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.
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.
Working with the House of Lords - A Guide
When we begin the journey of influencing in Parliament, we often think about working with MPs to bring about change. But it is important to remember that the authority to make law in the UK has three parts: the Monarch, the House of Commons, and the House of Lords. The following blog explores the meaningful role the House of Lords can play in your influencing strategy.
An update on commissioning following March’s engagement forum between Clinks, HMPPS and MoJ
Last month Clinks met with representatives from His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) and the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) for the first in person quarterly commissioning engagement forum; a space which was created about two years ago to provide regular discussion and feedback on commissioning rounds that will involve the voluntary sector working in criminal justice. An update on this collaborative work.
Update on funding for the criminal justice voluntary sector
This blog outlines the key notes of importance within the response given to Clinks by Amy Rees clarifying budget allocations and the voluntary sector 2023/2024, and the subsequent conversation between Clinks and HMPPS on the deferred funding for voluntary organisations.
Reflections on the Race and Justice Network
21 March 2023 is the international day for the elimination of racial discrimination, an opportunity to reflect on individual, and collective, progress in challenging discrimination in our organisations and across the criminal justice system.
In this blog, Kaiya Caines, Clinks Race and Justice coordinator, reflects on the many accomplishments in challenging racial discrimination in the criminal justice system and sets out our approach for the the future.
Commissioning of prison-based arts projects through the Dynamic Purchasing System
This blog has been written by three leaders of small specialist arts organisations that work in prisons in England and Wales.
It shares their perspectives on the commissioning of prison-based arts projects through the Dynamic Purchasing System.
What's New
Blogs
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.
Publications
Notes from the member advisory forum meeting
Notes from the member advisory forum meeting 25.04.2023
Latest on Twitter

We have published our annual report and financial statements 2021-22. The report sets out our activities, achievements this year and plans for future work towards our strategic goals. Read the full report here: https://bit.ly/3iMbdX7