Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 612 | 29th November 2019

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In this week's edition...

CLINKS BRIEFING: sentencing

We have published a briefing on Sentencing in England and Wales which summarises the key facts and issues around various sentencing types, considers the impact this has on the work of the voluntary sector in criminal justice, and provides an update on recent policy developments. In it, we outline three key asks for sentencing reform made by campaigners and voluntary sector organisations and explore the evidence and arguments for these. The aim is to equip the voluntary sector with the relevant information that will enable them to engage in current debates and future policy in this area. In particular, the briefing highlights where sentencing policy has an unequal or disproportionate effect on particular groups of people that the voluntary sector works to support. Read it here

CLINKS BLOG: party manifestos

As each of the major political parties in England and Wales have launched their general election manifestos, we have been analysing and summarising the key commitments relevant to criminal justice policy and the work of voluntary sector organisations in a series of blogs. We hope that this information will be useful to the sector in planning for the potential policies of the future government. Our series of blogs are now online here

CLINKS BLOG: is policy change keeping pace

This blog looks at the findings of The state of the sector 2019 and how we plan to use the findings in our ongoing work. This year’s report is partly based on 245 state of the sector survey responses, which, when combined with the financial analysis of over 1,400 charities, marks the most detailed information we have to date on the state of the voluntary sector in criminal justice. The knowledge from this research puts us in a better position to advocate for the voluntary sector and support organisations through changes and challenges. We will continue to support the sector to tackle the challenges identified in our report, so that the sector can remain as resilient and as vibrant as ever. Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Christmas request show

The Family and Friends Request Show from Prison Radio Association is doing a special request show on Christmas Day and is looking for families and friends to submit their favourite songs and messages for their loved ones in prison. The show is broadcast on National Prison Radio (NPR) and also streamed on wearestraightline.com, making it the only NPR show that can be heard both in prison and by loved ones outside. Spread the word and submit your messages and song requests here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: sentencing trends over time

Russell Webster has analysed the latest trends around sentencing, using data from the Ministry of Justice. His update includes useful animated graphs to show change over time for various aspects of sentencing including the use of community sentences, suspended sentences and immediate custody and average custodial length, among other things. View them here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: middle-aged or less well-off men

As part of a wider programme of research, Samaritans is commissioning an evidence review to understand what works to support middle-aged and/or less well-off men who are struggling to cope or experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviour. Samaritans wants to hear from people who are funding or delivering a service or intervention that is targeting middle-aged men and/or less well-off groups. This might be a suicide prevention or wellbeing service, but they’re also interested in how other sectors or services have reached or engaged this group.  Submit evidence here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: trauma-informed approaches

Agenda and Centre for Mental Health have launched a new report A sense of safety: Trauma-informed approaches for women, exploring how trauma-informed approaches are being implemented by public services including women’s centres, prisons and mental health services. Within the services they looked at, those taking a holistic approach to supporting women’s needs were best able to make the change to becoming trauma-informed. But, in many organisations, becoming trauma-informed is made difficult by the environment they are working in or by short-term and fragile funding. As a result of their research, they’re calling for all public services to become gender- and trauma-informed. Read the full report here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: new CEO

Spark Inside is delighted to announce that Vicki Cardwell will be joining as CEO in January 2020. Vicki has worked for over a decade in the criminal justice voluntary sector. At Catch22 Vicki helped launch the ground-breaking Transition to Adulthood Alliance and was Chief Executive of the Criminal Justice Alliance. Vicki most recently comes from Revolving Doors Agency where as Deputy Chief Executive she led the high-profile campaign to reduce short prison sentences, resulting in Ministerial backing and a shift in the national media discourse. Find out more here

FUNDING: outcome of litigation

The Baring Foundation is launching a new round of funding for civil society organisations who want to implement a court judgment, or other outcome of a litigation process, that has the potential to achieve social change for people facing discrimination and disadvantage. The implementation might involve a range of activities including: advocacy and policy influencing; campaigning; awareness raising; research; monitoring of implementation; or further legal action. Grants of up to £30,000 are available, for up to one year. Application deadlines are staggered throughout 2020. The first deadline is 9am on Wednesday 29th January 2020. Find out more and apply here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: community safety

This is the third in a series of community engagement events from the Association of Panel Members (AOPM) [4th December, London, free]. AOPM has supported volunteers to deliver restorative justice with Youth Offending Teams in England and Wales since 2006. The National Lottery is funding a series of events across London to enable the voluntary sector to develop partnerships with statutory services to progress delivery of diversionary Local Justice Panels. This was recommended by the 2017 Lammy report, to avoid the over-representation of black, Asian and minority ethnic under 25s in the criminal justice system. Register here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: astronomy celebration

People of all ages are invited to Bounce Back’s ‘Festive Celebration of Astronomy’ to engage with displays and presentations about the exciting world of space [6th December, London, free]. Criminal justice and rehabilitation practitioners can learn about Bounce Back’s innovative in-prison engagement work around astronomy and science - a pilot programme called Explore1.2.3., supported by the Royal Astronomical Society. Careers advice, apprenticeships options and employers from a range of industries will also be in attendance for adults looking for education, work and training opportunities. The event will include interactive activities like holding real moon rocks and demonstrations from scientists, as well as the opportunity to ‘Ask an Astronomer’ anything you want to know about space. To receive a festive goodie bag, please RSVP to gail@bouncebackproject.com

PUBLICATION: probation magazine

The Probation Institute has published its latest issue of Probation Quarterly. It includes articles on: a new research-based guide for practitioners on co-producing inclusive approaches to justice; the role of lived experience in conducting social research; families of people serving Imprisonment for Public Protection sentences and the role of probation; and victims’ experience of magistrates’ courts. Read it in full here

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES

Vacancies on the jobs board this week include: Senior Asset Coach with Changing Lives [Newcastle Upon Tyne], Community Fundraiser with Oasis Project [Brighton], Community Transitions Coach with EDP Drug and Alcohol Services [Exeter], Tenancy Support Officer with Nacro [Sunderland], Operations Manager with User Voice [North of England], Support Worker with Waymarks [Reading], Resettlement Caseworker with St Giles Trust [Wrexham], Coordinator with Humbercare Ltd [Hull], Administration and Information Officer with Birth Companions [London], Administrator with Shelter [HMP Manchester], Meet and Greet Volunteer with The Forward Trust [Hull], Project Manager with the Alliance of Sport in Criminal Justice [Bristol], Finance Assistance with Prisoners Abroad [London]. For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here

TIPS OF THE WEEK

  • Tip I: Odeon cinemas – two tickets for £10 or five for £20. Details
  • Tip II: Flight simulation in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. From £29. Details
  • Tip III: Pizza or burger plus cocktail at Revolution. £9 per person. Details

EXTRA INFORMATION

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