The latest views and discussion from Clinks staff and guest writers. We also use blogs to give short updates on our latest projects, as well as briefings on topics of interest to members.
New Justice Bills announced by the government in the King’s Speech
On Tuesday 7 November, the government set its legislative agenda for the next Parliamentary session, announcing a total of 21 Bills. Of those, three focussed specifically on the criminal justice system. Below, we set out some of the key measures that were proposed as part of those pieces of legislation. More details about these Bills, and all the others announced in the speech, can be found in the government’s Background Briefing Notes.
Why we need to pursue alternatives to renting foreign prison places
The news that the government will be tabling legislation allowing it to rent prison spaces abroad has caused considerable concern across the voluntary sector. There is widespread disappointment that these proposals are being considered when other measures to reduce the population pressures, such as early release schemes and diversion programmes, are not being considered with the same priority.
How to get involved with the Clinks group that advises the Ministry of Justice
At Clinks, an important part of our work is the Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group. The group is one of the key ways that we support our members to influence officials on prison and probation policy, by providing a forum for senior leaders from the voluntary sector to comment on the Ministry of Justice’s work. The following blog will explain how you can utilise the group to support your advocacy work.
Nobody’s Listening: How involving families in prison healthcare can save lives and money
In this guest blog, Andy Keen-Downs, CEO of Pact, highlights the crucial role that family and carers play in supporting people in prison who are suffering from poor mental or physical health. Involving them more proactively in prison healthcare would help to deliver safer prisons, reduce reoffending and save taxpayers’ money.
What's New
Blogs
The Sentencing & Criminal Justice Bills - a deeper look
This blog takes an in-depth look and summarises further detail on the provisions in each Bill that are likely to engage the voluntary sector.
Publications
Annual report & financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023
Our annual report details our achievements and progress towards our strategic goals; plus our plans for the future, followed by a financial review.
Latest on Twitter

.@hibiscuscharity have launched a report - funded by Clinks - which explores the complex issues faced by Black, minoritised and migrant women in contact with the CJS and the resulting impacts on their mental health.
Read the report here: https://hibiscusinitiatives.org.uk/media/2023/06/rmc-mental-health-report-document.pdf