Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 666 | 8th January 2021

Light Lunch

In this week's edition...

CLINKS NEWS: Covid-19 resources

Following the national lockdown announced on 4th January, all adult prisons in England and Wales will be at Regime Stage 4 of the National Framework for Prison Regimes and Services until at least the end of January. The youth estate will remain at Stage 3. Visits are suspended in all adult prisons, except on exceptional compassionate grounds agreed in advance with the prison. Visits to children will continue. We continue to work closely with the Ministry of Justice and HM Prison and Probation Service to advocate on the voluntary sector's behalf and to help facilitate information flow. Look out for further updates following recent meetings of the Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group and discussion with Lucy Frazer QC MP. For voluntary organisations with concerns or questions regarding how Covid-19 is affecting you or the people you support, email Covid19@clinks.org. Find out more on our Covid-19 web page here

CLINKS VACANCY: lead our race and justice work

There's still time for voluntary sector staff to apply to join Clinks for 18 months to lead our race and justice work [£33,535 FTE, part time, flexible location]. The post-holder will work with our network of organisations providing specialist services for people from a black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) background in the criminal justice system to ensure we are meeting their needs, sharing their knowledge, and amplifying their voices to improve policy and practice. The application deadline is 11th January. Apply here

CLINKS RESPONSE: race and ethnic disparities

On 30th November 2020 Clinks submitted evidence to the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities to inform their inquiry into ethnic disparities and inequality in the UK. We recommended that a consistent cross-government strategy is required to tackle racial inequality in the criminal justice system and reduce criminalisation of young black people, Muslim people and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people. We also highlighted the extraordinary difference specialist black, Asian and minority ethnic led and specialist voluntary organisations can make and the need for their work to be supported by the government through long-term, sustainable and consistent resource. Read our response here

CLINKS EVENT: women's probation services in Greater Manchester

Clinks and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) are hosting a series of events to help voluntary organisations understand the co-commissioning process for probation services in Greater Manchester as part of the new probation model. This event [14th January, online, free] will specifically be looking at the Women’s Services contract lot. Greater Manchester will not be procuring probation services through the Dynamic Framework commissioning process from June 2021. Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service is instead co-commissioning these services with GMCA. Book your place here

CLINKS EVENTS: how to influence government policy

Do you want to learn about different organisations’ approaches to influencing government policy? Are you interested in developing your own organisation’s policy influencing strategy? If so, join us for our series of three online expert seminars [14th and 21st January, 3rd February, online, free]. The series will cover an introduction to influencing policy and Clinks' approach; Unlock’s landmark challenge to the government’s criminal records disclosure regime; and the role of influencing in Prison Reform Trust’s work. The seminars are suitable for voluntary organisations ranging from those just starting on their influencing journey, to those that have a lot of experience who might want to pick up something new. Find out more and book here

NATIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE ARTS ALLIANCE NEWS: call to deliver bursary scheme

The National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance (NCJAA) is seeking an arts in criminal justice organisation to support the delivery of the NCJAA 2020-21 professional development bursary scheme. The bursary scheme has been running since 2017, providing flexible, bespoke grants to support emerging and experienced practitioners in the field to pursue professional development activities. The NCJAA is looking for an organisation to deliver the 2020-21 scheme, from planning to decision-making, with awards granted in March 2021. The successful applicant will receive a management fee for administering the scheme equivalent to 15% of the total grant pot. Please note that although the deadline is 11th January, an expression of interest (instead of a full application) sent before the 11th will be sufficient. Read more and find out how to apply here

NATIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE ARTS ALLIANCE NEWS: call to evaluate mentoring scheme

The National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance (NCJAA) is looking for an experienced researcher to evaluate the NCJAA professional mentoring scheme. By matching early career practitioners with experts within the field, the scheme aims to expand opportunities for individuals to develop professional skills and knowledge in the field of arts and criminal justice through one-to-one mentoring relationships. In order to make sure the scheme meets the needs of participants, the NCJAA is looking for someone to produce a summary evaluation report covering the effectiveness of the scheme and making practical recommendations for improvements when the scheme recommences in 2021. This opportunity is open to academic researchers, research consultants and other independent researchers. Please note that although the deadline is the 11th January, an expression of interest (instead of a full application) sent before the 11th will be sufficient. Read more and find out how to apply here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: neurodiversity in the criminal justice system

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has asked HM Inspectorate of Prisons and HM Inspectorate of Probation to conduct an independent evidence review on neurodiversity in the criminal justice system. The findings will help the MoJ to develop effective policy to improve awareness of neurodiversity. There are four strands to the work: a call for evidence, a series of round-table events, consultation with practitioners, and feedback from those involved in the criminal justice system. Findings will be published in the summer. The call for evidence closes on 15th January 2021. HM Inspectorate of Probation is also looking for an organisation to support and second an individual(s) with lived experience to obtain the views of service users around the theme of neurodiversity. Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: sentencing reform paper

Prison Reform Trust (PRT) has published a critique of the government's white paper A Smarter Approach to Sentencing. It is hoped it will assist others who share both its concerns and hopes for different elements of the white paper’s approach and inform parliamentary scrutiny of any bill that results from it. PRT notes the distinction the government makes in this white paper between the treatment of more serious offences, particularly those of a sexual or violent nature, and other offending, and welcomes much of the policy intention behind the treatment of less serious offending. However, PRT states that the sections dealing with the treatment of more serious offending either rely on no evidence to support the claims made for them or use evidence selectively and in a way that misleads. Read the critique here

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: sentencing reform briefings

The Centre for Justice Innovation has published three briefings on implementing the reforms in the government's white paper A Smarter Approach to Sentencing. The briefings outline the key lessons that must guide the implementation of the government’s proposals to streamline the out of court disposals framework; outline how deferred sentences can be used to address the revolving door of offending; and outline the key lessons that must guide the implementation of the problem-solving court pilots. Download them here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: probation and the voluntary sector

The Probation Institute has published a position paper entitled Probation Services and the Voluntary and Community Sector - A Strong and Effective Relationship. It sets out principles to guide practitioners, managers and policy-makers in probation and the voluntary sector as they seek to build consistent and constructive partnerships for the future. It is produced at a time of significant change resulting from the government’s decision to fully re-integrate the National Probation Service from June 2021. Having contributed to the paper, it makes use of Clinks' findings from our State of the sector research, TrackTR work, and work to assess the impact of Covid-19. Download the paper here

FUNDING: telephone befriending grants

Having secured funding from the Ministry of Justice and Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), Volunteering Matters is looking for expressions of interest from organisations to deliver a telephone befriending service to individuals currently serving their sentences in the community either on a community sentence order or on a period of license. Volunteers would support the most vulnerable via telephone calls to help those feeling isolated during the pandemic. There's a range of areas across England which need cover. Telephones will be supplied by HMPPS. The grant funding for this project is up to £15,000 for five months. Contact debbie.easterbrook@volunteeringmatters.org.uk for more information.

FUNDING: effective and coordinated support

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is inviting local areas to submit expressions of interest for a £46m cross-government Changing Futures programme. This programme is focused on improving the way that local systems and services work for adults experiencing multiple disadvantage and using learning from this to influence future government programmes and policy. Changing Futures is seeking Expressions of Interest from local partnerships wishing to join the programme, with funding of between £1.5m and £4.5m per area available over the next two years. The deadline for Expressions of Interest is 21st January 2021. Find out more here

FUNDING: arts and culture

Cultural organisations in England are now invited to apply to the second round of the Culture Recovery Fund, administered by Arts Council England. The Culture Recovery Fund grants programme aims to support cultural organisations as they transition back to a sustainable operating model during April-June 2021. Grants of between £25,000 and £3 million are available to both new applicants and those who applied to the first round. Applicants should note that round two has different aims to the previous round and as a result, the application process, questions and criteria are different. Further guidance, including accessible instructions, are available on the Arts Council England website. Find out more and apply by 26th January here

CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: lessons from the frontline of forgiveness

The Forgiveness Project's Prison Chronicles is a series of live conversations exploring the stories we tell – how we shape them and ultimately how they shape us. The next event [13th January, online, £6] will be hosted by Sandra Barefoot, Programme Manager of RESTORE and will feature Jason Grant, a lived experience consultant, who will talk about identity, collective and systemic trauma and how sharing your story can sometimes do more harm than good. Book here

CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENTS: employment support partnerships

Maximus UK invites voluntary organisations to consider joining its Community Partnership Network and is hosting a series of four virtual events to share information about the network and Restart programme [across 18th and 19th January, online, free]. The events will cover its partnership approach, examples of collaboration to date, opportunities to work with Maximus UK to design services that benefit the community, and how through Restart it plans to support long-term unemployed people to develop their skills and find sustainable work. The Community Partnership Network is a partnership between Maximus UK and organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors. Find out more here and register here

AWARDS: new year's honours

Clinks' partners and funders working in criminal justice and the wider voluntary sector have been recognised in this year’s new year honours list. The list recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the United Kingdom. See our Twitter thread

FEATURED VACANCY: Dorset Development Manager

The Women’s Centre Cornwall is offering a short-term contract until March 2021 for a female Development Manager [£38,000, based remotely, full time] to develop strategic connections with partners and funders to increase provision for women in Dorset. The aim is to build strategic multi-agency links, develop a strategic plan and fundraising strategy as well as develop a whole system approach to amplify open services in Dorset. The successful candidate will lead a scoping project focusing on strengthening multi-agency support and building partnerships and networks in this region. You will be a confident communicator and relationship builder with a passion for women’s services and a proven ability at brokering partnerships with funders and local agencies. We would welcome secondments for this role. Find out more and apply by 11th January here

FEATURED VACANCY: Deputy Director

The Criminal Justice Alliance (CJA), a network of 160 organisations working towards a fair and effective criminal justice system, is pleased to announce an exciting new opening for a Deputy Director [£45-50,000, London, full-time]. This post offers the opportunity to work with a talented trustee and staff team to continue growing the reach and impact of the CJA. We have ambitious plans for growth and the Deputy Director will be critical in helping us to realise those aims. The Deputy Director will be responsible for raising and growing revenue to increase the CJA’s capacity and impact, producing all financial reports required for the organisation, maintaining high standards of governance and increasing operational effectiveness. Find out more and apply by 18th January here

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES

Employment Advisor with Chance for Change [London], Employment Advisor with Working Chance [London], Information Advice & Guidance Advisor with Weston College (Offender Learning) [HMP Eastwood Park], Administrator with St Giles Trust [HMP Stoke Heath], Service Manager with Imagine Independence [Lancaster]. For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here

TIPS OF THE WEEK

  • Claim working from home tax relief. Details
  • Christmas tree and decoration storage, £5.55 plus shipping. Details
  • 120 quilted toilet rolls, £34.99 plus shipping. Details

EXTRA INFORMATION

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