Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 711 | 26th November 2021

Light Lunch

In this week's edition...

CLINKS NEWS: Building A Better Future

This week we hosted our Annual conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2021: Building A Better Future. Thank you to the over 170 people that joined us over the three days. We heard an engaging keynote speech from Matt Grey, Executive Director for Reducing Reoffending, Partnerships and Accommodation. We also had an energising panel discussion with Gemma Fox, North Wales Women’s Centre; Josh Stunell, bthechange CIC; and Hamish Robertson, St Giles Wise. Over two days, we hosted interactive workshops from Genius Within, Prison Reform Trust, GamCare, Hibiscus Initiatives, Synergy Theatre, Why Me?, The Prison Phoenix Trust, Working Chance, Unlock and Run For Your Life. See highlights from the conference on our Twitter feed here

CLINKS NEWS: supporting the voluntary sector working in the criminal justice system

We are delighted to present our Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2021. The profound and unprecedented impact of Covid-19 on everyone working in, and affected by, the criminal justice system, combined with large scale changes in the criminal justice policy and operating environment, has resulted in a particularly trying and turbulent year. Voluntary organisations have continued to support people in these extraordinary times, their resilience tested to the extreme. Clinks, working alongside the sector, has continued to support, promote and represent voluntary organisations throughout. This report sets out the activities we've undertaken to do just that. Download the report here

CLINKS NEWS: prisons white paper

We have written to Minister Victoria Atkins following engagement between Clinks and the Ministry of Justice on its plans to publish a Prisons White Paper in which we raise concerns about the lack of formal consultation in the process so far. We have been informed that the Prisons White Paper will include a consultative element, so we are seeking clarification for how key stakeholders – the voluntary sector working in the criminal justice system, and prisoners and their families - can feed into future plans for prison policy. Read the letter here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: mental health needs and disorders

The four criminal justice inspectorates, along with the Care Quality Commission and the Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, have published a joint thematic inspection of the criminal justice journey for individuals with mental health needs and disorders, considering the period leading up to trial, through to post-sentence supervision. The inspection’s findings include that there is no common definition of mental health used across the criminal justice system; there are significant problems in information exchange in every agency in the criminal justice system; information provided to courts varies in quality; and the continuity of mental health care from custody into the community is generally poor. It also found that staff are committed, passionate, resilient, and want to help people lead more fulfilling and happy lives. The full report, including recommendations, is available here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: journalists and criminal justice

The Criminal Justice Alliance has launched a report Behind closed doors: How journalists can better shine a light on criminal justice. The Criminal Justice Alliance interviewed journalists, charities, academics and people with lived experience to explore how the media can report on criminal justice in a more nuanced, sensitive and constructive way. The report draws together these insights and provides a range of ideas and suggestions for journalists, news organisations, policy makers, charities and funders. Public attitudes on crime and criminal justice have an impact on the manifestos of political parties, the politicians that are elected, and the policy changes they enact. Within this context, the media have an important responsibility to ensure the public have accurate information on the nature of crime and justice. Read the report here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: women’s experiences of long-term imprisonment

The Prison Reform Trust has published a briefing Invisible Women: Understanding women’s experiences of long-term imprisonment. The briefing argues that long sentenced women are “invisible” in prison policy and practice and highlights the far-reaching consequences of a lack of specialist, gender-specific, trauma informed provision for the minority of women serving these very long prison sentences. The briefing has been produced in collaboration with 16 women serving indeterminate sentences as part of PRT’s Building Futures programme, a five-year project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund to explore the experiences of people who will spend 10 or more years in custody. It is the first in a series which will aim to shed light on the distinct experiences of women serving long determinate and indeterminate sentences. Read more here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: alcohol dependence

The Making Every Adult Matter (MEAM) coalition has published a briefing highlighting the prevalence of alcohol dependence amongst people experiencing multiple disadvantage. Informed by surveys and interviews with MEAM Approach and Fulfilling Lives areas, the briefing examines the harm caused by high levels of alcohol consumption and the barriers people face in accessing appropriate services. It sets out key principles for more effective services, including the benefits of multi-agency approaches to address co-occurring issues such as poor mental health; building trust with those that have struggled to access support in the past; and the need for assertive outreach support to be built into future tenders and contracts. MEAM is a coalition of Clinks, Homeless Link, Mind and associate member Collective Voice. Read more here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: leaders with lived experience

There is still time to nominate someone for the New Leaf Network Awards 2021. There are ten categories in total for leaders with lived experience in the criminal justice system who are employees, volunteers, employers, allies and more. The New Leaf Network was created through collaboration between individuals and organisations with lived experience of the criminal justice system. Winners will be announced during an award ceremony on 16th December. Nominate here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: brain injury

Research from The Disabilities Trust has shown approximately six in ten individuals in prison may have a brain injury and the often ‘overlooked’ symptoms could increase their risk of reoffending and impact their ability to engage with rehabilitation programmes. The Disabilities Trust alongside other brain injury charities (including Headway, UKABIF and The Children’s Trust) are supporting Chris Bryant MP’s Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Bill, which alongside requiring the government to develop a cross-departmental strategy for ABI, would ensure improvements in prison services for those with an ABI. To ensure Chris’ ABI Bill becomes a reality, The Disabilities Trust is calling on people to contact their MP and ask them to attend the debate in Parliament on 3rd December. Find out more here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Finance, Benefit and Debt

The Ministry of Justice has given clarification on the timescales for the tender of Finance, Benefit and Debt probation services following its market engagement events and subsequent follow-up questions from Clinks and our members. The competition will launch on 13th December 2021; the deadline for clarification questions is 12th January 2022; and the invitation to tender deadline is 26th January 2022. Contracts will be awarded mid-April, with services commencing July 2022. To take part, organisations need to submit a selection questionnaire for this category as soon as possible, evaluations of which can take up to 30 days. Clinks will continue to advocate for voluntary organisations with the commissioning team and recommends giving organisations the time they need to submit high quality bids. If you have any queries, please contact ProbationDynamicFramework@justice.gov.uk

FUNDING: Gwent

Grants of up to £5,000 are available from the Gwent High Sheriffs’ Community Fund for community-based initiatives and projects for young people that help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in Gwent. Funding priorities include addressing the impact and continuing challenges of Covid-19 for young people; targeting the underlying causes of crime; engaging young people in positive activities which provide greater social support, positive role models and other protective factors; establishing safe and secure digital behaviour; and more. Find out more and apply by 6th December here

FUNDING: North East

Grants of up to £10,000 are available from the Bernicia Foundation’s Inclusion Grant Programme for voluntary, community and social enterprise sector organisations in the North East of England that are committed to delivering real community benefits. Priority will be given to applications that are client-led, show how their work meets funding priority aims, and/or how it inspires others. Grants will be awarded to eligible organisations who prioritise: reducing isolation and loneliness; promoting independence; building citizenship, confidence and aspiration; removing barriers to employment, training and volunteering; reducing child poverty; tackling fuel poverty; and improving financial well-being. Find out more and apply by 13th December here

FEATURED VACANCY: Campaigns and Communications Manager

Why me? is seeking a Campaigns and Communications Manager [£35,000, London, full time] to be responsible for the design and delivery of its campaigns and oversee the organisation’s external communications, including the website, social media channels and newsletter. The role will also involve developing policy, managing research and leading Why Me?’s public affairs and influencing work. You will need a minimum of two years’ experience working in communications, campaigns, public affairs or policy and a demonstrable interest in criminal justice. Find out more and apply by 1st December here

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES

Payroll Assistant with Mental Health Concern [Newcastle upon Tyne], Housing Management Assistant with Inspire North [Scarborough], Administrator with St Giles Trust [HMP Swansea], Director of Internal Audit, Governance and Risk with Social Interest Group [London], Violence Reduction Programme Coursework Assessor with Alternatives to Violence Project [Nationwide], Women Specialist Criminal Justice Practitioner – female with Together Women Projects [South Yorkshire], Female Bank Support Worker with Anawim [Balsall Heath], Team Lead – Accommodation Services with The Wise Group [Home based], Active Treatment Worker with Kaleidoscope Project [Haverfordwest]. For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here

TIPS OF THE WEEK

  • Duvet set. 90% off. Details
  • Hardcover photo book or album. 90% off. Details
  • One or two terabyte external hard drive. 70% off. Details

EXTRA INFORMATION

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