Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 706 | 22nd October 2021

Light Lunch

In this week's edition...

CLINKS NEWS: speaker and workshops announced

We have invited Rt Hon Dominic Raab MP (Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice) to share his vision for the role of the voluntary sector in helping the government to build back a better criminal justice system at our Annual conference and AGM 2021 [23rd-25th November, online, free]. We’re also delighted to announce the exciting range of workshops available for you to join this year. They will be hosted by Hibiscus Initiatives, Working Chance, Unlock, Genius Within, Prison Reform Trust, Run For Your Life, Synergy Theatre, Prison Phoenix Trust, Why Me? and GamCare. You will have the opportunity to choose which workshops you would like to join once you book your place for the conference. Book here

CLINKS NEWS: State of the sector 2021 survey - why your response matters

Have you completed this year's State of the sector survey yet? Senior Policy Officer Will Downs has written a blog detailing the four main reasons your responses to our eighth annual State of the sector survey are so important to us. This is your chance to share your experiences, and help us influence key decision makers on your behalf. All of your responses will form the basis of an in-depth report to be published early next year and highlight the challenges and opportunities for organisations working to transform the lives of people in the criminal justice system as we regroup from the Covid-19 pandemic. Read more here and take the survey by 8th November here

CLINKS NEWS: seeking youth justice and mental health specialists

Clinks is seeking two voluntary sector leaders to join the Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group (RR3) – one mental health specialist and one youth justice specialist. This is an opportunity to use your skills and expertise to represent the voluntary sector and influence decision makers. To apply, you must be a senior manager in a voluntary organisation currently providing specific support relating to mental health or youth justice. The main purpose of the RR3 is to build a stronger and more effective partnership between the voluntary sector and the Ministry of Justice. Members of the RR3 sit as individuals, and they act as a representative of the wider criminal justice voluntary sector. The chair for the group and its secretariat is provided by Clinks. Find out more and apply by 5th November here

CLINKS NEWS: spending review representations

Clinks has made two representations to the Treasury to inform the Spending Review 2021. One response sets out our suggestions for how the government can address its priorities to cut crime and reduce reoffending, by building a strong and innovative criminal justice system that harnesses the knowledge and expertise of the voluntary sector across prisons and probation. The other response developed and submitted alongside family and criminal justice voluntary organisations and focusses on the need to fully invest in family services. The Spending Review will conclude alongside the autumn budget on 27th October. Read our Time to invest in families representation here, and Representation to the Spending Review 2021 here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: life after punishment film

The University of Plymouth has produced a film, "Finishing Time and Moving On: Life After Punishment", which documents research undertaken at LandWorks over the last seven years, including interviews with over 120 people about their experience of the criminal justice system. The research includes the PeN (Photographic electronic Narrative) project that involves beneficiaries co-creating reflective blog posts that chart their time at LandWorks and ‘life after punishment’. The film includes powerful interviews with three of LandWorks' former trainees. Read more on the research here. Watch the film here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Black and mixed heritage boys in youth justice services

In a recent report commissioned by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation, user-led charity User Voice provides insight into the experiences of Black and mixed heritage boys within the youth justice system and presents their unfiltered feedback to key decision-makers, along with user-led recommendations. The overrepresentation of racially minoritised boys within the justice system has long been recognised, and User Voice found that what participants did not say was just as important as what they did say. The majority of boys interviewed said that they didn’t need support, yet statistics suggest most will end up reoffending. Participants said they were happy with the support they were given, yet said this was because it was often ‘easy’, and seen to be a better alternative than prison. Read the consultation here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: lived experience expertise

Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation together with Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons is undertaking a joint thematic inspection of Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in England and Wales. The inspectorates are seeking to recruit an organisation that can provide lived experience expertise of the criminal justice system, to obtain the experiences of people on probation or in prison. If you are interested in finding out more about this opportunity, find out more here or email karen.kendall@hmiprobation.gov.uk

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: leadership in lockdown

During the pandemic, Run For Your Life CIC switched from in-prison work to supporting prison governors online. In advance of his workshop at Clinks’ Annual conference next month, Founder Andy Mouncey explains how Run For Your Life was able to switch gears and adapt to the changing circumstances in this new 30 minute podcast. He also explores the challenges of delivering work online and engaging with leaders who are time-poor. Listen here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: hope

Looking Ahead with Hope is a collection of short and inter-connected pieces written by Eddie Gilmore over a three-year period in the course of his work for the Irish Chaplaincy. The book is a weaving together of various visits to places including prisons, care homes and monasteries, as well as travels further afield. At the heart of the book are the encounters with a host of characters, which touch and transform and which reveal deep connections with each another. The book is released on October 29th and can be pre-ordered directly from the publisher here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Finance, Benefits and Debt services

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is seeking to procure Finance, Benefits and Debt services within the majority of Probation Regions, launching a competition this winter using the MoJ Probation Services Dynamic Framework (DF), with an indicative contract award date of April 2022. Each Probation Region is seeking to procure their services on a different geographical basis which has not yet been confirmed. Potential bidders are invited to submit Selection Questionnaires to qualify onto the DF under ‘DF.03 Finance, Benefits and Debt’ in order to then be invited to bid. Bidders are also invited to respond to a Request for Information (RFI) to inform the future content of the invitation to tender and submit their thoughts on various aspects of the specification and overall requirement. Submit Selection Questionnaires using the e-sourcing portal here. For information on the RFI please contact ProbationDynamicFramework@justice.gov.uk

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Dependency and Recovery services

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is seeking to procure Dependency and Recovery services within the majority of Probation Regions, launching a competition this winter using the MoJ Probation Services Dynamic Framework (DF), with an indicative contract award date of April 2022. Each Probation Region is seeking to procure their services on a different geographical basis which has not yet been confirmed. Potential bidders are invited to submit Selection Questionnaires to qualify onto the DF under “DF.04 Dependency and Recovery” in order to then be invited to bid. Bidders are also invited to respond to a Request for Information (RFI) to inform the future content of the invitation to tender and submit their thoughts on various aspects of the specification and overall requirement. Submit Selection Questionnaires using the e-sourcing portal here. For information on the RFI please contact ProbationDynamicFramework@justice.gov.uk

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Prisoner, Family and Significant Other services

Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) will shortly be hosting market engagement events for Prisoner, Family and Significant Other services. There will be four virtual market engagement events covering the North, South, East, West and Wales [1st-3rd November, online, free]. Indicative lots (contracts legally independent of one another) will be confirmed as part of the market engagements. The approach for Women’s Services and Long Term High Security Estate is yet to be decided, those interested in bidding in these areas are welcome to attend any of the events. If you would like to attend, please confirm: your preferred region and date(s); the email addresses of those attending; your consent for HMPPS to share your contact details with other interested providers to discuss partnership bids; and if you give consent, a brief paragraph about your organisation which will be shared along with contact details. Send this information to MoJCommercialReset@justice.gov.uk

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Greater Manchester frontline workers

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has launched a Frontline Practitioners Survey to inform the ongoing development of the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Plan refresh. The Police Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire team at GMCA hope this survey will further its understanding of what is happening ‘on the ground’ through learning about what frontline staff see and hear on a day-to-day basis. Frontline staff working in Greater Manchester who work with people who are, have been, or are at risk of coming into contact with the criminal justice system are invited to take the survey and to provide comments and feedback. The survey will run until 14th November. A full public consultation will be conducted later in 2021. Take the survey here

FUNDING: work with children under 16

Grants up to £2,500 are available from the 7stars Foundation to support young people challenged by abuse and addiction, those who are young carers, and those who are homeless or without a safe place to call home. Your organisation/project must support people under the age of 16 and you must be a registered charity. Find out more and apply by 31st October here

FUNDING: racially minoritised people in the North West

The North West Probation Service (NWPS) is launching a funding programme to engage and collaborate with specialist, local organisations that support racially minoritised people in a culturally informed way. Voluntary sector organisations can apply for funding of up to £9,500 to improve outcomes for people on probation in the North West. The purpose of the funding programme is for NWPS to more effectively engage and work with the voluntary sector to generate ideas, models and working practices to better support racially minoritised people on probation. The funding can be used on direct delivery, communication or consultation. Applications must be submitted by 12 noon on 15th November and successful bids will be informed by the end of November. To find out more and get an application form, contact NW.Community.Integration@justice.gov.uk

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: self-harm and early intervention

At this Academy for Social Justice event, in conjunction with HMPPS Insights, We are With You will discuss the service gaps for young people struggling with wellbeing and self-harm [2nd November, online, free]. Representatives from We are With You will discuss how they identify young people who would otherwise be ‘under the radar’ and how they ensure positive outcomes continue beyond the end of delivery. They will also give insight from a practitioner's perspective and provide resources to share with young people, including some examples of activities used within the Mind and Body programme. Please note you must be a member of the Academy to attend an event. Membership is free and you will be prompted to join when registering. Register here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: problem gambling: prevalence and practice

Join Jon Collins, CEO of the Prisoner Education Trust, and a panel of guests from The Howard League, Ministry of Justice (MoJ), Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) and more, to learn about the prevalence and of effects of gambling in criminal justice, and how this can be addressed [9th November, online, free]. Andrew Neilson, Howard League for Penal Reform will look at the prevalence of problem gambling, and the links to crime and offending. Jamie Bennett, Deputy Director, HMPPS Operational Security Group will reflect on the potential harms of gambling in prison and discuss how to identify the extent of gambling related crime. Find out more and book your place here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: lived experience leaders

The New Leaf Network is hosting its second Annual Conference and Awards Ceremony [16th December, online and in person, free]. This year the theme of the event is resilience. The conference will highlight the resilience of New Leaf Network members and allies and focus upon their continued determination, tenacity and desire to overcome what many would perceive to be major obstacles. Keynote speakers, both Lived Experience Members and allies will be sharing insights as to how they have become the people they are today and how they are helping others to aspire to reach their goals. Nominations are now open for the ten award categories. To make a nomination, download the form here and return to network@newleafcic.org. Book your place for the event here

OPPORTUNITY: Applied Criminology Master’s course

The Institute of Criminology (University of Cambridge) runs a two-year part-time Master’s course (MSt) in Applied Criminology, Penology and Management, which is now accepting applications for the 2022 intake. Students generally include practitioners working in public and private prisons, probation services, youth justice, the voluntary sector, the magistracy, and international governmental and non-governmental organisations. The course will be compatible with full-time careers in criminal justice, and aims to produce highly informed and research-literate future leaders. It is taught through a series of residential study blocks in Cambridge, with seminars delivered by internationally renowned researchers and guest speakers, with an emphasis on interactive learning. Find details of all aspects of the course here. If you are interested in joining the next course, starting in April 2022 (application deadline is 14th January 2022), contact mst.administration@crim.cam.ac.uk

FEATURED VACANCY: Facilitator

St Giles Trust is looking for a Facilitator [£19,847, Leeds and West Yorkshire, part-time] to develop and deliver training and educational sessions to children and young people, parents and professionals on topics such as weapons awareness, the reality of prison, gangs and county lines, and child sexual exploitation. You will also provide 1:1 mentoring support for young people in a variety of settings including schools (primary and secondary), Pupil Referral Units, Community Centres and Youth Offending Services. This is a fixed term contract until 31 March 2022 (with possibility of extension). Find out more and apply by 24th October here

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES

Engagement Officer with ADVANCE [London], Service Manager with Foundation [Harrogate], Case Manager with Achieve North West Connect [Lancashire and Cumbria], Accommodation and Support Officer with Seetec [Bury St Edmunds], Young People’s Circles Coordinator with Circles South West [Devon], Accommodation Support Worker with The Wise Group [home based], Visits Services Play Worker with NEPACS [HMP Durham], Refreshment Bar Supervisor with Ormiston Families [HMP Bedford], Sexual Exploitation Case Outreach Worker with Changing Lives [York], Family Engagement Worker with Pact [London]. For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here

TIPS OF THE WEEK

  • Extra 20% off Lego sets. Details
  • Plush blanket sleeping bag. Up to 80% off. Details
  • Children’s digital video camera. £9.99. Details

EXTRA INFORMATION

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