Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 714 | 17th December 2021

Light Lunch

In this week's edition...

CLINKS NEWS: Season’s Greetings from Clinks

Season’s Greetings and a Happy New Year from all of us at Clinks. Thank you to all our members, partners, funders and colleagues who have worked with us throughout this year. This is the last Light Lunch of the year and Clinks staff will be out of office from 1pm on 24th December 2021 until 4th January 2022. The next Light Lunch will be sent on 7th January 2022. Watch our festive video with highlights from 2021 here

CLINKS BLOG: the future of our prisons

This blog from Policy Officer Noorjehan Piperdy, considers some of the key commitments in the Prisons Strategy White Paper and how voluntary organisations can respond. The White Paper, published by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) last week, sets out proposals for future changes to the prison estate and prison regimes, many of which will have significant consequences for the way prisons are run over the next decade. The MoJ is seeking feedback on its proposals before 4th February 2022. Clinks will be reaching out and working with members to respond over the coming weeks, and we encourage as many voluntary organisations working in the criminal justice system as possible to submit evidence too before the deadline. Read our blog here

CLINKS EVENT: consultation on Prisons Strategy White Paper

To inform Clinks’ response to the government’s Prisons Strategy White Paper we are holding two consultation events [2pm, 11th January and 2pm, 13th January, online, free]. The first event is for organisations with knowledge and expertise in delivering through the gate and resettlement services and the second is for organisations with knowledge and expertise in delivering services to support people's wellbeing and rehabilitation throughout their sentence. Places are limited and we expect a high demand. Where we cannot offer organisations a place, we will aim to provide an opportunity for views to be shared via e-mail. To express an interest in attending, please complete this form here

CLINKS EVENT: peer mentoring in the criminal justice system

In case you missed it, we’ve published a video recording of the third in our event series “A matter of fact: what the evidence tells us” with Dr Gillian Buck and our Director of Support and Development Chris Stacey. The event series gives you the chance to hear from our Evidence Library authors - experts in key criminal justice topics – and put questions to them directly. Dr Gillian Buck presented the findings of her research on peer mentoring in the criminal justice system, including how it can help people to leave crime behind, connect them with services and employment opportunities, and facilitate consciousness raising and collective system-reform efforts. She summarised the key findings of this research in a review for our Evidence library, published last year. Watch the event recording here

CLINKS EVENT: Mental Health Treatment Requirements

Join us for an information session with Mignon French, Programme Manager for the Health and Justice Non-Custodial Team, NHS England & NHS Improvement, where she will discuss Mental Health Treatment Requirements (MHTR) and how the voluntary sector can work with and utilise these services [13th January, online, free]. MHTR’s are one of three possible treatment requirements which may be part of a community order. The overall programme aims to reduce reoffending and divert people from short-term custodial sentences by addressing the mental health needs of the person in contact with the criminal justice system through treatment requirements that are undertaken in the community. Book your place here

CLINKS VACANCY: Support and Development Administration Officer (Temporary - 3 months)

We are looking for a Support and Development Administration Officer [Full time (3-month contract), home working, £27,815]. As part of the Support and Development Directorate, the post holder will support Clinks’ Director of Support and Development and the team in all aspects of administration. This role requires the ability to be flexible and approachable with little guidance, as well as react with appropriate urgency to situations and events that require a quick response or turnaround. The role involves comprehensive organisational and administrative support. Find out more and apply by 24th December here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: consultancy opportunity

Pact is commissioning a small consultancy project as a result of the recent mobilisation of its Routes 2 Change service delivery at HMP/YOI Isis, with the aim to ensure that the service meets the specific needs of racially minoritised and over-represented individuals within the criminal justice system. HMP/YOI Isis has a young and diverse population, from a wide range of ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds. Pact particularly welcomes applications from individuals or organisations which can demonstrate relevant experience of similar work, work in custodial settings, and specific expertise or lived experience. See more here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: race inequality in probation

Issue 22 of Probation Quarterly from the Probation Institute has been published, including a themed section on race and race inequality in probation. This issue contains contributions from policymakers, academics and the voluntary sector on a range of subjects including: how probation works in India, Ireland and Norway; how probation services can respond to the Dame Carol Black review on drugs; and the role of technology and digital media in keeping people safe and supporting desistance. The themed section considers: the experiences of Muslim women in the criminal justice system; artificial intelligence and the implications for risk assessment in probation to perpetuate racial inequality; and racially minoritised young people’s experiences of youth justice. Read it here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: the power of her name

Employability Coach at Working Chance Vanisha Smith has written a blog sharing a practitioner's perspective on the power of names and identity for women who've been through the criminal justice system. She says “When someone doesn’t take the time to pronounce your name correctly, it can feel like you don’t matter. For women who feel they have lost their sense of self or control over their lives following a conviction, having their name pronounced correctly and correcting when it’s mispronounced is one powerful way of taking back control over their lives and reclaiming their identity.” Read the blog here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: new website

Unlock has redeveloped its website, creating a single 'one stop shop' for information and advice about criminal records. The new website makes Unlock’s information, advice and tools for people with criminal records easier to find and use, and includes dedicated areas for people interested in Unlock's policy work, or professionals supporting people with criminal records. See the new website here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: using a socioeconomic duty to challenge poverty in policing

Revolving Doors has published a toolkit for Police and Crime Commissioners to embed a socioeconomic duty into their strategic-decision making. A socioeconomic duty aims to deliver better outcomes for people who experience socioeconomic disadvantage. It requires public bodies to make better decisions, by placing the consideration of inequality of outcome arising from socioeconomic disadvantage as central in decision-making. Read the toolkit here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: employability awards

St Joseph's Approved Premises Bike project has won the 2021 ERSA (Employment Related Services Association) Award for team of the Year - Disability and Health. The bike project is a collaboration between the Margaret Carey Foundation and Achieve North West Connect. The bike project uses a creative approach, teaching men with significant mental health needs skills in bike mechanics as part of the broader employability work carried out by Achieve North West Connect. Trainees learn to repair and refurbish bikes with the first bike donated to someone in need and the second bike for them to keep. Receiving a bike helps the trainees’ independence, confidence and physical activity, and they also learn the skills to help others, which can have a profound positive effect on their mental health. Read more here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: feeding communities, reducing reoffending and tackling homelessness

Recycling Lives has published its latest Impact Report which shares how the organisation survived and thrived throughout the challenges created by the pandemic and lockdowns. It also shares the inspirational stories of men and women rebuilding their lives and the communities that helped people through the most turbulent of times. During the year, Recycling Lives delivered three million meals to communities in need and supported 85 men and women into training and work. Find out more here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: HMPPS revised Covid-19 controls

HMPPS has asked prison governors to review all risk assessments, prioritise vaccination clinics and reintroduce social distancing in response to recent government announcements concerning the risk of Omicron. This is in addition to adhering to the wider community rules regarding working from home and the use of face coverings. Further operational information for voluntary sector partners operating in the prison estate will be available later today. To request this, please contact covid19@clinks.org

FUNDING: new online grants portal for people experiencing financial hardship

People experiencing financial hardship can now use a new online grants portal to access support from different charitable sources. The Association of Charitable Organisations (ACO) worked with grantmaking organisations and social impact start up Lightning Social Ventures to create the tool. Using a single application, the grants system should allow people in financial hardship to find and apply for grants from multiple providers quickly, easily and securely. Its aim is to reduce the paperwork and stress involved in applying for grants. An early beta version of the tool is available and is being piloted over the next six months. Explore it here

FUNDING: arts, cultural and youth-focused organisations

Grants of up to £50,000 are available from the Ragdoll Foundation to support arts, cultural and youth-focused organisations working with children and young people in the UK. Both small grants (up to £1,500) and main grants (up to £50,000 for projects lasting up to three years) are available. The Ragdoll Foundation is dedicated to supporting the creation, appreciation and awareness of imaginative and innovative work that reflects the world from a child’s point of view. The deadline for small grants is 8th January. The main grants programme has a rolling deadline. Find out more and apply here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: peer support for starting a business

Anyone, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, who is in the process of starting or has recently started their own business and would like some support, is welcome to join The Forward Trust’s Enterprise Club [13th January, online, free]. Forward's Enterprise Club is a peer networking event with opportunities for people to promote the services of their enterprise and to interact with other budding entrepreneurs to discuss the challenges and successes of starting and running a successful business. Organisations and individuals who are supporting those setting up an enterprise are also welcome to attend. The focus of this particular event will be businesses led by racially minoritised people and will feature presentations by two guest speakers who will be sharing their business journey. Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: restorative justice conference

Restorative Justice for All International Institute (RJ4All) is hosting its Annual International Restorative Justice Conference [24th-25th January, London, £1]. The conference theme is overcoming gender-based violence, exclusion and mental health challenges. This international conference will present evidence-based solutions on four key overlapping challenges: gender-based violence in the context of young people; mental health, restorative art and violence; migrants' integration and community cohesion; and racism, anti-semitism and hate crimes. It will include a presentation of the findings from three Erasmus+ projects that have been running for over two years with European partners. The results of the conference will be published in an e-book by RJ4All. See more and book your place here

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: supporting people in the criminal justice system

Inside Out Support Wales has launched new online training [January-March, online, from free]. Online courses include: Supporting People with a Criminal Record; Why Employ Ex-offenders?; Pathways on Release; Effective Disclosure; and Personal Budgeting. See more and book your place here

OPPORTUNITY: free SIM cards

Vodaphone is offering charities the chance to apply for free SIM cards to tackle digital exclusion. If you're a registered UK charity that needs support for digital inclusion programmes, you can apply for free Vodafone SIMs, each loaded with 20GB data plus unlimited calls and texts to be used over 6 months. Find out more here

FEATURED VACANCY: Chief Executive

The Independent Monitoring Boards (IMB) and Lay Observers Secretariat is looking for a Chief Executive Officer [£73,500- £85,000, London, full time] to work closely with the IMB Management Board and Lay Observer National Council to recruit and train members, provide the guidance, information and support that they need, and help to ensure that their findings make a real difference to the humane treatment and successful rehabilitation of those in detention. IMB is looking for someone who can lead the process of change management, communicate effectively both internally and externally, and work with and through its committed members to influence and help shape the future of detention in the criminal justice and immigration systems. Find out more and apply by 9th January here

FEATURED VACANCY: Operations Director

StandOut is recruiting an Operations Director [£42,000 - £50,000, London, full time] to play a key part in leading and building the organisation as it continues to develop amidst the backdrop of Covid-19. Reporting to the CEO, you will play a leading role in the senior management team with responsibility for driving forward the financial and business operations of StandOut with energy, agility and expertise. With your financial understanding, strategic thinking, leadership and project management, you will ensure that StandOut maximises organisational effectiveness with efficient plans, controls processes and reporting to fulfil its strategy for growth. Find out more and apply by 17th January here

FEATURED VACANCY: Fundraising Manager

StandOut is recruiting a Fundraising Manager [£33,000 - £40,000, London, full time] to join its senior management team and play a vital role in securing StandOut’s future. You will be responsible for fulfilling StandOut’s fundraising strategy with a range of fundraising activities focussing on multi year trusts and grants, individual donors, and the oversight of two fundraising campaigns each year. A demonstrable successful track record in these areas is essential, alongside the skills of a natural, talented and persuasive relationship builder. Working closely with the Founder and reporting to the Operations Director, you will play a key part supporting StandOut in the next phase of its growth and development securing a minimum of £300k per year. Find out more and apply by 17th January here

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES

Recovery Coordinator with Humankind [HMP Northumberland], Support Worker with Langley House Trust [Brent], Gatwick Pre-Departure Accommodation Project Worker with Hibiscus Initiatives [Gatwick], Admin Support with Mental Health Concern [remote], Data Insights Analyst with ADVANCE [Hammersmith], Recovery Worker with Social Interest Group [London], Project Manager with National Literacy Trust [London or Kent], Key Worker with Together Women Projects [Sheffield], Head of Development and Sustainability with Abianda [London], Homeless Prevention Worker with Foundation [Harrogate], Catering Worker with NEPACS [HMP Frankland], Policy Officer with The Howard League for Penal Reform [London], Play Worker with Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact) [Aylesbury]. For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here

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EXTRA INFORMATION

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