Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 644 | 24th July 2020

Light Lunch

In this week's edition...

CLINKS NEWS: probation Dynamic Framework event recording

We have published a recording of our popular Introduction to the probation Dynamic Framework event which gives a comprehensive introduction on the Dynamic Framework commissioning process. We have also provided a list of the questions and answers collated from the events. If you have a specific question relating to the Dynamic Framework, please ask this via Jaggaer as a clarification question. All questions submitted are logged and answers are published on Jaggaer. Voluntary organisations working in criminal justice can also send questions to us at probation@clinks.org. Through this mailbox we will answer your question if we can and collect feedback from organisations to inform our influencing of the probation review programme. We will answer as many enquiries as we can and will work to provide an initial response within 48 hours. Watch the video and read more here

CLINKS REPORT: what does recovery look like?

Following a request from The Ministry of Justice (MoJ)/Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) Third Sector Taskforce, the Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group (RR3) has set out how the government and the voluntary sector can best work together to address the challenges posed to the long-term delivery of voluntary sector services in the criminal justice system in the context of Covid-19. The report sets out key principles, including the need for an equal partnership between the voluntary sector and the MoJ and HMPPS, and the need to ensure that recovery from Covid-19 is seen as an opportunity to improve the system. The RR3 is a group of senior leaders from the voluntary sector that provides formal advice to MoJ and HMPPS. The group is chaired and coordinated by Clinks. Read the report here

CLINKS NEWS: meet the team

John Valentine has joined Clinks as our new Head of Business Development. He is responsible for our income generation strategy and working directly with key funders to ensure we remain a long-term support structure for the voluntary sector working in criminal justice. John will ensure that the impact of Clinks’ work is clearly demonstrated and captured, allowing us to develop new partnerships with organisations that have a stake in our success. Prior to this role, he oversaw national delivery of volunteer-led first aid training at the anti-violence charity StreetDoctors and launched several new funding streams for mental health research at MQ: Transforming mental health. Meet the team here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: young advocates

The Young Advocates project, a collaboration between Leaders Unlocked and the Standing Committee for Youth Justice (SCYJ), will enable young people with youth justice experience to have a stronger voice in the criminal justice system – by supporting them to engage with their peers to shape decision-making for the better. The project is looking for young people aged 14-20 year olds, who are currently residents of England and Wales, and who have personal experience of the youth justice system, to take part. The deadline for applications is 31st August. If you have any questions, email: rose@leaders-unlocked.org. More information about the project and guidance on how to apply is available here. To apply, fill in the application online here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: music in prisons

Three years after forming in prison in 2017, Wak Therapists have released their debut EP, Escapology. The Wak Therapists began their musical journey in prison and attending Changing Tunes sessions with Musician-in-Residence, Dave Fugler. Upon release, the band continued to jam together and write their own songs. Changing Tunes is a Bristol based charity that uses music and mentoring to help prisoners and ex-prisoners lead meaningful lives free from crime. Musicians-in-Residence are multi-instrumentalists and able to teach a minimum of guitar, bass, piano and drums. Participants often report increased self-esteem, hope and positive identity as a result of sessions. Watch Wak Therapists’ official music video, ZIPIT here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: gendered impact of the lifting of lockdown

The Fawcett Society, in coalition with over 65 voluntary sector and women’s organisations including Women in Prison, Changing Lives, Clean Break and Working Chance, has published a briefing on its call for action for the government to support women and girls when lifting the Covid-19 lockdown. It notes that the current regime in prisons is resulting in a mental health crisis for women, damaging relationships between mothers and their children due to severe restrictions on prison visits. It recommends that women are not placed in conditions akin to solitary confinement, and that urgent action is taken to release women from prison, focussing on pregnant women and new mothers, those who are close to release, have caring responsibilities or are at particular risk from Covid-19. Read the full briefing here

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

The View Magazine has released a report We Are Invisible highlighting the mistreatment and systemic abuse to which women in prison are subjected; particularly women from minoritised backgrounds. The View Magazine, collaborating with charities, civil society actors, researchers and campaigners, launched a survey in June 2020 to capture the experiences of black, Asian and minority ethnic women who have experienced domestic abuse in the criminal justice system. The report sets out the preliminary findings of the survey and provides recommendations to government agencies responsible and suggestions for necessary further research. Read the report here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Exceptional Delivery Models

Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) has produced several Exceptional Delivery Models (EDMs) which sit under the National Framework for Prison Regimes and Services – the document which sets out HMPPS’s approach to ending regime restrictions in prisons due to Covid-19. There are five stages outlined, ranging from stage five (‘Lockdown’), to stage one (‘Prepare’). The EDMs give more detailed guidance on different aspects of prison operations and how these will be delivered at the different stages of lockdown. There are 27 planned EDMs and 15 currently available. EDMs can be shared on request by email to covid19@clinks.org. See more information including the list of available EDMs on our Covid-19 webpage here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: prisons moving to stage three and restarting visits

Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service has moved, at a national level, from stage four of the National Framework for Prison Regimes and Services ('Lockdown') to stage three ('Restrict'). Different prisons will be assessed as being ready for different stages of the national framework at different times, depending on the situation at each establishment. The list of which prisons have moved to stage three (‘Restrict’) and the list of prisons who have restarted social visits can be shared on request by email to covid19@clinks.org

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: impact of Covid-19 on probation

The Justice Committee has published a report into the impact of Covid-19 on probation services. The report examines the implementation of a new model for probation services in response to Covid-19 and the impact on service users. Concerns are raised over inconsistent implementation of the new model by Community Rehabilitation Companies, the lack of resettlement support for prison leavers and the growing backlog of programmes for people serving sentences in the community. Clinks is pleased that the committee backs the recommendation of the Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group, for the Ministry of Justice to consider increasing the financial support given to all prison leavers during this crisis to ensure no one falls through the gaps during Covid-19. Read the report here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Dynamic Framework e-sourcing and document walkthrough

The probation team at the Ministry of Justice would like to take the opportunity to take voluntary organisations through the e-sourcing platform and the documents that are required when submitting a response for the probation Dynamic Framework. The webinar [1pm 29th July | 10am 30th July | online | free] will provide an overview of the system and highlight the key important documents that you are required to complete to be registered onto the Dynamic Framework. There will also be an opportunity at the end of the session to ask questions in relation to the system and documents, for questions specific to the Dynamic Framework please send these via the e-sourcing portal. To register for the webinar please email: ProbationDynamicFramework@justice.gov.uk

FUNDING: arts and heritage

The Lady Neville Charity provides capital grants for arts and heritage projects across the UK, and any charitable activity in The City of London, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Hounslow, Tonbridge and Malling, Tunbridge Wells, and Romney Marsh. Grants of up to £1,000 are available for capital items. Eligible arts and heritage projects can include: local heritage projects which help local groups to conserve and restore their landmarks, landscape, traditions and culture; or performing and visual arts organisations involved in performances, art, music, and drama activities. Find out more and apply before 11th September here

FUNDING: supporting women

The Feminist Review Trust gives grants to projects in the UK and internationally that support women. In 2020 and 2021 the Trust will particularly welcome applications that focus on campaigning and activism in the following areas: lesbian and transgender rights; violence against women and girls; disabled women and girls; or refugee women and girls. The maximum value of any individual award is £15,000, however, the Trustees rarely give out awards of this amount so when you prepare your application please bear in mind that you may only be offered partial funding. Find out more and apply before 10th September here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: InsightsOnline

InsightsOnline still has plenty of online events, videos and blogs available throughout August and with more planned in the Autumn. Don’t miss Gethin Jones’ blog on The Power of Human to Human Relationships and a virtual video tour of HMP Stafford which is personally introduced by the governor, Ralph Lubkowski. Meanwhile InsightsOnline’s focus on diversity and inclusion continues with the black Asian and minority ethnic Excellence Series which continues throughout August. You can also join a professional development event run by Sheffield Hallam University [7th August, online, free] which will review domestic abuse disclosure schemes and the operation of Clare’s Law. For details, tickets and more visit the website here

DOCUMENTARY: joint enterprise

Dangerous Associations is a short film reflecting upon the use of joint enterprise within the criminal justice system. Drawing on research by Patrick Williams and Becky Clarke from Manchester Metropolitan University, the film examines why so many convicted under this common law are young, black men. At the end of the film there is a family statement from Manchester family group NGBA and a campaign message from JENGbA. Journalist and author Gary Younge recorded an introduction to the documentary, saying “This incredibly powerful film… tells a story which should make you livid, should make your blood boil… The lives of young people destroyed not because of what they did, but because of who they are.” Watch the documentary here

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES

Vacancies on the jobs board this week include: Community Responsible Officer with Social Interest Group [London], Assistant Support Worker Nights with Changing Lives [North East], Independent Mental Health Advocate (Forensic) with The Advocacy Project [Berkshire], External Affairs Intern with Working Chance [London], Head of Fundraising and Communications with Khulisa [Flexible], Circles Volunteer with Circles South West [South West], Senior Practitioner - Breaking Barriers Suffolk with Ormiston Families [Suffolk]. For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here

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EXTRA INFORMATION

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