Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 639 | 19th June 2020

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In this week's edition...

    CLINKS NEWS: voluntary sector’s role in probation

    This blog gives further detail on our view on the recent probation announcement and the services that will be commissioned through the Dynamic Framework. Last week the Ministry of Justice announced that, from June 2021, accredited programmes and unpaid work will be delivered by the National Probation Service. At the same time, they launched the Dynamic Framework and reiterated their commitment to the voluntary sector’s role in delivering rehabilitation and resettlement services which will be commissioned through this process. Clinks welcomes the announcement on the basis that a simplified system that reduces complexity for people - and the need for contract management and monitoring - will mean a stronger focus on meeting people’s needs. Read more here

    CLINKS EVENTS: probation events

    To support organisations to understand the Dynamic Framework and what it means for you, we’re running a series of online events. The first, ‘Introduction to the Dynamic Framework’ [24th-25th June, online, free] will brief you on the commissioning process and IT security standards required to engage in the Dynamic Framework. The second, ‘Building partnerships for the Dynamic Framework’ [1st-8th July, online, free] are organised by geographic region, and will: give you information and guidance on building partnerships and consortia, covering best practice in all areas of consortia development, and give you an opportunity to become more familiar with each other and so start to build the relationships needed to establish partnerships and consortia where necessary. Register for the events here

    CLINKS BLOG: first grants awarded

    Seven organisations have received a Covid-19 response grant so far. This blog details what they'll deliver and gives an update on the programme. Thank you to the many voluntary organisations working in the criminal justice system who have so far taken the time to complete application forms and discuss their application with us. We're aiming to reach a diverse range of organisations with this programme, and it's been fantastic to hear from organisations across the breadth of England and Wales doing a wide variety of work with people in prisons, transitioning through the gate, and in the community. This opportunity continues to be open and we welcome applications from those with an existing relationship with HMPPS with under £500,000 annual income. Read more here

    CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: open letter

    INQUEST, Police Action Lawyers Group, INQUEST Lawyers Steering Group and the United Friends and Families Campaign have drawn up an open letter to join the condemnation of the death of George Floyd. In the letter, they detail the consistent evidence that deaths are the extreme end of a continuum of pervasive racial bias in the criminal justice system from over-policing, stop and search and criminalisation. They acknowledge the importance of the current moment, stating “now more than ever we must stand together to defend the right to freedom from state racism and state brutality, and the right to state accountability when those rights are violated.” The open letter aims to bring together a strong coalition of organisations, lawyers and individuals. Read it here

    CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: pre-release Covid-19 testing

    Restore Support Network is seeking feedback from Clinks members concerning any instances they are coming across of clients being released from custody without receiving pre-release Covid-19 tests. Restore Support Network has recently encountered some older people who have received short sentences and have not been Covid-19 tested and has received calls from a number of its members who also report they have not received a Covid-19 test. Restore Support Network recognises that a number of prisons are following government Covid-19 guidelines including testing for coronavirus but wonder if this reveals an inconsistent approach across the prison estate. It would welcome feedback from members – including examples of through-the-gate good practice that includes pre-release Covid-19 testing. Contact: stuart.ware@restoresupportnetwork.or.uk

    CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: deadline extension

    Due to the impact of Covid-19, the Griffins Society has decided to extend the deadline for applications for the 2020-21 research fellowships to 31st July 2020. Two fellowships are being offered: one in partnership with the Prison Reform Trust and the other with the Barrow Cadbury Trust. The first is for research on any aspect of the treatment of women in prison and applications on the treatment of black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) women are particularly welcomed. The focus of the second is for research on the treatment and needs of BAME women, and this can be in relation to any aspect of the criminal justice system, not just prison. To find out more and express an interest, please e-mail Chris.Leeson@thegriffinssociety.org

    CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: women in the criminal justice system

    The View Magazine has published its second issue, featuring updates on the Domestic Abuse Bill by Jemima Lovatt and guidance on how to stay in control of your mental health by psychologist Farah Naz. Ruby Tandoh provides recipes made from ingredients available on the prison canteen and Lady Val Corbett, founder of the Corbett Awards, writes about her life’s work. The magazine also includes practical exercises to combat stress and anxiety, art, prose, poetry and case studies directly from women in prison. The View has also launched an online art shop, selling limited edition fine art prints by well-known and emerging artists and plans to include artwork from women with convictions. Subscribe to The View Magazine and use discount code 3f4gum for 20% off here

    CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: distance learning

    Responding to the challenges faced by prisons and prisoners as a result of Covid-19, RECOOP has developed its Buddy Support Worker Programme into a Distance Learning Programme. This means it can still be delivered while the country remains in lockdown, building Buddy capacity to assist staff in the care and support of older people in prison who are mentally or physically affected by Covid-19. Read more here

    CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: self-employment service

    RIFT Social Enterprise has adapted its self-employment service for prison residents in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. Its bespoke self-employment advice sessions are now available via telephone consultations and residents can receive an in-cell workbook (recognised by the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs) as well as unlimited support during the first 12 months of trading on release. This new service is being piloted by 31 residents across three prisons and is receiving very positive feedback. If any prisons are interested in finding out more they should contact Andy Gullick, CEO of RIFT Social Enterprise at agullick@riftse.co.uk

    CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: short scrutiny inspection

    HM Inspector of Prisons (HMIP) has published a report on short scrutiny inspections, recently conducted across three high-security men’s prisons: Belmarsh, Manchester and Woodhill. Restrictions in the three prisons are very tight and conditions are challenging. Most people are locked in their cells for over 23 hours a day, access to showers is inconsistent and none of the three prisons had been able to utilise video call technology for virtual visits. Inspectors also found that people in prison had understood the need for the restrictions, but were becoming increasingly frustrated, with some calling for restrictions to be loosened in line with those in the community. HMIP short scrutiny inspections involve two to three inspectors allowing HMIP to monitor prisons during the pandemic. Read the report here

    FUNDING: disadvantaged children

    BBC Children in Need has launched its Covid-19 Next Step Grants Programme which is designed to deliver support for children and young people affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Grants of up to £80,000 are available to help organisations with more complex service adaption, including additional staffing requirements. The fund will prioritise applications from organisations that target children and young people disproportionately affected by the pandemic, including: children and young people at risk or affected by child criminal exploitation e.g. County Lines; black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) children; and children impacted by poverty. Projects can last up to 18 months and need to begin in September 2020. Find out more and apply before 1st July here

    FUNDING: core costs for small charities

    Woodward Charitable Trust offers funding towards the core costs of UK charities with annual income less than £200,000 working in several areas, including: with people in contact with the criminal justice system (specifically projects that help the rehabilitation and resettlement of prisoners as well as requests to help prisoners’ families); arts outreach work involving disadvantaged people; children and young people who are isolated, at risk of exclusion or involved in anti-social behaviour; disadvantaged women and their children; disadvantaged families including parenting support; and projects that promote integration and community cohesion particularly among minority groups, refugees and traveller communities. The majority of grants are for less than £3,000. Find out more and apply before 31st July here​

    FUNDING: music and youth justice

    Youth Music’s Fund A grants programme awards grants between £2,000 and £30,000 for high-quality projects that aim to help to achieve a musically inclusive England. Priorities for funding include youth justice – projects working with children and young people who have been, or are at risk of being in contact with the youth justice system. This includes children and young people who: are in or leaving young offending institutions; are in contact with a Youth Offending Team; are at risk of offending as a result of emotional and behavioural difficulties. Find out more and apply before 31st July here

    CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: virtual hearings

    Join Transform Justice and speakers for a webinar: ‘Virtual hearings - discriminatory justice or a revolution in access?’ to discuss the rise in virtual criminal hearings and its consequences [8th July, online, free]. During the pandemic, more and more defendants have appeared on video from police stations and prisons, and few lawyers have been able to consult with their clients face to face. What effect does this have on justice? Register for the webinar here

    CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: online events, videos and blogs

    The new InsightsOnline platform lists free events, videos and blogs to bring people together from across the criminal justice system to learn, share and connect. Upcoming events include a “virtual coffee” with Chris Jennings, Executive Director for HMPPS in Wales [13th July, online, free] and a webinar on modern slavery and human trafficking with Tracey Desjardins [15th July, online, free]. Chris will be discussing the transition to the probation unified model and the challenges and opportunities of working in a devolved landscape. Stay up-to-date by following @HMPPSInsights on Twitter and find tickets and more here

    CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: harmful online behaviour

    The Social Switch Project Frontline Training is a one-day interactive course [several dates from June to July, online, free] aimed at professionals working with young people in London. It is supported by Google.org and delivered by Redthread and Catch22. The course aims to support professionals in dealing with both harmful online behaviour and the real-life violence which can escalate as a result. It aims to help professionals switch on to the language young people use, understand how to approach harmful online activity, and learn how to encourage positive online behaviour. Sign up here

    OPPORTUNITY: women in leadership

    Applications for cohort two of the Jane Slowey memorial memberships are open for black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) women and/or disabled woman who are in their first two years as a CEO for a charity or social enterprise. Through the memorial memberships, over two years (January 2021 – December 2022), eight women leaders will receive: free ACEVO membership with access to full member benefits and services; four opportunities to meet and learn as a group guided by a professional facilitator; four opportunities to meet in smaller groups in person or virtually; and two annual dinners to celebrate their year’s leadership learning. Find out more and apply before 19th July here

    OPPORTUNITY: maximise impact

    Supported by The National Lottery Community Fund, Scale Accelerator helps mission-driven organisations to maximise their impact on people’s lives by offering £30,000 worth of consultancy from a dedicated team of experts. If you want to gain support, skills and perspective to maximise impact, this programme could be for you. Applications close on 12th August. Find out more here

    FEATURED VACANCY: Chair of Trustees

    The Criminal Justice Alliance (CJA) is looking for a Chair [voluntary, London, part time] to lead the Board of Trustees and the charity into its next chapter and further grow its impact. The CJA is a network of over 160 organisations working across the criminal justice system from prevention to policing, prisons to probation and beyond including victim-services. CJA works to influence policy and practice for a fairer and more effective criminal justice system. The Chair is responsible for leading the Board and to work in partnership with the Director, helping them to achieve the aims of the organisation. As a micro-charity, CJA is looking for a ‘hands-on’ Chair who can help realise the charity’s ambitions to grow its impact and ensure a sustainable financial future. Find out more and apply before 12th July here

    CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES

    Vacancies on the jobs board this week include: Claims & Compliance Officer with Humankind [North East], Fundraiser/Development Manager with Treasures Foundation [Home based/Newham], Engagement Team Members with User Voice [Peterborough], Visits Services Catering Worker with NEPACS [HMP Northumberland], Data and Research Officer with Nacro [London], Substance Misuse Nurse with Kaleidoscope Project [Neath], Policy Officer with Unlock [Home based], Night Project Worker with Changing Lives [Halton]. For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here

    TIPS OF THE WEEK

    • Tip I: Reusable silicone kitchen food storage lids. Up to 84% off. Details
    • Tip II: Outdoor rattan hanging egg chair. 39% off. Details
    • Tip III: Short online courses with Future Learn. From free. Details

    EXTRA INFORMATION

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