Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 544 | 20th July 2018

[[{"fid":"5631","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"light lunch header no strapline","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"light lunch header no strapline"},"link_text":null,"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"light lunch header no strapline","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"light lunch header no strapline"}},"attributes":{"alt":"light lunch header no strapline","title":"light lunch header no strapline","height":"100","width":"514","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]

In this week's edition...

CLINKS REQUEST: are you waiting for a Charity Commission waiver?

We’d like to hear from you if you are currently awaiting a waiver decision from the Charity Commission in order to continue working for a charity due to forthcoming disqualification rules coming in on 1st August. The media is reporting a high number of people currently awaiting waiver decisions. Clinks is working with Unlock to provide guidance and support to charities and individuals affected by the new rules which disqualify people from being senior managers or trustees of charities if they have committed certain offences. Read our guidance on the rules here. If you are awaiting a waiver decision, please contact Jess Mullen at Jess.Mullen@clinks.org

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: women’s pathways through the criminal justice system

New Philanthropy Capital has published research entitled Understanding women’s pathways through the criminal justice system. The paper seeks to address the common characteristics and needs of women involved in criminal justice system and examine gaps in provision. It identifies five assets that will help women move away from crime, and explores where core funding could have a significant impact on women’s lives. Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: post-release opportunity in textiles

Fine Cell Work has a post-release Open the Gate Programme for people with convictions who want to learn more about the textiles industry. It offers a comprehensive package of support including: volunteering and work experience in a professional textiles workshop; training to complete an OCN accredited course; a mentor; access to funding; and an apprentice support officer. If you work with someone who would benefit, email Dawn at dawn@finecellwork.co.uk for more information.

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: when a family member goes to prison

Prison Voicemail has made an information video on what to expect when a family member goes to prison. The video explains what to expect, and the resources available, for the family and friends of people taken into custody in England and Wales. Watch the video here

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: start-up opportunity for women

The Healed Project is a six-week business start-up course for women affected by the criminal justice system. The course is designed to empower women; release them from guilt and shame, and remove stigma. It aims to helps women turn their lives around with a view of them moving forward to become successful in business.
Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: community sentences

The Centre for Justice Innovation is examining the relationship between the courts and probationary services, with a particular focus on the National Probation Service’s work in courts. Its interim analysis shows emerging findings from the national data on the use of pre-sentence reports (PSRs) and whether changes in their use have impacted on the use of community sentences. Between 2012-13 and 2016-17 there has been a 22% fall in the number of new PSRs. Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: prison service journal

The Centre for Crime and Justice Studies has published Prison Service Journal: 238. The issue has a family focus and includes articles such as 'Family Matters. A critical examination of family visits for imprisoned mothers and their families' by Dr Natalie Booth, De Montfort University and 'A qualitative study of imprisoned fathers: Separation and the impact on relationships with their children' by Dr Geraldine Akerman, Therapy Manager at HMP Grendon. Find out more here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Reducing Reoffending Board launched

We’re pleased to announce that the Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory group (RR3), a voluntary sector advisory group to the Ministry of Justice chaired by Clinks CEO Anne Fox, will act as an advisory group to the Reducing Reoffending Board, chaired by David Lidington. The Board - attended by Ministers from the Home Office, Work and Pensions, Treasury, Housing, Health and Social Care, Communities and Local Government, Education, Wales and Justice - aims to establish a cross-government approach to reducing reoffending. Its first meeting focussed on the recently published education and employment strategy for adult prisoners, and how government departments could do more to support the delivery of the strategy. Find out more about the RR3 here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: alcohol and drug misuse treatment

Unlocking The Potential of Mutual Aid in Prisons is a Joint Public Health England (PHE) and Her Majesty's Prison and Probation Service guidance document for prison governors/directors which forms part of PHE’s Mutual Aid Toolkit for alcohol and drug misuse treatment. The guidance summarises the evidence base for the effectiveness of mutual aid and the benefits it can offer as part of a suite of evidence-based interventions to address substance misuse within prisons. Read the guidance here (PDF)

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: prison vetting process

Mutual Aid, Prison Security and Pre-Appointment Vetting is an Her Majesty's Prison and Probation Service guidance document which explains the prison vetting process, clears up some common misconceptions and offers help to prospective applicants, including information on applying for Standard Plus vetting. Although the primary aim of the guidance is to increase the likelihood of applications from members of mutual aid groups being successful, particularly those with previous convictions, most of the material is equally applicable to paid and unpaid workers operating in a non-directly employed role or volunteers delivering rehabilitative activities for a prison or an organisation operating in a custodial environment. Find out more here

FUNDING: justice and equality

Rosa has launched a justice and equality fund which consists of two streams. The Advice and Support programme aims to increase access to support, signposting and expert legal advice for people who have experienced sexual harassment and abuse. Specialist organisations providing emotional support to survivors can also apply for grants of between £25,000 and £200,000. The Changing the Conversation programme will offer £250,000 worth of development grants to develop a strategic communications network that aims to build the capacity of organisations already working to raise awareness of the impact of harassment and abuse, challenge the current culture of impunity and to prevent both from happening in the first instance. The deadline for applications is 30th July. Find out more here

FUNDING: building connections

A £11.5 million Building Connections Fund partnership between the government, Big Lottery Fund and the Co-op Foundation has been launched. Grants are between £30,000 and £100,000. It aims to: increase social connections; support organisations to build on their existing work; encourage organisations to join up with others locally; and improve the evidence base and use learning to inform longer-term policy and funding decisions. The deadline for applications is 24th August. Find out more and apply here

CLINKS MEMBER'S TRAINING: playwriting for people with convictions

Synergy Theatre Project is offering a free Introduction to Playwriting ten-week course for ex-prisoners and/or people serving or who have served community/suspended sentences [5th September- 7th November, London, free]. No previous writing or theatre experience is necessary, just a passion for telling stories and a commitment to develop as a writer. The deadline for applications is 5pm Friday 17th August. For more information and to sign up contact studio@synergytheatreproject.co.uk or 0203 668 6730

CLINKS MEMBER'S TRAINING: mental health and homelessness

Homeless Link is running 'Mental Health and Homelessness' [20th September, London, from £95]. This one day course aims to help you develop the skills you need to support vulnerable clients with mental health issues. This course is suitable for frontline staff or experienced professionals who want to update their skills. Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBERS' VACANCIES

Vacancies on the jobs board this week include: a Research and Evaluation Officer with Barnardo’s National Information Centre on Children of Offenders [Bristol], Support Person with Waymarks [Milton Keynes], Drug and Alcohol Practitioner with The Forward Trust [HMP Downview], Community Resettlement Worker with Shelter [Lancashire], Research Assistant with Prison Reform Trust [London], Yorkshire Regional Manager with St Giles Trust [West Yorkshire], CJS Head of Community Services with Social Interest Group [London], Ex-Prisoner Exhibition Hosts with The Koestler Trust [London], Community Directory with Imagine If Theatre Company [Leeds], and a Navigator with Humankind [South Shields]. For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here

TIPS OF THE WEEK

  • Tip of the week I: Free West End show tickets for kids. Details
  • Tip of the week II: Two night camping pod stay in Shropshire from £49. Details
  • Tip of the week III: Discount prescription glasses and sunglasses from £10. Details

EXTRA INFORMATION

About Clinks Light Lunch

This edition of Light Lunch has been sent to the inbox of 11, 300 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

Clinks logo

[Disclaimer]

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

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

© Clinks, 2018

Registered office: Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA

Registered charity: 1074546 | Company limited by guarantee in England & Wales: 3562176