Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 598 | 23rd August 2019

In this week's edition...

 

CLINKS BLOG: give a boost to arts in criminal justice

Arts Council England is consulting on the final draft of its 10-year strategy. Our blog, written by Policy Officer Will Downs, sets out the key aspects of the strategy and how Clinks and the National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance are going to respond. Will also explains how people and organisations can respond to the consultation to help ensure arts in criminal justice is supported in the final version of the strategy. Find out more here

CLINKS BLOG: new data on Wales

Clinks’ Development Officer for Wales, Bryn Hall, has written a blog highlighting the main findings of a new report, Sentencing and Imprisonment in Wales, which are of interest to the voluntary sector. Wales-specific data on the criminal justice system is difficult to find, as the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is yet to come up with a way to make Welsh data public. But a new set of fact files from the Wales Governance Centre, written by Dr Robert Jones, have revealed important statistics specifically on Welsh prisons and Welsh prisoners. Read the blog here

CLINKS BLOG: dynamic purchasing system

Francesca Cooney from the Prisoner Education Trust looks at feedback from the voluntary sector on the dynamic purchasing system (DPS) and how the government has responded. The DPS is a key part of how prison education is now being delivered, but it has created several problems for the voluntary sector organisations that are using it. The Prisoner Learning Alliance – convened by the Prisoner Education Trust – has been working with Clinks and the sector to monitor the impact of the DPS and to seek improvements to it. Read the blog here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: clarification sought from government ministers

Prison Reform Trust has written letters to Robert Buckland, Richard Heaton and Jo Farrar seeking urgent clarification in light of the recent government announcements on: a review of sentencing; building 10,000 additional prison places; and further investment in prison security. Due to the public interest created by the announcements and the lack of opportunity for debate, Prison Reform Trust has published these three letters on its website and will publish the responses once they have been received. Read the letters here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: reduction in violence and drugs

Results from the 10 Prisons Project have been published by the Ministry of Justice. Statistics show an overall 16% reduction in assaults and a 50% reduction in positive drug tests across 10 prisons in England and Wales. The project aimed to improve conditions in prisons through enhanced security, strong leadership and improved standards. Any reduction in violence in prisons is welcome and we hope that this is built upon so that the needs of people in prison are met and voluntary organisations are able to carry on with their vital work. Read more here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: PAVA spray

People with mental health conditions and learning disabilities will be better protected from the misuse of chemical restraint in prison following a legal challenge funded by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). In response to an application for judicial review, made by a disabled person in prison and funded by EHRC, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has made changes to the way it intends to roll out PAVA spray. Prisons will now be required to record the protected characteristics of people it is used on and must demonstrate that they understand the trends in the use of force at their establishment before they will be signed off for PAVA. Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: arts festival

One of Changing Tunes’ post-release bands, Wak Therapists, is playing at Exeter Street Arts Festival [24th August, Exeter, free]. Three members of the band worked with Changing Tunes whilst in prison, and have continued their journey with them on the outside. About themselves, Wak Therapists say, “a hip-hop band may seem cliché when formed inside one of 'Her Majesties' special lock ups, but we are here, raw and uncompromising.” Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: lecture

The Howard League for Penal Reform’s annual Parmoor lecture [14th October, London, free] will be given this year by Max Hill QC, Director of Public Prosecutions. The annual lecture is held in memory of Lord Parmoor, Howard League supporter and donor. The event will be hosted by Clifford Chance and includes a drinks reception. Places can be booked online here

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: theory of change

Is your charity looking to improve its impact? Developing a theory of change is an excellent way to start. NPC’s theory of change training [24th September, London, from £295] can help you to look at different ways of representing a theory of change, to create suitable goals for your organisation and to avoid common pitfalls. A clear and robust theory of change helps you to develop and refine your strategy, and provides a theoretical framework for measuring your impact. Book here

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: disclosing criminal records

Are you up to date with the laws around disclosing criminal records? Do you feel confident in advising your clients on whether they need to disclose, and if they do, how to do so? Unlock is running criminal record disclosure training for front-line practitioners [24th September and 26th November, London, from £119]. Find out more and book here

NON-MEMBERS’ EVENTS AND TRAINING

  • ‘Next steps for probation services in England and Wales ’| 29th October, London, £230 plus VAT | Details

FEATURED VACANCY: Involvement Manager

Revolving Doors is looking for an Involvement Manager [£28,000-£33,000, London, full time] with exceptional engagement skills to join the team. This is an exciting opportunity to enable lived experience to influence system change. You will be primarily supporting The National Expert Citizen’s Group (NECG) within the National Community Lottery Fund’s Fulfilling Lives Programme. You will work directly with people with lived experience, ensuring the NECG creates system change on a national level. You will support, train and inspire the group members to ensure their expert insight has real world impact. Apply before 2nd September here

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES

Vacancies on the jobs board this week include: Office and Finance Co-ordinator with Jigsaw Visitors’ centre [Leeds], Family Worker with EDP drug and alcohol services [HMP Guys Marsh], Membership and Projects Officer with the Howard League for Penal Reform [London], Case Manager with Phoenix Futures [London], Administrator with St Giles Trust [London], Assistant Psychologist with The Lucy Faithfull Foundation [Surrey], Trustee with Elizabeth Fry Charity [Reading], Musician in Residence with Changing Tunes [Bristol], Finance & Contracts Manager with User Voice [London], Head of Fundraising and Communications with The Nelson Trust [Gloucestershire], Essence Community Development Worker with Kahalia [across London], Tenancy Support Officer- Merseyside with Nacro [Merseyside]. For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here

TIPS OF THE WEEK

  • Tip of the week I: A selection of cakes made to order. Up to 50% off. Details

  • Tip of the week II: Spa day, three treatments for two people. Up to 60% off. Details

  • Tip of the week III: Ireland: Donegal getaway with breakfast. 52% off. Details

EXTRA INFORMATION

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