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.
What's New
Blogs
An update on commissioning following June’s engagement forum between Clinks, HMPPS and MoJ
This blog outlines discussions held between HMPPS, MoJ and Clinks at June's commissioning engagement forum.
Publications
Notes from the member advisory forum meeting
Notes from the member advisory forum meeting 25.04.2023
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