Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 595 | 2nd August 2019

In this week's edition...

CLINKS BLOG: the MoJ shuffles responsibilities as well as ministers

Clinks’ members will be well aware that the ministerial team at the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has been shaken up again following Boris Johnson taking over at Number 10. Yesterday, the MoJ announced that it had re-distributed ministerial responsibilities. This is important information for Clinks’ members to know so that they can approach the right Minister to lobby about concerns for their specialist area of operation. Our blog sets out all the ministerial responsibilities in full. Read it here

CLINKS RESPONSE: the criminal justice inspectorates’ consultation on the joint inspection programme

Clinks responded to the criminal justice inspectorates’ consultation on the joint inspection (CJJI) programme. Our response provides key overarching principles for CJJI to embed in its programme of work, including: the role of the voluntary sector; service user involvement; meeting the needs of people with protected characteristics under the Equality Act. Read the full response here

CLINKS RESPONSE: social value in government procurement

Clinks responded to the Cabinet Office and Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport consultation on social value in government procurement. Our response focuses specifically on the impact that procurement has had, and may have in the future, on voluntary organisations working in criminal justice. It draws heavily on Clinks’ trackTR research, undertaken in partnership with NCVO and the Third Sector Research Centre into the impact of the Transforming Rehabilitation reforms on the voluntary sector. Read it here

CLINKS BLOG: an update on the work of the RR3 from the Chair

The RR3 is a voluntary sector advisory group to the government, which Clinks chairs and provides the secretariat for. In this blog, Anne Fox, Clinks CEO and chair of the RR3, explains how the group works with the government to ensure the expertise of the voluntary sector is reflected in policy making, and gives an update on some of group’s latest work. Read it here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: new chief operating officer appointed to lead Clean Sheet

Clean Sheet has appointed a new Chief Operating Officer to lead the charity into the next stage of its development. Samantha Graham, currently Head of Communications at Langley House Trust, has been appointed to this role, and will take over from Jane Gould BCAi, Clean Sheet’s Founder and current CEO, who is retiring this summer. Clean Sheet was taken over by the Langley House Trust Group earlier this year to provide the financial stability and infrastructure that will help them to continue supporting ex-offenders into employment. Find out more about the transition here

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: the Clink Charity on BBC News

The Clink Charity were featured on BBC News this week, quoting analysis from the Ministry of Justice's Justice Data Lab which found that their training projects are successful in reducing reoffending. For those trained in the Clink's flagship restaurant in Brixton Prison, the reoffending rate was 11%, compared with 32% for those who were not involved in the project. Read the full piece here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: new learning and skills strategy for prisons in Wales

HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) recently launched the ‘Learning and Skills Strategy for Prisons in Wales’ in collaboration with the Welsh Government. It sets out their shared vision for how prisons in Wales will boost prisoners’ skills while in custody to improve their chances of securing work on release. Read the new strategy here

FUNDING: organisations working with disadvantaged and disengaged young people

The deadline for applying for grants from the Peter Cruddas Foundation is 1st September. The Foundation gives priority to programmes designed to help disadvantaged and disengaged young people in the age range of 14 to 30, to pursue pathways to education, training and employment with the ultimate aim of helping them to become financially independent. Preference will be given to the support of projects undertaken by UK registered charities, in England and Wales only. Find out how to apply here

FUNDING: physical and mental wellbeing, increasing accessibility of the arts

The Chapman Charitable Trust are receiving applications for grants supporting national charities working across the UK, or local charities whose beneficiaries or activities are located in North Wales or South East England (Greater London, Herts, Cambs, Essex, Kent, East and West Sussex, Surrey and Hants.) They focus new grants on organisations which are: promoting physical and mental wellbeing; conserving our natural environment and promoting the sustainable use of resources; or increasing the accessibility of the arts, especially for young people. Applications must be registered UK charities and grants are normally from £1,000 to £2,000. The deadline to apply is 31st August. Apply online here

FUNDING: vulnerable young people and the elderly in West Midlands and London

The Field Family Charitable Trust are offering grants from £1,000 to £10,000 to registered local charities operating in the West Midlands and London within the boundaries of the M25. The Trusts' interests lie with projects related to vulnerable young people between the ages of 13-25 and the elderly. They are happy to consider applications for a wide variety of purposes, such as outreach, engagement, equipment, furnishings, running costs and helplines. The Trustees have a special interest in supporting NEET youth and in the prevention of young people from offending as well as in the integration/rehabilitation of ex-offenders. Apply by 4th September here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: stakeholder’s launch at HMP Brixton

Behind Bras are holding a stakeholder’s launch event at HMP Brixton [17th September, London, from £50]. The event will include a three-course meal in the exclusive Clink Restaurant at HMP Brixton, where guests will meet a range of speakers and hear presentations from leaders who support the Behind Bras Fashion Foundation. Your ticket includes a seat at the event and a contribution to their crowdfunding campaign, which will enable Behind Bras to launch the Foundation and provide opportunities to women from five UK Prisons. Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: writers past and present

Clean Break are holding an event at the Royal Court Theatre [7th September, London, £5-£10] where writers past and present will take to the stage. 'Clean Break's Writers: Here. There. Then. Now.' gathers a selection of progressive, brilliant artists together to share what they have learnt from working with Clean Break, what the future holds for women playwrights and why complicated, multifaceted representations of women on our stages are more essential than ever. Book now here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: focus groups for creative people with experience of the criminal justice system

Koestler Arts are undertaking research to evaluate their impact and find out how they can improve projects. They are holding two focus groups [22nd August, London, Free] at The Old Diorama Arts Centre (nearest station: Warren Street) to talk to creative people with experience of the criminal justice system who have not engaged with Koestler Arts. The morning focus group (11.00 – 12.30) will be for women, including those who identify as women. The afternoon focus group (14.30 – 16.00) will be for men, including those who identify as men. They will cover all travel costs and will provide refreshments for participants. They will also give all participants a £20 amazon voucher as a thank you for their time. If you are interested in joining, please email fina@koestlerarts.org.uk for further details.

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: reading in prison

Prison Reading Groups and Give a Book are holding their annual 'Reading in Prison' event [6th September 10:00-17:30, University of Roehampton, London, Free]. The day will celebrate what books can do in prison and explore and debate the obstacles from both sides – organisations trying to run reading initiatives and the prison staff who make them happen. Speakers include Alli Black, Deputy Governor of HMP Kirkham, and award-winning author Patrice Lawrence. Find out more here 

EVENT: symposium on Black Studies in Criminal Justice

The Black Studies Team at Birmingham City University (BCU) are holding a symposium on Black Studies in Criminal Justice [30th October 11:30-16:00, Birmingham City University, Free]. The aim is to bring together and engage criminal justice agencies, policy makers, practitioners, and educators, interested in developing workforce capability in: understanding contemporary issues on Black Studies in Criminal Justice; equality and diversity within the criminal justice system; widening participation in prison education; race and desistance strategies; research, evaluation, black studies and criminal justice. The day will include presentations from BCU staff and breakout sessions to share common experiences and challenges within the criminal justice system. Register your interest here

REPORT: the Making Every Adult Matter Coalition response to Measuring Poverty 2019 report

The Social Metrics Commission launched its 2019 report on measuring poverty this week. It reveals that more than 4 million people are trapped in deep poverty, with their income at least 50% below the official poverty line, and 7 million people are living in persistent poverty. Oliver Hilbery, Director of the MEAM coalition responded to the report. Read his response here

OPPORTUNITY: fellowships for travel and research

The Churchill Fellowships are open for applications until 17th September. A Churchill Fellowship is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to expand your professional and personal horizons by researching an issue that you care about, with the global leaders in that subject, anywhere in the world. The fellowship funds you to spend up to two months overseas, meeting experts, visiting projects and learning new ideas. Upon your return, they will help you to use what you’ve learnt to make change happen in your sector or community. They fund any UK citizen aged 18 or over, regardless of qualifications, age or background. You can apply online, for travels in 2020. Shortlisted individuals will be interviewed in January 2020 and winners will be informed in February 2020. Find out more here

OPPORTUNITY: young people needed to re-design the welfare state

Do you work with children and young people who want to change public services, or raise the voices of other children and young people? Children England are looking for people aged 13-21 to lead the next phase of the ChildFair State Inquiry. They'll be able to challenge issues in areas like education, housing and public spaces, and come up with creative proposals for putting children's needs at the heart of local and national policy and practice. The team of 25 young people will be supported by expert professionals and trained by Leaders Unlocked. Find out more here

RESOURCE: Academy for Social Justice hub

The Academy for Social Justice is pleased to announce the launch of a new hub which offers opportunities to connect, share and collaborate with a large variety of groups of interest to the global public service community. The hub gives members access to online forums, blogs and up-to-date event and services information and seminar slide packs. To access the new Academy hub simply sign up as a Knowledge Hub member here

WORKSHOP: Money Charity workshop

8 million people in the UK have problems with debt and 12 million are not saving enough for retirement. The Money Charity is offering friendly, interactive workshops aimed at building the skills, confidence, attitudes and behaviours for people to manage money well. They currently have funding for free delivery to charities and non-profits and can cater for groups of up to 20. The workshops aim to enable people to look at their finances differently and set them off on a better path. If you are interested in finding out more or would like to book a workshop contact the team at erik@themoneycharity.org.uk

CLINKS MEMBERS' VACANCIES

Communication and Development Assistant with NEPACS [Durham], Housing Project Worker with Humankind (formerly DISC) [Middlesbrough], Administrator with Nottingham Women’s Centre [Nottingham], Management Committee Members (Volunteer) with Build Love CiC [North Dorset], Resettlement Caseworkers x 2 with St Giles Trust [HMP Swansea], Charity Director with The IARS International Institute [London], Senior Administrator with National Approved Premises Association (NAPA) [Remote], Independent Women’s Practitioner with The Women’s Centre Cornwall [Dorset], Tenancy Support Officer with Nacro [Derbyshire], Recovery Works with EDP Drug & Alcohol Services [HMP Exeter], Head of Service with Catch22 [London], Female Project Worker with PSS [Liverpool], Volunteer Fundraising Assistant with Changing Tunes [Bristol], Senior Support Worker – Transforming Rehabilitation with Ormiston Families [Norwich]. For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here

TIPS OF THE WEEK

  • Tip I: Cornwall: Land’s end getaway with cream tea. Save 61%. Details
  • Tip II: 10 Gym, Swim & Leisure Passes @ Village Gyms. From £25. Details
  • Tip III: Reform Social and Grill – two course lunch with a glass of wine for two. 60% off. Details

 

EXTRA INFORMATION


 

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