Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 647 | 14th August 2020

Light Lunch

In this week's edition...

    CLINKS BLOG: tackling racism and inequality

    Anne Fox, Chief Executive Officer at Clinks, discusses racism and inequality in the criminal justice system, what Clinks has done on this issue so far, how we’ll be going further and our commitment to becoming an anti-racist organisation. Clinks thinks all sectors working in criminal justice must work to tackle racism and discrimination – including the government, statutory services and the voluntary sector. This means that we all have our part to play in recognising our own role in sustaining this inequality, our own potential to challenge it and, ultimately, play a part in reversing it. Our aspiration is to make Clinks a truly anti-racist organisation in all we say and do, and how we operate internally and externally. Read more here

    CLINKS BLOG: leaving prison in a pandemic

    People who are being released from prison during the pandemic are entering an unrecognisable world. In this blog, Amanda Sherriff, MEAM Partnerships Manager at Clinks, describes how services are responding to their needs. Lockdown compounds what is already a hugely difficult time for people leaving prison. Services aren’t operating as usual and many people are finding it harder to access what they need. However, housing provision has, for most people, been easier to access than before the pandemic, with the government instructing local authorities to take an “everyone in” approach. But now there is less accommodation available compared to the early stages of the pandemic and only time will tell us how this will look in six months or a year. Read more here

    CLINKS BLOG: the financial sustainability of organisations is under threat

    Will Downs, Policy Officer at Clinks, explains how Covid-19 has exacerbated a crisis in sustainability for the voluntary sector working in the criminal justice system. His blog summarises a paper written by the RR3 to present the voluntary sector’s views on the sustainability of voluntary services in the criminal justice system after the pandemic. Long before the pandemic, the criminal justice voluntary sector was struggling for resource in a complex, competitive and challenging commissioning environment. These long-term issues combined with the pressures caused by Covid-19 mean many voluntary sector organisations face the real prospect of going out of business without a prolonged period of dedicated financial support. Read more here

    CLINKS EVENT: meet the prime providers for the probation Dynamic Framework

    Are you interested in developing a partnership or being included in a supply chain for the probation Dynamic Framework? This is your chance to hear about the approach being taken by potential lead contractors and put questions to them. We are holding events in partnership with Eastside Primetimers to enable voluntary organisations to meet both commercial and voluntary organisations who are planning to develop a supply chain and bid directly to Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) for contracts within the Dynamic Framework. The first event [19th August, 2:00pm - 4:00pm, online, free] will include MTC, G4S and 3SC who are planning to bid across all or most of England and Wales. This event is almost fully booked so be sure to register here

    CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: prevent a lifetime of crisis and crime

    Revolving Doors Agency is seeking charities that support its campaign to increase police-led diversion for young adults (18-25) who are at risk of entering the revolving door. Research shows that last year alone over 50,000 cautions or convictions were handed to 18-25 year olds, for low-level and non-violent crimes, like theft. In later life these minor offences dominate the criminal record of adults. Behind these numbers lies misery, a revolving door of crisis and crime that destroys lives, families and communities. If you want to support the New Generation Policing Campaign then please register here

    CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: messages from prison

    The BBC World Service recently broadcast a radio documentary about Prison Voicemail. Founded in 2015, Prison Voicemail is available in over 85% of prisons in England and Wales, and has helped over 10,000 families to stay connected during difficult times. The service has been particularly helpful during Covid-19, where in-person visits were suspended. The documentary tells the story of a mum (Cath) and daughter (Claire) rebuilding their relationship using Prison Voicemail, through the messages they sent to each other over the years. Cath said, “It’s been particularly helpful because there’s often times when her shifts don’t coincide with times I can use the phone… we can just leave each other a message, so we know we’re thinking of each other.” Listen to the documentary here

    CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: women’s experience of lockdown

    Advance has launched its report A strange empty place, following a survey of women in contact with the criminal justice system and supported by Advance’s Minerva Services, sharing their experiences and impact of the pandemic and lockdown. The Covid-19 crisis has exposed the increased hardship, risks and needs of women in the criminal justice system, who often already face multiple disadvantages and barriers to accessing support. But is has also presented an opportunity to shift perspectives about those most vulnerable in society. Advance calls for sustained funding to ensure no woman is left without access the support and services she needs in an increasingly digital world, as well as support for addressing isolation and mental health issues, exacerbated by the current crisis. Read more here

    CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: service user involvement in reducing women’s imprisonment

    The Prison Reform Trust (PRT) has published research about its Transforming Lives programme which has run since 2015. It aimed to reduce women’s imprisonment across the UK, engaging with over 150 women with lived experience of the criminal justice system. The programme is now preparing to draw to a close. The research undertaken by the National Centre of Social Research gives an insight into how women were involved and the perceived impact of their contribution. Yasmin Akhtar, Community Support Officer, Staffordshire and West Midlands Community Rehabilitation Company has also written a blog about her experience as a Transforming Lives Women’s Council member. Read more here

    CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: social welfare advice across London

    Advice Services Alliance has released a research report Advising Londoners, which evaluates the provision of social welfare advice across London. The report explores advice need in relation to the provision of services and highlights where gaps are most prevalent. It discusses how service delivery is changing and considers the current strategic challenges and opportunities. Recommendations are made for how the Greater London Authority can strengthen the advice sector. Read the full report and press release here

    CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: expressions of interest to work on probation inspections

    Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation has two opportunities to work with the team on upcoming inspections. The Inspectorate is looking for organisations who can support and second an individual or individuals to support service user engagement for: an inspection into probation service delivery for black, Asian and minority ethnic service users and staff; an inspection of the recovery of probation services from the impact of exceptional delivery models introduced due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Find full details and express interest here

    CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: donate old devices

    Belong is asking people to donate their old, unused digital devices, which it will redistribute to its mentees and people leaving prison. This will help prison leavers to access crucial services including Belong’s mentoring, restorative justice and creative therapy interventions remotely. People in contact with the criminal justice system are more likely to be digitally excluded. During Covid-19, being able to access online services has become crucial for people leaving prison. Making a Universal Credit application and online banking all require access to the internet. Find out more here

    FUNDING: excluded people

    Comic Relief has launched the new Change Makers grant programme to support ambitious, game changing proposals from not-for-profit organisations in the UK that are working with those who are most excluded in society. Activities should be relevant to Comic Relief’s social change themes of homelessness, forced migration, gender justice, mental health, and early childhood development. Grants of between £150,000 and £600,000 are available for three to five years. The average annual funding being requested should not be more than two thirds of organisations’ most recent annual income. 20% of the available funding is ring-fenced for efforts led by and working with black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities. Find out more and apply before 28th August here

    FUNDING: projects run by and for young people

    Grants are available from the Gloucestershire Community Foundation for local voluntary and community groups in Gloucestershire or South Gloucestershire to undertake projects run by and for young people to combat anti-social behaviour and crime, promote healthy living, stimulate personal development and encourage inclusion. Priority will be given to groups that can: deliver a project or activity that reflects the concerns and priorities of the target beneficiaries and fits well with existing community activities or services; and demonstrate they are well connected within the local community and their project involves working in partnership with local organisations and groups. No minimum or maximum grant limit is specified but previous grants have fallen between £1,000 and £2,000. Apply before 4th September here

    CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: supporting rehabilitation through creative arts

    The Prisoner Learning Alliance has been hosting bi-weekly webinars exploring different aspects of prison education. Next week, the focus is on supporting prisoner rehabilitation through creative arts [19th August, online, free]. Sarah Hartley, Operational Lead for Creative Arts, Enrichment and Families at Novus will be talking about her approach to driving enrichment opportunities and how these align with a rehabilitative culture. Register here

    CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: probation commissioning webinars

    The Probation Dynamic Framework Commercial Team is hosting two webinars to talk through the different routes and opportunities available via the probation Dynamic Framework. The first will cover bidding models (e.g. subcontracting, partnering and consortia) [10:30am, 20th August, online, free] and the second will be on multi service category call-off competitions [10:30am, 26th August, online, free]. The Framework has been designed to allow varied bidding models and the first webinar will help you decide which approach is most suitable for your organisation, then explain what you need to do next. The second webinar will explain what a multi-service category call-off involves and how to bid for these competitions. This session will be of particular interest to anyone interested in the personal wellbeing and women’s only services call-offs advertised for day one. Register by emailing ProbationDynamicFramework@justice.gov.uk

    CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: open mic and exhibition

    Khulisa is hosting its first ever virtual open mic and exhibition event – The Expression Sessions [27th August, online, free]. Khulisa is inviting young people to capture and express their lockdown experiences through visual art, spoken word, and music. Processing challenging experiences in a safe, healthy way often involves finding ways to both reflect on and express your story. Khulisa is keen on capturing young people's voices, particularly relating to their experience of the pandemic. If you know any young people who would be interested in performing please share this performer invite link with them and Khulisa will be in touch. Sign up to join the event here

    CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Dynamic Framework e-sourcing platform

    The Probation Dynamic Framework Commercial Team has published a video recording of its recent webinar on the e-sourcing platform for the probation Dynamic Framework. The webinar takes you through the e-sourcing platform and the documents that you are required to use when submitting a response for the Dynamic Framework. Watch it here

    OPPORTUNITY: support prison leavers at HMP Exeter

    The South West Reducing Reoffending Partnership is seeking expressions of interest from organisations who are able to host a voluntary sector coordinator for 12 months commencing 1st October 2020. The project will seek to strengthen the support services available to prisoners at HMP Exeter prior to their release; and improve engagement with services post release. The coordinator will develop essential transition links and provide support for prisoners returning to the South West. Suitable organisations will be invited to a virtual interview in the week commencing 7th September. As funding is under £40,000 there will be a transparent but informal approach. The deadline for applications is 5pm 31st August. For the Expression of Interest (EOI) form please email Amanda.Bennett@avonandsomerset.police.uk and for further details about the role please contact Amanda Sherriff Amanda.sherriff@clinks.org

    CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES

    Vacancies on the jobs board this week include: Director of Finance and Central Support with EDP Drug & Alcohol Services [Exeter], Caseworker with St. Giles Trust [Leeds], Group Facilitator with Humankind [South Tyneside], Prison Support Volunteer with The Forward Trust [HMP Warren Hill], Patient & Public Participation (PPP) Representative with Inspirit Training & Development Ltd [London], Support Worker with Nacro [West Midlands], GAP & MAP Development Worker with Changing Lives [Newcastle-Upon-Tyne], Senior Support Worker with Imagine If Theatre Company [Leeds]. For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here

    TIPS OF THE WEEK

    • Tip I: Online British Sign Language course. £11. Details
    • Tip II: Two-night North Wales seaside break. 50% off. Details
    • Tip III: Gel cooling mat for pets. 65% off. Details

    EXTRA INFORMATION

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