Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 687 | 11th June 2021

Light Lunch

In this week's edition...

CLINKS NEWS: Anne Fox on compassionate leave

The thoughts of the Clinks team are with Anne Fox, Clinks’ Chief Executive Officer who is currently on compassionate leave after a family bereavement. In line with our Acting in Absence policy and following discussion between the Senior Management Team, Chair and trustees it has been agreed that Directors Chris Stacey, Director of Support and Development; Jess Mullen, Director of Influence and Communications; and Victoria Sadler, Director of Corporate Services – will act-up in their respective roles to continue to lead the organisation towards our strategic objectives during this time. Chris and Jess will take on the additional positions of acting Co-Chief Executives and work with our members, funders and stakeholders in the government to ensure that we continue to support a vibrant, independent and resilient voluntary sector into Covid-19 recovery and the new criminal justice landscape brought about by the imminent probation reforms. If you wish to send condolences to Anne she can be reached on Twitter @AnneFoxThoughts or we invite you to add a message to an online condolence book we have set up here

CLINKS EVENT: race and justice network meeting

We are holding an informal meet and greet to mark the start of our Race and justice network [17th June, online, free]. This is a networking opportunity for organisations to meet each other and find out more about each other’s work. Please note that Race and justice network meetings are only open to voluntary sector organisations who provide a specific service or project for racially minoritised people in contact with the criminal justice system. All levels of experience are welcome, from volunteers to CEOs and everything in between. Book your place here

CLINKS EVENT: women’s network meeting

This women’s network meeting will focus on supporting women to unlock their potential and achieve employment [22nd June, online, free]. We will hear from specialist women’s employment charity, Working Chance and community interest company, A Fairer Chance, which secures jobs for people with criminal convictions. Our quarterly women’s network meetings, hosted in partnership with Agenda, provide support, information and networking opportunities to those working with women in contact with the criminal justice system. They provide updates on policy, member activity and host speakers on relevant topics. Book your place here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: small charity week

Next week (14th-19th June) is Small Charity Week. Small Charity Week celebrates and raises awareness of the essential work of the UK’s small charity sector which makes an invaluable contribution to the lives of millions of individuals, communities and causes across the UK and the rest of the world. Small Charity Week is coordinated by several partners, including: The FSI, NCVO, NAVCA, Local Giving and Small Charities Coalition, GlobalGiving, Fundraising Everywhere, and Social Value UK. The week includes several themed days to get involved in, including: I Love Small Charities Day, Big Advice Day, Policy Day, Fundraising Day, Small Charity Big Impact Day, and Appreciation Day. Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: voluntary service

Sussex Pathways has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The award recognises exceptional work done by volunteer groups and organisations in their communities. 241 voluntary groups were given the award this year. Thanks to the commitment and dedication of its staff and volunteers, and the support of a small band of funders, Sussex Pathways has kept going steadily and with determination during very challenging times. The team has continued to support people leaving prison and others undertaking restorative justice programmes. Read more about the award winners here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: online play

Chloë Moss’s original Clean Break play ‘Sweatbox’ is now available to watch online. Sweatbox offers a glimpse into the experience of women as they are pulled away from their lives and transported to prison. Its setting is a prison van outside HMP Bronzefield, focusing on three women, each caught up in their own worlds as they anticipate what’s next. Sweatbox has toured the UK in a prison van since its premiere at the Latitude Festival in 2015 and has been transformed into an engaging adaptation for the screen. Watch it here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: grants for women’s organisations

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has launched a grant programme for specialist women’s community organisations. For the second year running, to support delivery of the Female Offender Strategy and in recognition of the essential services provided by specialist women’s organisations, the MoJ is offering grants for core costs. Grants of a minimum of £40,000 and maximum of £100,000 are available for specialist organisations providing gender-specific services for women in the criminal justice system in England and Wales. £2.5 million will be distributed in 12 regional lots, aligned with the probation regions. The funding can cover core costs incurred between mid-September and 31st March 2022. Applications can be made via the e-sourcing portal. Once logged in, search for “ITT_5304”. Applications are open from today until 10am on 16th July 2021. Access the Ministry of Justice Sourcing Portal here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: women with lived experience

The Ministry of Justice is inviting racially minoritised or non-British national women with lived experience of the criminal justice system to take part in a short survey. Your responses will be used to inform the development of a staff training course aimed at improving awareness of the impacts of culture, faith and family relationships for ethnic minority and non-British women. Responses will be collated throughout June. You can access the survey here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Local Leadership and Integration Fund

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) would like to hear your feedback about its Local Leadership and Integration Fund (LLIF) Round 1. The LLIF is part of the Prison Leavers Project and is focused on funding locally led approaches to improve prison leaver outcomes and reduce reoffending. You are invited to take part in a 10-minute survey of your experience with LLIF, regardless of whether or not you submitted a bid. The MoJ would like to ask that only one person takes part per organisation. Your responses will inform LLIF Round 2 which will aim to open in August 2021. All eligible organisations are encouraged to apply. The deadline for the survey is Monday 21st June. Take the survey here

FUNDING: homelessness

Revenue grants of between £10,000 and £100,000 are available from the Homeless Link Homelessness Winter Transformation Fund for homelessness, faith, community and voluntary sector organisations in England to provide single room/self-contained and Covid-19 secure accommodation for people experiencing homelessness. The grants can fund staff, running and operational costs, including small scale refurbishments such as painting and decorating costs and are to be spent by 31 March 2022. Bids can contain up to 10% of minor capital costs. Find out more and apply by 5th July here

FUNDING: education and rehabilitation

Grants of up to £1,000 are available from the Gordon Trust for registered charities working in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Northamptonshire in the areas of disability, social deprivation, homelessness, substance and alcohol abuse and prisoner education and rehabilitation. The Trust tends to support charities with an income of £3 million or below. Find out more and apply by 15th July here

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: stories of lived experience

The Forgiveness Project’s course ‘Working with stories of lived experience – the transformative power of storytelling’ explores approaches and perspectives relating to forgiveness, restorative narratives, shame and resilience [20th July-19th September, online, £950]. It also offers tools and techniques to build participants’ knowledge and practice of the use of storytelling in their work. In addition, it offers new and innovative approaches to working with individuals and groups, in order to support participants to develop resilience and empathetic relationships with clients and colleagues. The course is 28 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours – with a certificate available on request. Find out more and register here

PUBLICATION: small voluntary organisations' response to change

The Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR) and CAST have launched a report: Response to change: How small voluntary organisations are using tech. It is a study of how several small voluntary organisations responded to change during the pandemic, embracing new digital tools and approaches. The report includes pertinent messages for both small voluntary organisations and funders thinking about tech’s role in the voluntary sector, and next steps for embedding it in approaches. Read it here

SURVEY: fundraising activity in Wales

Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) is working to build a picture of fundraising activity in Wales and has launched a survey. WCVA is looking for voluntary organisations to answers questions about their fundraising activities - in particular the amounts raised and the activities that they undertake to deliver this work. Please note this survey is only for not-for-profit organisations operating within Wales. The deadline to complete the survey is 21st June. Complete in Welsh here or English here

FEATURED VACANCY: Engagement and Support Officer

Fine Cell Work is looking for an Engagement and Support Officer [full time, London, £25,000-£26,000] to underpin all aspects of its post-prison programme - Open the Gates. This person will be responsible for: ex-prisoners’ referral, recruitment and support arrangements; risk assessing attendance and providing individualised support based upon need; and setting up and delivering the Fine Cell Work distance support scheme. As well as offering person-centred support and helping to shape and embed the new distance support project, the role includes: building relationships with ex-prisoners’ Probation Officers and Public Protection Officers; actively recruiting ex-prisoners to join the programme; and overseeing the ex-prisoner journey at Fine Cell Work. Find out more and apply by 18th June here

FEATURED VACANCY: Peer Mentor – Liaison and Diversion

Shelter (England) is looking for a Liaison and Diversion Peer Mentor [full time, Birmingham, £18,525] who has lived experience of mental health concerns and offending and can bring their invaluable insight to the table. As a Liaison and Diversion Peer Mentor you’ll engage with clients experiencing multiple and complex needs who have come into contact with the criminal justice system either through custody or court. Your challenge will be to build a relationship of trust with clients and help them to achieve their personalised support outcomes. Shelter offers a full induction programme, and you will receive formal training in key areas such as homelessness and housing, substance misuse, offending and mental health issues. Find out more and apply by 22nd June here

FEATURED VACANCY: Senior Policy Officer

The Criminal Justice Alliance (CJA) is looking for a Senior Policy Officer [full time, London, £33,000-£35,000]. The Senior Policy Officer will develop expert knowledge in areas specific to the CJA’s strategy; produce influential research and analysis with recommendations for policy and practice; build and maintain relationships with key policy makers; and co-produce policy consultation responses with the CJA’s expert members. You will have the ability to write clearly and persuasively, have at least three years relevant work experience and in-depth knowledge of policy making and parliamentary processes. Find out more and apply by 4th July here

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES

Recovery Motivator with Change, Grow, Live [Nottinghamshire], Link Worker with Mental Health Concern [Newcastle Upon Tyne], Peer Advisor and Placement Coordinator with St Giles Trust [Leeds], Alana House Manager with Alana House [Reading], Keyworker – Thriving at Work with Humankind [North Yorkshire], Fitness and Centre Manager with Restorative Justice for All International Institute [London], Support Worker with Imagine Independence [Merseyside], Women’s Centre Link Worker with The Nelson Trust [HMP Eastwood Park], Support Worker with Nacro, Administrator with Changing Lives [Blyth]. For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here

TIPS OF THE WEEK

  • Silicone no-tie shoelaces. 88% off. Details
  • Paddle board and carry bag. Save 56%. Details
  • Garden hammock with stand. 17% off. Details

EXTRA INFORMATION

 

 About Clinks Light Lunch

This edition of Light Lunch has been sent to the inbox of 13,536 people working (or with an interest) in the criminal justice system of England and Wales.

Click here to manage your subscriptions. For assistance, email info@clinks.org

Clinks logo

Get involved Become a Member | Follow Clinks on Twitter | Terms and conditions

Contact us www.clinks.org | info@clinks.org | 020 7383 0966

© Clinks, 2021