Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 570 | 1st February 2019

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In this week's edition...

CLINKS NEWS: run a workshop at our conference

We are inviting our members to take part in our annual conference 2019 by running sessions that explore, examine, and celebrate how voluntary organisations working within the criminal justice system create change together. The conference takes place in London on the 9th May. We encourage organisations to propose workshops that include: collaboration with other organisations and/or experts by experience; consideration of the needs of people in the criminal justice system who are protected under the Equalities Act (2010); and how organisations can stand together to speak freely on behalf of, and amplify the voice of, their service users. If you would like to propose a session at the conference contact events@clinks.org by Friday 15th February.

CLINKS EVENTS: creating change together

Join us to discuss how we can create change together at our annual conference [9th May, London, Early bird tickets from £60]. The voluntary sector’s role is more important than ever, but it faces unprecedented challenges. We need to work together to speak up on behalf of service users and communities, and to provide flexible services that meet changing needs. Clinks is ambitious about the future and potential of the sector. The Clinks annual conference offers you a chance to hear from key policy and decision makers, and to network with voluntary sector organisations and government officials. Find out more here

NATIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE ARTS ALLIANCE NEWS: arts and criminal justice conference

The National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance has announced speakers for its annual conference [27th February, Birmingham, £90 (bursaries available)]. How can the arts respond to issues faced by young people in the justice system? The conference will aim to answer this question through workshops, performances, panel discussions and speeches. Attendees will hear from Abid Hussain, Director of Diversity, Arts Council England; Neal Hazel, Youth Justice Board; Matt Griffiths, CEO, Youth Music; Dr Lynnette Kelly, West Midlands Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner; and (video message) input from Edward Argar MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice. Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: criminal records disclosure

Unlock has responded to the judgment of the Supreme Court on the criminal records disclosure regime. The court ruled that the criminal records disclosure regime as it applies to multiple convictions and childhood warnings/reprimands is disproportionate. Unlock provided an intervention to the court to highlight the consequences of the current regime and the alternative, fairer systems available. Christopher Stacey, co-director of Unlock, said: “This is an important ruling which stands to affect many thousands of people with old and minor criminal records who have been unnecessarily anchored to their past….Today is a crucial step towards achieving a fair and proportionate filtering system that takes a more calibrated and targeted approach towards disclosing criminal records” Read the statement here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: incentives in prison

The Prison Reform Trust has published a Prisoner Policy Network report entitled What incentives work in prison? The report is the result of a consultation exercise with over 1,250 people with experience of prison. It finds that people in prison need meaningful incentives which both motivate and allow them to take responsibility for their behaviour. It finds that ensuring basic standards of decency in prison conditions; restoring trust in the incentives scheme; developing supportive prisoner and staff relationships; providing meaningful incentives; and giving prisoners the opportunities to rebuild trust, all contribute to a better prison. Read the report here (PDF)

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: sharing insights

The Forward Trust has published its most recent issue of Pulse, a series of briefings that draw on its experience of working with people with convictions and people in recovery from addiction. The briefings share insights from analysis of client data and practice, examples of innovation and service improvement, as well as evidence of personal, social and economic impact. This issue of Pulse focuses on how Forward involved service users and stakeholders as equal partners in the design of its East Kent Substance Misuse Service and the impact that this approach has had. Read the report here (PDF)

CLINKS MEMBER’S BLOG: improving diversity

In this blog for Russell Webster, Martin Jones, Chief Executive of the Parole Board, discusses improving the diversity of the Board’s membership as part of its current recruitment drive. He writes “Whilst 14% of the general population and over 25% of people in prison are from a black, Asian and minority ethnic background; over 95% of our Parole Board members are from a white background and we currently have no black members. In my view that is indefensible...” Read the blog here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: children in custody

HM Inspectorate of Prisons has published Children in Custody 2017–18, an analysis of 12–18 year-olds’ perceptions of their experiences in secure training centres and young offender institutions. It finds that signs of improvement in youth custody establishments have yet to translate into greater feelings of safety for those detained. Peter Clarke, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons said “It is notable that there has been no statistically significant shift in the perceptions of children about their treatment and conditions […] Too many children […] report having felt unsafe since coming into custody.” Read the report here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: safety in custody

The Ministry of Justice has published Safety in Custody Statistics, England and Wales. The statistics show that: The number of prisoners who died by suicide rose by 31% in 2018; overall deaths in custody rose by 10% in 2018; assaults increased by 20% in the 12 months to September 2018; assaults on staff rose by 29%; and incidents of self-injury increased by 23%. Read the report here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: drug detection

Prisons Minister Rory Stewart has announced scanners which detect drugs on clothes and mail are up and running at 10 of the most challenging prisons as part of the 10 Prisons Project. The technology can detect invisible traces of drugs, including psychoactive substances, soaked into clothing and paper. Find out more here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: probation research and evaluation

HM Inspectorate of Probation has published its first Research and Analysis Bulletin of 2019. The bulletin focuses upon the availability and delivery of interventions for probation service users across England and Wales, encompassing the role of contracted providers and partners in supporting desistance from offending, and in keeping other people safe. Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: performance at HMP Stafford

Following the success of last year's Past Time project, Rideout is embarking on three further performing arts residencies [21st February, Stafford, free], known collectively as Staging Time. The first of these, The Biomechanics of the Treadwheel, will use a mix of parkour, contact improvisation, and Meyerhold’s actor training methodology to create a dance performance. If you would like to attend, please contact Rideout no later than 14th February. Find out more and book here

CLINKS MEMBER'S TRAINING: governance of women’s organisations

Women’s Resource Centre (WRC) is running training for women’s organisations and projects ‘Joining the Dots Between Governance, Trustees, and Fundraising’ [28th February, London, £25 for WRC members; £50 for non-members]. It is aimed at CEOs and members of senior management, or individuals preparing to move into senior management roles. The session will cover: the principles of good governance; the roles and responsibilities of trustees; board recruitment; and fundraising. Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: faith, death and strife

Synergy Theatre Project, in association with Theatre503, is holding ‘There is a Field’ [20th February-16th March, London, £17/£12], a play written by former prisoner Martin Askew. ‘There is a Field’ is a London story of faith, death and family strife reshaped by local crises and global events. Find out more and book here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: facing loss and bereavement

Revolving Doors Agency is holding a 'Loss and bereavement' seminar [6th March, London, £tbc]. Are researchers asking the right questions about loss and bereavement? Do practitioners know how to deal with loss and bereavement? This research and policy seminar will discuss these issues. Contact Dr Ann Hanrahan to request a place: ann.hanrahan@revolving-doors.org.uk

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: the road to rehabilitation

The Academy for Social Justice Commissioning is holding a seminar ‘The road to rehabilitation from an ex-offender’s perspective’ [18th March, Bristol, free]. Jacob Hill, Managing Director of Offploy C.I.C. will share his journey from prisoner to becoming Managing Director of his own agency. During his talk Jacob will discuss his mission to reduce reoffending and make society safer. The audience will also hear from an ex-service user who has turned his life around with Jacob's support. Find out more and book here

NON-MEMBERS' EVENTS AND TRAINING

The Association of Chairs’ Beacon Programme workshops for Chairs of small charities | £20, various dates and locations | Details

FEATURED VACANCY: Communications Consultant

Transform Justice is seeking a Communications Consultant to support the Reframing Justice project [Up to £300 per day, home based, freelance]. The project is designed to change the public conversation about crime and justice. Clinks is part of this project alongside the Criminal Justice Alliance and the Standing Committee for Youth Justice. The role involves working intensively with six selected charities in the criminal justice voluntary sector to help them communicate in ways that shift public thinking. This is a freelance contract, rates to be discussed. The deadline to apply is 22nd February. Find out more here (PDF)

CLINKS MEMBERS' VACANCIES

Vacancies on the jobs board this week include: An Engagement Officer with Changing Lives [London], Program Facilitator with Kainos Community [Haverigg], Peer Mentor and Volunteer Coordinator with Humankind [Cleveland], Management Board Member with Jigsaw [Leeds], Family Resettlement Team Leader with Pact [HMP Brixton], Lecturer in ICT 50% with Weston College [HMP Portland], Management Accountant with Advance [London], Engagement Team Members with User Voice [various], Women's Community Support Worker with The Footprints Project [Dorset] and a Social Media and Website Volunteer with The Koestler Trust [London]. For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here

TIPS OF THE WEEK

  • Tip of the week I: Free craft workshops for children over half term at Hobbycraft. Details
  • Tip of the week II: £12 discount on £60 shop at Sainsbury's. Details
  • Tip of the week III: Seven nights all inclusive, including flights, in Rhodes from £169. Details

EXTRA INFORMATION

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