Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 581 | 26th April 2019

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In this week's edition...

CLINKS VACANCY: Communications Officer

Do you want to work for a charity supporting organisations who help transform the lives people in the justice system and their families? Are you a skilled communicator, a good writer, with excellent attention to detail and IT skills? We're looking for a Communications Officer [£26,999 plus 6% pension, full time, London]. This exciting role is essential to promoting the important role of the voluntary sector working in the criminal justice system and our key messages. You will lead our social media presence, and write e-communications and website content with accuracy and consistency. You will support the Communications Manager to implement our communications strategy and tools to develop our profile and help achieve our strategic objectives. The deadline for applications is 9am 1st May. Apply here

CLINKS REPORT: mental health in prison

Clinks’ Whole prison, whole person report looks at how a holistic (whole prison) approach can support good mental health in prison. The report sets out principles and recommendations towards developing a whole prison approach to good mental health for people in contact with the criminal justice system, especially those protected under the Equality Act (2010). In particular, the report highlights the role of the voluntary sector in supporting a whole prison approach to mental health care. Download the report here

NATIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE ARTS ALLIANCE BLOG: prison education commissioning

Jessica Plant, NCJAA’s Director, has shared some of what she has heard so far from arts and voluntary organisations using the new online procurement system for education services, also known as the Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS). She reflects on what the changes might mean for organisations working in prisons and how this might affect overall opportunities for people in prison. We'd like to know your experiences of using the DPS, including how you have found getting on to the DPS system; how you have found responding to call outs for services; and any benefits/disadvantages to the system. Read the blog and feed back here

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: the reality of serving an IPP sentence

Too many bends in the tunnel? is a research report by Sarah Smart for the Griffins Society which examines the experiences of women serving Indeterminate Sentences for Public Protection (IPPs). This was the first time any of the women involved had spoken about the reality of serving an IPP sentence. They all spoke about the lack of information about IPPs, the frustration and confusion and the adverse effect on their mental health. The report recommends: there be a designated IPP caseworker in recognition of this group’s complex needs; ending the IPP sentence once the Parole Board has ordered release, limiting licence lengths; and dealing with any further offences under normal sentencing provisions. Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: rehabilitating sex offenders

Sky News' New Lines series has featured Circles - a charity network of volunteers rehabilitating sex offenders - in an online report with video extracts. The report trails a Sky documentary on the charity. It includes the story of Sam, who has been working with Circles for over six months after serving more than 12 years in prison. Find out more here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: library services in prisons

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has published a Policy Framework which details the minimum mandatory requirements that governors and prison staff must adhere to in the provision of education and library services in adult prisons in England. Clinks and the National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance responded to a closed consultation which informed the framework. Our response welcomed the ambition for the purpose of education in prisons to unlock potential, build social capital and improve wellbeing of people, rather than only focussing on employability and skills. We're pleased to see that the framework recognises a prison library must provide prisoners with opportunities for wider cultural engagement. Find out more here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: probation inspection in Wales

HM Inspectorate of Probation has assessed the National Probation Service (NPS) in Wales as Good overall, the second-highest rating. Its case handling was mostly good and, in one respect, Outstanding. Inspectors found it to have dynamic, effective leaders and enthusiastic staff committed to high-quality work. However, like other parts of the NPS across England and Wales, the service in Wales suffered from a shortage of probation officers, meaning some staff had unacceptably high workloads, despite the leadership’s efforts to mitigate the impact of shortages. Find out more here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: solitary confinement and restraint

The Joint Committee on Human Rights has published a report from its inquiry into solitary confinement and restraint in youth detention. It finds that children’s rights are being commonly breached due to unacceptably high rates of restraint and being separated from human contact too often and for too long. Black, Asian and minority ethnic children are particularly affected, experiencing higher rates of segregation and restraint. The report recommends improvements in data collection; more transparency over decision-making when children are separated for a prolonged period of time; and prohibiting the use of specific pain-inducing techniques and restraint for the purposes of ‘discipline and good order’. Read the report here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: preventing ill-treatment in detention

The UK National Preventive Mechanism (UK NPM) has submitted a report to the 66th session of the Committee against Torture - Preventing ill-treatment in detention in the United Kingdom. On 6th and 7th May, the UK Government will be questioned on its progress in implementing the UN Convention Against Torture at a formal review in Geneva. The review, conducted by a body of international experts, will cover a wide range of issues including conditions in prisons and other places of detention, use of force, restraint and solitary confinement, the treatment of women and children, and deaths in detention. The UK NPM will be tweeting from the session @uknpm. Read the report here

FUNDING: community funding in Wales

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys, Dafydd Llywelyn, has today launched a community fund programme where grants of between £5,000 and £10,000 will be made available to groups and organisations across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys. Dafydd Llywelyn is inviting applications from voluntary and community organisations, as well as the public and private sectors, for projects which will have a positive impact on the security and safety of local communities. Successful projects must reflect the key priorities: Keeping our communities’ safe, safeguarding the vulnerable, protecting our communities from serious threats, and connecting with communities. The application deadline is 24th May. Find out more here

FUNDING: social investment

The Forward Enterprise Fund supports enterprises and charities that create employment opportunities for ex-offenders and people in recovery from addiction. The fund is a partnership between Social Investment Business and The Forward Trust backed by Access – The Foundation for Social Investment, Big Lottery Fund and Big Society Capital as part of their wider Growth Fund initiative. Now marking its 1-year anniversary, the fund is still open for applications for loans, grants and business support. If your organisation helps break the cycle of re-offending and addiction – apply today. Find out more and apply here

CLINKS PARTNER'S EVENT: being dependent on commissioning

Academy for Social Justice's 'Power dynamics in "service provision"' seminar [8th May, Manchester, free] will feature Polly Neate, CEO of Shelter. Polly will discuss the impact of being dependent on commissioning for survival and the impact of this on mission, service quality and innovation. Find out more here

CLINKS PARTNER'S EVENT: NHS Long Term Plan

The Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Health and Wellbeing Alliance is hosting a webinar [9th May, 1-2pm] on the NHS Long Term Plan and opportunities for voluntary organisations. The plan sets out the vision for improving health and care over the next 10 years. Clinks is pleased to see that some of the key issues we identified in our submission to the consultation are reflected in the final plan. Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships (STPs) and Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) will be developing and implementing their own five year strategies to take forward the Plan in their areas. They are expected to engage with stakeholders including voluntary organisations. Register here

CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: communications workshops

Transform Justice is holding two half-day communications workshops [10th May, 12-3pm | 20th May 11.30am-2.30pm | central London | free]. Would you like to communicate more effectively? The workshops are to help you develop messaging by improving the way you frame your work, including avoiding fatalism or crisis, and using values and metaphors. Places are limited. For bookings, please email liz@transformjustice.org.uk

CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: networking and performance

Imagine If invites businesses with inclusive recruitment policies, recruitment agencies and organisations who support people with convictions to attend its next Networking and Performance Event [24th May, HMP Hull, free]. The event includes a performance created and presented by a group who are due for release, created with Imagine If during 'Bird on the Wing', an intensive theatre and employability intervention. Booking by 20th May is essential. Find out more here

BLOG: physical activity in prison

Following the publication late last year of the Ministry of Justice commissioned review A Sporting Chance by Professor Rosie Meek into the role off sport, PE and physical activity in prison, Andy Mouncey of Run For Your Life CIC has just completed a first pilot project at HMP Stafford testing how those recommendations could be integrated in the culture, practice and programming of a prison. Read more in his blog post here

FEATURED VACANCY: Chief Executive

Thames Valley Partnership seeks a new Chief Executive [£55,638 to £60,879, Buckinghamshire, full time] with excellent leadership and partnership skills to lead the charity into the next phase of its development, provide vision and manage all aspects of the organisation on behalf of the Board of Trustees. The successful candidate will ensure high quality delivery on the current priorities; uphold the values of the organisation; ensure the needs of beneficiaries are at the heart of all organisational activity; work with staff, stakeholders and trustees to develop and deploy a vision for the longer-term future of the charity. The closing date is 8am on Monday 13th May.‌ Find out more here

FEATURED VACANCY: Treasurer

Shannon Trust, based in London, is seeking an inspiring individual to become a member of its active, committed Board of Trustees in the role of Treasurer. As Treasurer, you will play a vital role in providing overview, insight and guidance to the Board regarding organisational financial strategy and legislative compliance. In addition, as a member of the Board of Trustees, you will be responsible for governance, strategy, performance management, and leadership of the charity. In particular, we are seeking people with experience and knowledge of charity finance, but this is not essential. This is an unpaid role, but reasonable expenses will be paid for travel to meetings and agreed out of pocket expenditure. The application deadline is 26th May. Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBERS' VACANCIES

Vacancies on the jobs board this week include: Sexual Exploitation Case Worker with Changing Lives [Tyneside], Lecturer in Barbering – HMP Coldingley with Weston College (Offender Learning) [Woking], Operations Director with Nepacs [Durham], Community Responsible Officer with Penrose Criminal Justice Services [Ealing], Recovery Navigator with Humankind [Barnsley], Fundraising Assistant with Oasis Project [Brighton], Fundraising and Communications Officer with Prisoners’ Advice Service [London], Peer Advisor and Placement Coordinator with St Giles Trust [Leeds], HR Business Partner with The Forward Trust [Kent], Kitchen Manager with Jigsaw Visitors’ Centre [Leeds], Programmes Coordinator with Safe Ground [London]. For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here 

TIPS OF THE WEEK

  • Tip of the week I: Save 44% on a Devon getaway.  Details
  • Tip of the week II: Café Rouge two course meal for two for £19.  Details
  • Tip of the week III: Gift idea for a book lover with 30% off.  Details

EXTRA INFORMATION

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