Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 522 | 9th February 2018

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In this week's edition...

CLINKS SURVEY: we need to hear from you

We have launched our most recent state of the sector survey and want to hear from you. Our state of the sector research gathers the evidence we need to support voluntary organisations and lobby on your behalf so it’s vital that as many of you respond to our survey as possible. Last year we gathered the most detailed information we have ever had about voluntary organisations working in the criminal justice system and we want to make sure that we gather as much information as possible this year. As well as continuing to focus on the needs of your clients, your experiences of partnership working and service delivery we are also exploring how you are working to identify and meet the needs of your clients with protected characteristics. The survey closes on the 14th March. Take the survey here

CLINKS RESPONSE: women and equalities

Clinks and the Young Review worked together to submit a response to the Women and Equalities Committee inquiry into the race disparity audit. Our response draws on our own and others’ previous work on race and the criminal justice system including information from consultation events, which Clinks has previously held, to inform our submissions to the Lammy Review and to the committee’s previous inquiry into improving outcomes for people from Gypsy, Traveller and Roma communities. The response is structured around the questions posed by the committee’s inquiry, which cover what the race disparity audit reveals, how the government should respond to the audit, and what the audit tells us are the most pressing policy issues. In providing answers to the inquiry’s questions we have focused on the criminal justice data collated by the audit. Read the response here

CLINKS NEWS: policing, health and social care consensus

Policing, health and social care organisations in England have launched a new national consensus statement, agreeing to work together to improve people's health and wellbeing, prevent crime and protect the most vulnerable people. Clinks, alongside Nacro and NAVCA, has supported the development of the consensus as part of our work with the VCSE Health and Wellbeing Alliance, highlighting the need to fully involve the voluntary sector as key partners in delivering prevention and early intervention. We will be arranging a webinar in March to discuss how the Alliance can support implementation of the consensus principles going forward, and make sure the voluntary sector are fully engaged and involved. Read more about the consensus here

CLINKS BLOG: women and reducing reoffending

This is a guest blog by Laura Seebohm from Changing Lives, in which she reviews the women's sector, successes, challenges and debates. Laura was recently recruited onto the Reducing Reoffending Third Sector (RR3) group, where she will chair the Women's Networking Forums. She writes 'We all operate in different contexts, across different landscapes. The diversity of the sector can only bring greater insight and understanding of systems which can so often work against the needs of women.' Read the blog here

CLINKS REQUEST: donations for Light Lunch

Clinks has been providing this weekly newsletter, Light Lunch, to professionals working in the criminal justice system since 2006. In twelve years its readership has continued to grow from 100 to over 11, 000 subscribers, making it one of the most popular reads for those with an interest in the voluntary sector and criminal justice. Each issue of Light Lunch is packed full of essential information and resources, saving you time and making sure you never miss out on what you need to know. To help us to help you, we’d like to ask readers to make a small voluntary contribution of £20 or whatever you can afford. Please donate here

CLINKS MEMBER'S OFFER: charity insurance

Managing risk and getting the right insurance cover for organisations involved with the criminal justice system can be complicated. Litigation, regulation, cyber liability, trustee indemnity and protection against legal expenses all require specialist insurance expertise to get the right cover. Clinks is working with specialist broker Scrutton Bland to offer Clinks members: A minimum of 5% discount on the insurance premium, a free advice helpline on insurance risk management, a full review of your existing insurance requirements, and a full market exercise to provide alternative insurers and premiums. Scrutton Bland has a dedicated charity insurance department and has developed relationships with insurance providers who understand the charity sector. They can explain the different types of insurance cover available, support you in identifying the risks you face, and help you to protect you and your organisation. Contact Scrutton Bland on 08000 121 131 or email clinks@scruttonbland.co.uk

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: substance abuse and mental health

The Forward Trust has published research on its integrated approach to substance misuse and mental health issues in prisons. The research, based on data collected from participants of the organisation's substance misuse programmes (known as the RAPt programmes) shows that the number of service users reporting symptoms of depression and anxiety fell by 50% and 25% respectively following completion of the programme. The programme is based on a tailored mixture of support - including 12 Step interventions, cognitive behaviour therapy and mindfulness. After taking part in the programme the proportion experiencing the most severe symptoms dropped by almost a quarter for anxiety (71% - 54%) and over half for depression (57% - 25%). Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: prison education

The Prisoner Learning Alliance (PLA) has issued new guidance on how to become a PLA member. Membership is now open to both organisations and individuals, with a particular focus on involving people with lived experience of prison in decision making and delivery. The PLA is expanding its membership to build on the efforts of the initial 23 PLA members (of which Clinks is one), and a significant track record of influencing change in prison education policy and practice since 2012. Its vision is ‘that all prisoners can engage in high-quality and diverse learning opportunities to help them transform their lives’, and the PLA will serve as a community for all those who share this vision. Find out more here

FUNDING: improving outcomes for Gypsy, Roma and Travellers

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government intends to run a pilot programme of work to improve the outcomes of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. They are looking for six pilot projects in the areas of community cohesion, educational attainment and health outcomes, and welcome bids from organisations to deliver such interventions. To be eligible to receive the grant, an organisation must be a registered charity or have a charitable purpose. The successful bidder will also need to have a demonstrable record in delivering projects and working with Gypsy, Roma or Traveller communities. The deadline for applications is 18th February. For more information contact integration@communities.gsi.gov.uk

FUNDING: women in public life

The Large Grant Fund of the Centenary Grant Scheme is now open. The Government Equalities Office are offering grants of between £2,000 and £125,000 for projects that will increase the understanding of, and engagement with, democracy, and encourage women to participate in public life. Applicants should prioritise projects that are aimed at women and/or young people who are underrepresented such as people from lower socio-economic groups; people who are black, Asian or minority ethnic; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender plus; and/or living with a disability; and organisations involving people who are particularly disengaged from politics and civic life. The deadline for applications to the first round is 27th February. Find out more and apply here

FUNDING: health and community

The Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust awards grants to charitable organisations in the United Kingdom. Priority is given to projects focussing on: prisoners, homelessness, domestic abuse, access to the arts for those with limited opportunities, and refugees and asylum seekers. Grants are available up to £5,000 depending on the organisation's annual income. There are four application rounds per year, based on either health or community, each of which is open for a month. The deadlines for each in 2018 are: 28th February, 30th April, 31st July and 30th September. Find out more here

FEATURED VACANCY: Mentoring Co-ordinator

The Koestler Trust is recruiting a Mentoring Co-ordinator [£23,000, Outside HMP Wormwood Scrubs, full time, 12 month contract]. The Mentoring Co-ordinator’s role is to manage the Trust's Mentoring Scheme which aims to support people with convictions to use the arts as a tool to drive their resettlement. Alongside the Director of Outreach and supported by the Outreach Administrator the role will be responsible for helping to develop and deliver the scheme, and help plan, prepare and deliver a wide range of outreach projects. The role involves working closely with mentors and mentees, offering support to both parties and ensuring that targets for volunteer recruitment and matches are met. The ideal candidate will have experience of working directly with volunteers in a supporting role. The deadline for applications is 23rd February. Find out more and apply here

CLINKS MEMBERS' VACANCIES

Vacancies on the jobs board this week include: A Family Support Worker with Pact [HMP Gartree visitors centre], an Assistant Curriculum Manager with Weston College [HMP Portland], a Women's Engagement Team Member with User Voice [Kent, Surrey and Sussex], a Resettlement Worker with Changing Lives [Gateshead], a Recovery Coordinator with Disc [Skipton], Freelance Facilitators with Safe Ground [Manchester], and a Volunteer Coordinator with Apex Charitable Trust [Merseyside]. For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here

TIPS OF THE WEEK

  • Tip of the week I: Four nights in, and flights to, Krakow from £89. Details
  • Tip of the week II: Valentines Day meal at Prezzo for £20. Details
  • Tip of the week III: 10% discount at H&M. Details

EXTRA INFORMATION

About Clinks Light Lunch

This edition of Light Lunch has been sent to the inbox of 11, 338 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 rhiannedd.mclean@clinks.org

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