London Criminal Justice Forum brings voluntary organisations and London Probation together

The Area Criminal Justice forums are a place for the Voluntary Sector to come together to collaborate, inform and discuss any issues relating to working withing the Criminal Justice System. The London forum took place on the 28th September and was attended by both small grassroot led organisations as well as the larger well known names, allowing a great flow of knowledge, insight and feedback on the topics discussed.

We welcomed Karen Tipping,  Head of Community Integration for London Probation and AJ Brooks, Senior Commissioning and Partnerships Manager,  who discussed London Probation’s priorities and its interest in working with voluntary organisations.

These priorities included implementing the Sentencing Act, managing increasing operational demands, recommissioning Women’s Community Services and place based partnerships. The discussion also covered areas where voluntary organisations can contribute their expertise with focus on strategy led priorities in employability, housing, complex needs including health, women,  young adults and in particular organisations with a broad reach across London. Organisations wishing to connect with the London Probation partnerships team can email LondonPartnerships@justice.gov.uk.

We also had member spotlights , first from new member New Wave Trust, an organisation which provides mentoring and support for young men in the community who have been involved in the criminal justice system. One of our other members, Cell workout also attended to highlight new prison workshops and their accredited City and Guilds programme.

The forum was a great opportunity to meet, discuss, share good practice and support each other. For me, the most valuable part of these forums is the opportunity for organisations to speak openly about what is working, where they face challenges and how they can support one another as well as improved collaboration with statutory services. Sharing  positive stories of the amazing work being done by the Third Sector within the Criminal Justice System.

Join the next London forum

If you would like to spotlight your organisation’s work at the forum or share an event or update through the London bulletin ( Clinks’ new area based 6 weekly bulletin) , please email me at Michelle.lendrum@clinks.org.

Michelle Lendrum

Area and Engagement Partnership Co Ordinator ( London/HMP Isis)

Michelle.lendrum@clinks.org