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.
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.
Clinks annual conference 2022 key takeaways
It has been a tough year. Recovery from the pandemic and major changes to the criminal justice operating environment, including probation unification and proposed prison reforms, presented significant challenges. This blog will share 'key takeaways' from each speaker and panel featured.
An update on commissioning following October’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 quarterly commissioning engagement forum; a space which was created to provide regular discussion and feedback on commissioning rounds that will involve the voluntary sector working in criminal justice. See our earlier blog for more details on the purpose of these forums and how you can feed into them in the future.
Building relationships with new leadership at the Ministry of Justice
Following an unstable period in leadership in Westminster, there have been further changes to the ministerial line-up at the Ministry of Justice. This blog post provides information about the new ministerial team, explains what steps Clinks has taken to reach out to the new Prisons Minister, and suggests how voluntary organisations can build relationships with decision makers.
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