal Justice System from leading and shaping the voluntary sector. Download the response here

CLINKS RESPONSE: Big Lottery policy directions

Clinks has submitted a response to the Government’s proposed new policy directions for the allocation of Big Lottery Funds in England, the Isle of Man and UK-wide funding programmes. The Big Lottery Fund is the UK’s largest single distributor of National Lottery money, responsible for distributing 40% of all funds the National Lottery raises for good causes. It is the single largest funder of the voluntary sector across the UK. Clinks is committed to seeing a proportion of these funds spent on vital rehabilitation and resettlement services in the Criminal Justice System. Download the response here

CLINKS PARTNER'S NEWS: supported housing

HomelessLink has written a blog on the Government's recently announced plans for the future funding of supported housing. The announcement includes a delay on the implementation of the Local Housing Allowance Caps to supported and sheltered housing until 2019/20. A 1% rent reduction will apply to supported housing from April 2017 for the next three years. The blog looks at the impact the announcement will likely have on supported accommodation. Read the blog here

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: charity of the year

The Prison Radio Association has been named Charity of the Year at the Third Sector Awards. The Awards recognise those who give back to the community and celebrate organisations and social leaders from across the sector. The Charity of the Year award is given to the charity that has had a truly exceptional year and whose recent achievements have attracted the admiration of the sector. The judges said: “What these guys are achieving on a very small budget is phenomenal and benefiting not just their target population but potentially society as a whole." Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: office and meeting space in London

Only Connect is offering its community space in London's King's Cross for multi-purpose event and meeting hire. They also have limited office and hot-desk space available which is aimed specifically at charities. You will share space with other non-profits working in social justice, and have access to private meeting rooms. Rates are inclusive of bills, printing facilities, in-house IT support, tea and coffee. For enquiries please contact Savi Uppal at venue.enquiries@oclondon.org

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: evaluation of a family engagement service

Pact has published 'Bridging the gap', Cambridge University’s Institute of Criminology’s evaluation of its Family Engagement service. Researchers conducted interviews with prisoners, prison staff, family members of prisoners and Pact staff in one adult male and one female prison. They found encouraging evidence that Pact’s service, which involves specialist family workers operating inside prisons, improves the emotional well-being of prisoners and motivates improved compliance with the prison regime. During the review, the link between improved family relationships and an increase in hope for the future emerged strongly. Download the report here

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: dry bar opens in Manchester

Partners of Prisoners (POPS) has opened The Book Club, an alcohol-free space in Prestwich, Manchester. The bar will provide a social experience for those in recovery and for the general public who do not wish to be around a drinking culture. Diane Curry, CEO of POPS, said “This is very exciting, as The Book Club will not only offer a space for individuals who wish to socialise in a non-alcoholic environment but it will also provide employment and volunteering opportunities to those in recovery. The Book Club builds on POPS’ trading arm 2nd Chance, set up to offer pre-employability support to ex-offenders, their families and those in recovery.” Visit The Book Club's Facebook page here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: evidence given on accommodation for ex-offenders

On 14th September, Clinks alongside Working Chance, Unlock, and Revolving Doors Agency, gave oral evidence to the Work and Pensions Select Committee. Clinks was invited to give evidence following our joint response with Homelesslink to the Committee inquiry into support for ex-offenders. At the session, Nathan Dick, Clinks’ Head of Policy and Communications, responded to questions focused on employment, supported housing and Job Centre Plus staff. He raised issues including the decline in Release on Temporary Licence and the need for it to be increased as an essential tool for supporting rehabilitation and desistance; the need for join up across organisations and government - especially for those experiencing multiple needs; and the decline in people leaving prison having access to settled accommodation. Watch the evidence session here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: commissioning family services

The National Offender Management Service (NOMS) is running a series of regional roadshows [7th - 19th October, nationwide, free] for organisations interested in bidding to deliver services for the families of prisoners under the new procurement process. NOMS will describe their approach to this procurement opportunity, explain the policy context for the procurement exercise, and take feedback on the content and approach of the procurement. Bookings are open until noon 3rd October. Find out more here

FUNDING: multiple and complex needs

Inspiring Change Manchester has launched its Innovation Partnership Fund to support organisations working with people with multiple and complex needs across the city of Manchester. The Fund will support projects or events requiring funding of up to £500. The only criteria is that the funding is spent on something that would reduce the barriers experienced by those with multiple needs in accessing your service, and that the knowledge is fed back to benefit all who work with this client group. Find out more and apply here

FUNDING: creating resilient communities

The Home Office's Building a Stronger Britain Together programme is offering funding to civil society and community organisations that are working to create more resilient communities, to stand up to extremism in all its forms and to offer vulnerable individuals a positive alternative, regardless of race, faith, sexuality, age, and gender. The Fund will provide in-kind support up to a value of £75,000, and grants of between either £1,000 and £14,000 or £15,000 and £50,000. The deadline for applications for grants and combined in-kind/grant applications is 14th October. The deadline for applications for in-kind support is 9th December. Find out more and apply here

FUNDING: community transport

The Department of Transport's Community Transport Minibus Fund is open to applications. The Fund has the purpose of supplying new minibuses to not-for-profit community transport operators in England. The following organisations will be favourably scored: educational organisations that provide a role in education outside of traditional classroom learning, such as activity centres for disabled young people, or organisations who support adult learning; and organisations serving rural areas. The application deadline is 2nd December. Find out more and apply here

CLINKS MEMBER'S TRAINING: introduction to criminal justice

Rise Mutual is running the 'Introduction to the Criminal Justice System' training course for anyone working with offenders or with vulnerable groups who may come into contact with the Criminal Justice System (CJS). The course aims to provide an overview of the CJS and an offender’s journey; a better understanding of how to work with people who come into contact with the CJS; and the language, jargon and acronyms of the CJS. They can deliver the training on-site in your location. The course is delivered to a minimum of 8 participants at £95.00 + VAT per person. Additional places are £85.00 + VAT per person. For bookings and enquiries contact training@risemutual.org

OPPORTUNITY: helping small charities improve their finances

The Small Charities Programme is delivering subsidised training and events in 2017 to develop the knowledge and financial capabilities of small charities, helping them to inform their decision making, improving their resilience and increasing the difference they make in their communities. The programme is open to charities with an annual income of £1million or less. The half-day courses are on the following themes: budgets, management accounts and cash flow forecasting; how to prepare your reporting; introduction to paying people; bank accounts, outsourcing, accounting principles and managing risk; gift aid and how to claim it, trading and VAT. Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBERS' VACANCIES

Job vacancies this week include: Health Link Workers with Redcar and Cleveland Mind [Redcar], a Service Development Manager with Brighton Women’s Centre [Brighton], a Project Management Officer with Prisoners’ Education Trust [London], Female Recovery Support Workers with The Nelson Trust [Stroud], a Senior Finance Officer with Changing Lives [Darlington], a Resettlement Officer with Lincolnshire Action Trust [HMP Whatton] and Trainers/Assessors with St Giles Trust [HMP Wandsworth and HMP Bronzefield]. For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here

TIPS OF THE WEEK

  • Tip of the week I: Get a free eye test at Boots Opticians. Details
  • Tip of the week II: 3for2 toys at Argos. Details
  • Tip of the week III: An all-inclusive break in Marrakesh is £179pp. Details

EXTRA INFORMATION

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Clinks