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.
Being, Becoming, Belonging
Executive Director for External Affairs at Changing Lives, Laura Seebohm, talks about the impact of deprivation, discrimination and trauma on people’s lives. She explores a radical re-imagining of how we can better support the mental health of people going through challenging times.
77 organisations awarded grants during the pandemic
Clinks has awarded a further £163,500 to 32 voluntary sector organisations working with individuals in contact with the criminal justice system, on behalf of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ)/Her Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) and Paul Hamlyn Foundation.
The latest on the Female Offender Strategy: prison expansion vs community solutions
Clinks is highly disappointed in the plans to expand the women’s prison estate with an additional 500 places to be built into existing prisons. The decision contradicts the intentions of the government’s female offender strategy.
Influencing criminal justice policy in a pandemic - an update from our policy team
With the Covid-19 pandemic still ongoing, further lockdowns in response and a number of major changes set to take place in the criminal justice system this year, we recap on our work in the run up to the new year to influence policy and practice and reflect on our priorities going forward.
What's New
Blogs
Where next on the Sentencing Review?
Ahead of the imminent introduction of the Sentencing Bill to Parliament, we have facilitated extensive voluntary sector engagement with officials to discuss the implementation of many of the Sentencing Review's recommendations.
This blog provides key lines from that engagement, as well as covering core aspects of the Sentencing Review and next steps.
Publications
Problem-Solving Courts for Women
This evidence review provides an in-depth look at women’s problem solving courts (WPSC) which are endorsed by the Sentencing Review as an important component in preventing the unnecessary incarceration of women.
Dr Sarah Waite and Dr Alexandria Bradley review the evidence base – to which they are significant contributors – exploring the international context and covering the critical factors for success
Latest on X

The role is for a leader from an organisation focused on racially minoritised people, with expertise in service delivery, policy, advocacy, or related areas in criminal justice. Racial disparities are present at every CJS stage. This role ensures these voices are central in shaping policy to help address and eradicate them. Apply by Mon 18 Nov, 10am. More info: https://www.clinks.org/voluntary-community-sector/vacancies/15566 #CriminalJustice #RR3 #RacialEquity