Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 707 | 29th October 2021

Light Lunch

In this week's edition...

CLINKS NEWS: Regional Reducing Reoffending Plans

In this blog, Policy Officer Franklin Barrington summarises the Regional Reducing Reoffending Plans produced in August 2021 by the 12 Regional Probation Directors. He also looks at how voluntary organisations can play their part in helping to define and strengthen probation strategies at a regional level. The publication of these plans is a positive step and helps to strengthen accountability of the Probation Service under the reformed operating model. However, we see a mixed picture: some plans give lots of detail on the steps that will be taken locally across a range of areas to reduce reoffending, whereas others lack concrete commitments, and in some cases, do not mention important areas at all. Read more here

CLINKS NEWS: we'll let you do the talking

There’s still time to take this year’s State of the sector survey - make your voice heard. This is your opportunity to share your organisation's successes and challenges and to influence policy makers. In our last State of the sector research, we found that charities and social enterprises are working relentlessly, in difficult circumstances, to support increasing numbers of people who are coming to them with more complex and urgent needs. Help us build on this evidence and identify new changes and challenges for the voluntary sector working in criminal justice. Your answers will help us to advocate on your behalf and better meet your needs. It takes just 20 minutes to complete and responses must be received by 8th November. Take the survey here

CLINKS NEWS: seeking youth justice and mental health specialists

There is only one more week left to apply to join the Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group (RR3). Clinks is seeking two voluntary sector leaders – 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

NATIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE ARTS ALLIANCE NEWS: seeking NCJAA Chair 

Applications are still open for the role of National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance (NCJAA) Chair – if you’re looking for a way to make an impact in arts and criminal justice, we want to hear from you. Heading up the NCJAA advisory board, the NCJAA Chair will advocate for arts organisations working in the criminal justice system and will be passionate about the transformative power of the arts as a springboard for positive change. We’re looking for an enthusiastic and experienced leader with a track record of achieving positive change, developing strategies, and achieving effective collaboration across agencies. We are particularly interested in hearing from racially minoritised people and people with lived experience of the criminal justice system. To apply, please submit an expression of interest by 1st November here 

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: 2021 Koestler Awards: winners announced

The winners of the 2021 Koestler Awards, which celebrate arts, music and writing from criminal justice settings, were announced on 25th October. Of the almost 6500 entries to the competition, 200 artworks will be on show at Koestler Arts’ 2021 UK-wide exhibition from 29th October. This year’s themed category, titled ‘Together’, is explored further in a new five-part video series, #TwoTogether. Each episode brings together a pair of Koestler Arts Mentees to reflect on their creative journey, engage with pieces of each other’s work, and discuss their plans for the future. Watch the video series here and find out more about the exhibition here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: anxiety toolkit for young people

Khulisa has published its latest anxiety toolkit. If you work with young people who are struggling with their mental health, the toolkit provides hints and tips, as well as breathing and art exercises to explore. It also includes useful explanations about different types of anxiety and how to manage them, in accessible language, designed for young people. Find it here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Gypsy, Roma and Irish Travellers in the criminal justice system

The Traveller Movement has been funded by Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) to conduct research about Gypsy, Roma and Irish Travellers in the criminal justice system. As part of this research The Traveller Movement is looking for people who work in the criminal justice system to take a short online survey. The research aims to improve engagement and ultimately reduce re-offending among Gypsy, Roma and Irish Travellers. Take the survey here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: recruiting prison leavers

The Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Justice hosted the Recruiting Prison Leavers Employer Summit on 21st October. He set out his ambition to increase the number of prisoners gaining skills and prison leavers in jobs six months after release. In a press release prior to the summit, he said “Giving an ex-offender a second chance can be win-win for them and their employer. Business owners have told me ex-offenders are among the most reliable and motivated workers in their team – they have a desire to prove themselves trustworthy and they have something to lose.” The Recruiting Prison Leavers Summit was attended by employers ranging from construction companies and manufacturers to hospitality businesses and retailers. Read more here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: call for evidence on hospice and end of life care

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Hospice and End of Life Care has launched a review into the lasting impacts of Covid-19 on death, dying and bereavement in England. As part of this review, the APPG is asking organisations to submit written evidence on the experiences that people in prison, as well as frontline workers within the criminal justice system, have had of death, dying and bereavement during the pandemic. The APPG plans to use the evidence submitted to this review to inform recommendations to the government and the hospice and end of life care sector to ensure lessons learned during the pandemic are not forgotten and lead to an improvement in people’s experiences of death, dying and bereavement. Submit evidence by 16th November here

FUNDING: Suffolk

Grants of up to £20,000 are available from Suffolk Community Foundation’s Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner’s Fund for local voluntary and community groups, charities, social enterprises and community interest companies that are delivering services that help make Suffolk a safer place to live, work, travel and invest in. Grants will not normally exceed 10% of the applicant organisation's total income; however, some exceptions may be allowed for start-up groups and grassroots organisations. Find out more and apply by 15th November here

FUNDING: people in the criminal justice system

Grants of up to £15,000 are available from the Weavers’ Company for smaller UK based charities working with people in contact with the criminal justice system, including ex-prisoners, young people in the criminal justice system and disadvantaged young people. The Trustees are keen to support projects working with disadvantaged young people to ensure they are given every possible chance to realise their full potential and to participate fully in society. The Company will also fund work that addresses the social and economic problems faced by people in the criminal justice system and their families, providing them with support, life-skills training and a way back into education, training and/or employment. Find out more and apply by 19th November here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: last month in criminal justice

The Centre for Crime and Justice Studies is hosting monthly events looking back over the last month’s criminal justice developments. The events include expert opinions from guest contributors and the Centre's own staff. Topics of discussion in November’s event [3rd November, online, free] include: the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill; party conference speeches; the Casey Review of the Met Police, following the conviction of Wayne Couzens for the murder of Sarah Everard; recent reports from the Inspectorate of Prisons; and more. Register for your place here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: reading with care

The Reader is hosting an online session exploring what reading the world’s greatest writers, together and aloud, can do for us when we’re faced with tough times [5th November, online, free]. Experts in health and criminal justice, along with a shared reading group leader who uses literature to cope with chronic pain, will share examples and experiences of what ‘reading in action’ can do. There’ll also be time for audience questions at the end. This event will be of interest to anyone who’s curious about what reading can do for a wide variety of individuals and to all those involved in thinking about the therapeutic benefits of literature and life. Register here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: restorative justice

Join Why me? for a discussion about the use of restorative justice for cases of domestic and sexual abuse [25th November, online, £85]. This is a chance for professionals in the criminal justice system to discuss the benefits of using restorative interventions in these cases, and how the risks involved can be appropriately managed. It follows Why me?'s report on the subject, which considers academic research, the testimony of Why me? ambassadors, and existing good practice to examine an issue which so many practitioners are interested in. Book your place here

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: understanding Personal Independence Payment

Society Matters is hosting training to support professionals to understand Personal Independence Payment (PIP) [5th November, online, £59.50]. This PIP training course is designed to help people working with individuals who can apply for PIP to get to grips with the application process. It will include guidance on the key drivers for PIP assessments, and helping clients to navigate the application process to give them the highest possible chance of getting their full benefit entitlement first time round. Training on other welfare benefits is available throughout November and December. Book your place here

FEATURED VACANCY: Female Admin and Support Worker

Clean Break is looking for a Female Admin and Support Worker [£25,000, London, full time] to provide emotional and practical support to Clean Break members, and administrative support to ensure the successful delivery and evaluation of members and outreach programmes. You’ll ensure members have the best possible access to Clean Break activities, be it online, in the Clean Break building or in other venues, and work with them to understand any access or engagement issues. You’ll bring recent experience of providing direct support for vulnerable women and young adults using a trauma-informed approach. You’ll know how to work across complex needs and be skilled at diffusing challenging situations when necessary as well as excellent admin skills. Find out more and apply by 6th November here

FEATURED VACANCY: Head of Service Delivery

Spark Inside is looking for a Head of Service Delivery [£51,000, London, full time] to oversee its coaching programmes across a number of prisons and communities in London and the South East.  As Head of Service Delivery, you will lead on the operational management and development of Spark Inside's specialist coaching services, ensuring the smooth day to day running of the department. You will oversee a small team of frontline staff and professional coaches who provide frontline delivery across prison settings as well as in the community. You will support staff to ensure that services are run effectively, and will actively contribute to the development and implementation of wider organisational strategy.  Find out more and apply by 8th November here

FEATURED VACANCY: Team Leader

Alana House is looking for a team leader [£30,184, Reading with some travel, full time] to achieve the positive engagement of service users resulting in positive outcomes.  As team leader, you will ensure day to day services are planned, co-ordinated and delivered effectively as well as caseload management across the team, which will include responsibility for your own caseload.  You will have experience of providing support to women with complex needs, preferably for those within the criminal justice setting. You should have experience of managing a team, monitoring performance, and ensuring key performance indicators are met.  Find out more and apply by 9th November here

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES

Housing Management Officer with Hestia Housing and Support [London], Service Manager with Changing Lives [Sunderland], Senior Accommodation Support Officer with Seetec [Chelmsford], Recovery Coordinator with Humankind [Morpeth], Floating Support Worker with Kaleidoscope Project [Shotton], Resettlement Support Worker with The Clink Charity [HMP High Down and Downview], Female Mental Health Support Worker with Imagine Independence [Liverpool], Senior Services Manager with Women in Prison [London], Female Enhancement Worker with Anawim [Balsall Heath], Trusts Manager with Redthread [London]. For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here

TIPS OF THE WEEK

  • Sweet hamper. £3. Details
  • Macaroon making class for two. 68% off. Details
  • Kids fort building kit. 77% off. Details

EXTRA INFORMATION

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