Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 717 | 21st January 2022

Light Lunch

In this week's edition...

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: out of court disposal service for Birmingham youth

Jonah's Project CIC is looking for partners to help deliver its out of court disposal service for young people in Birmingham. It provides services to young people who are convicted, involved in, or at risk of criminal activity. It is now providing a new ‘Peer Hearing’ service – an out of court disposal, for people aged 11-25 based in Birmingham who have committed a low-level offence. This aims to reduce low-level offences by using a collaborative problem-solving approach to crime. John’s Project CIC is now looking for therapeutic and community-based intervention options to support the young people’s diversion from the criminal justice system, such as mentoring, arts services, sports, social activities, emotional well-being, and family support. Express your interest here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: membership opportunity at faith based directory

The Welcome Directory has launched a new membership scheme for charities wishing to be part of its growing directory. The Welcome Directory is a multi-faith charity which helps faith communities offer welcome to people leaving prison with faith. Statistics show that prison leavers with faith who successfully reintegrate within a faith community upon release are less likely to reoffend. The directory, both in hard copy and online, is used by HM Prison Chaplains, Approved Premises and other stakeholders. The directory is growing and currently includes 220 registered faith communities. The membership scheme is designed to introduce your work and organisation to the Welcome Directory’s wide network. Annual cost of membership is between £50 and £200 based on organisational income. To sign up or find out more, please contact emily@welcomedirectory.org.uk

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: prisons as places of purpose

The Prison Reform Trust has published a report It doesn’t have to be like this, the latest in a series by the Prisoner Policy Network, which seeks to promote prisoners’ solutions to the challenges facing our prison system. The report comes as prison leaders consider how to ‘build back better’ after nearly two years of severe Covid-19 restrictions and declining prison standards in England and Wales. Following a consultation of 650 prisoners across 50 prisons in England and Wales, the report highlights prisoners’ concern that a lack of support from the prison system to build paths to a better future is failing victims, communities and them, and that a clear vision of the purpose of imprisonment is essential. Read the report here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Prisons White Paper

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has approached Clinks to support the Department’s engagement with the voluntary sector on the resettlement elements of the Prisons Strategy White Paper. Clinks, in our capacity as Chair and Secretariat for the Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group (RR3), will hold two roundtable meetings. The first of these will focus on resettlement [31st January, online, free], and the second will focus on employment [3rd February, online, free]. Places are limited, please contact Franklin.Barrington@clinks.org to express an interest in attending.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: concerns about the Female Offender Strategy

The National Audit Office has reflected many of Clinks’ concerns with the implementation of the Female Offender Strategy. Its latest report finds that the Ministry of Justice made limited progress to improve outcomes for women in the criminal justice system, because it has not prioritised investment in this work. In 2018 we raised concerns that the investment falls way short of what’s needed to affect lasting change for women. Clinks will continue to call on the government to provide adequate and sustainable funding to community-based specialist women’s services and ensure women get the support they need in the community. The National Audit Office recommends that full assessment of the funding, and specific goals and milestones for the strategy’s achievement are needed. Read the report here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: update on prison restrictions and testing

Further to the announcement by the Prime Minister to lift community restrictions in England by Wednesday 26th January, the implications for prisons have been carefully considered in the context of them being high risk environments for transmission of infections. Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) will continue to move cautiously and therefore no immediate changes will be implemented. However, as prison outbreaks reduce, HMPPS will work quickly to amend restrictions where safe to do so. An update on testing requirements for the voluntary sector and other operational partners is also available on request by contacting covid19@clinks.org

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: electronic tags for people on probation

HM Inspectorate of Probation (HMIP) has published a report on the use of electronic monitoring (EM) in reducing reoffending and managing risk. This found that whilst there is significant political interest in EM, there is a lack of evidence about its longer-term effectiveness. It also noted there is no central, overarching policy or operational framework within which practitioners are guided on the best way to integrate EM. In addition, HMIP found whilst practitioners supported the use of EM, and could see how it could help their work, they are insufficiently trained in more recent technologies. Its recommendations included the Ministry of Justice commissioning research to better understand the impact of EM, and HMPPS publishing a clearly defined policy, vision, and strategy for EM. Read the report here

FUNDING: substance misuse in Hampshire

Hampshire County Council invites applications to deliver an Out of Court Disposal intervention for substance misuse. The contract is worth £180,000, and will aim to raise awareness of the legal and health aspects of alcohol and drug use, and the impact that it can have on our behaviour and our communities. The intervention will be accessible to all people over the age of 18 years who have committed a low to medium risk offence, where Hampshire Constabulary have determined that they are eligible for a Conditional Caution or Community Resolution. The contract will start on 1st June 2022 and will be for a period of one year and 10 months (with the option to extend for a further three years). Find out more and apply by 2pm on 18th February here

FUNDING: victim awareness in Hampshire

Hampshire Country Council invites applications for an Out of Court Disposal intervention for victim awareness in Hampshire. The contract is worth £180,000 and aims to raise awareness of the impact of crime on victims, witnesses and the community for people presenting a low-medium risk, who meet the eligibility criteria for an Out of Court Disposal. The contract will start on 1st June 2022 and will be for a period until 31st March 2024 with the option to extend for a further three years. Find out more and apply by 2pm on 18th February here

FUNDING: disadvantage and isolation in Gloucestershire

Grants of up to £10,000 are available to charities and charitable groups in Gloucestershire with the aim of helping people to overcome disadvantage and isolation. The average grant will be £4,000 to £5,000, but grants up to £10,000 will be considered in exceptional circumstances. Priority will be given to applicants who have secured some level of match funding through their own fundraising activities. Applications will be accepted from small, local, voluntary and community organisations where a relatively small amount of money can make a significant difference. Applicants must be based and working in Gloucestershire. Find out more and apply by 4th February here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: international good practice in prison education

Prisoners’ Education Trust is holding an event with Dr Cormac Behan, author of UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning's 'Prison Education: A literature review' [23rd February, online, free]. In his publication, Dr Cormac Behan identifies current trends, progress and obstacles in prison education at a global level. At this webinar, Cormac will discuss his approach to the review and its key findings, with a particular focus on international examples of good practice. You will also have the chance to ask questions directly to Dr Cormac and join the virtual floor. Book your place here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: restorative justice

Why me? is launching a new, in-person conference to discuss how more people can be empowered through the restorative justice process [25th May, London, £135]. Why me?'s mission is to transform lives through restorative justice, and make it more accessible to people affected by the criminal justice system. At the conference, you will hear and share good practice on ways of working in restorative justice, take part in a World Café discussion to share and build upon ideas about how to make restorative justice more inclusive, learn more about the findings from Why me?'s projects about widening participation in restorative justice, and network in person with others in the field. Book your place here

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: mental health champion course

2 Way Tenancy Solutions CIC is running a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Health Champion one-day course [25th January, online, £125]. This course will train you as an MHFA Champion, giving you an understanding of common mental health issues, knowledge and confidence to advocate for mental health awareness, the ability to spot signs of mental ill health, and the skills to support positive wellbeing. Contact sihle@2waytenancy.co.uk for more information, or book your place here

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: supporting people with criminal records

Unlock is offering a full-day workshop ‘Advising with Conviction’ to provide front-line practitioners with a well-rounded knowledge of how to support individuals with their criminal records and disclosing them to others [16th February, online, £145-165]. This can also be delivered as a dedicated in-house training for your whole team - please contact training@unlock.org.uk for details. Book your place here

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: Personal Independence Payments and Universal Credit

Society Matters CIC is holding two events to help with Personal Independence Payments (PIP) [27th January, online, £59.50], and with Universal Credit [9th February, online, £59.50]. ‘Get to Grips with PIP’ is CPD Accredited, designed to help welfare professionals understand PIP and the key drivers for PIP assessments, and be capable of helping clients to navigate the application process to give them the highest possible chance of getting their full benefit entitlement first time round. ‘Get to Grips with Universal Credit’ is also CPD Accredited, and has been described as the most comprehensive Universal Credit course available. It's designed and delivered by experts, and is designed to be highly accessible despite the complexity of the content. Register for the PIP event here, and the Universal Credit event here

FEATURED VACANCY: Equalities Policy Officer

The Criminal Justice Alliance is looking for an Equalities Policy Officer [£28-30,000, London, full time] to help campaign for race equality in the criminal justice system. This role will lead a new one-year project on ‘Tackling Race Inequality in the Criminal Justice System.’ It will adopt a three-pronged approach: empower, inform and challenge. The project will equip criminal justice civil society organisations with the expertise to identify and challenge racially discriminatory policies through an ‘advocacy toolkit’; it will inform officials how to improve Equality Impact Assessments through specialist guidance; and it will challenge the government when needed. This is a fixed term 12-month contract with the possibility to extend subject to funding. Find out more and apply by 13th February here

FEATURED VACANCY: Service Manager - Activity Hubs

Social Interest Group is looking for a Service Manager [£36,000, London, full time] to lead a team delivering high-quality support whilst ensuring they are equipped with the skills and support to thrive. You will maintain a culture of learning and development and ensure a coaching approach to line management is implemented throughout your team and adopted by frontline staff when supporting service users. Experience of contract performance reporting will be essential to the role. You will have a passion for working with people with experience of the criminal justice system and/or with other marginalised groups, and a belief that everyone can turn their life around regardless of past or present circumstances. You will have some previous management experience, an ability to motivate and inspire, and a keen eye for detail. Find out more and apply by 30th January here

FEATURED VACANCY: Community Link Worker

Together for Mental Wellbeing is looking for a Community Link Worker [£24,252, London, full time] to work with young people aged 18-25 in an innovative new pilot Transitions to Adulthood hub service. The hub will provide wrap-around support for the distinct needs of young adults, in order to reduce reoffending, improve mental health and support young adults to make positive life choices. The service is co-located within Newham probation service and delivers therapeutic, psychological and psychiatric interventions to young adults, with psychologically informed and trauma informed care. You will have excellent interpersonal skills that will enable you to challenge, motivate, influence and inspire your colleagues at all levels, and have a high level of cultural competence and sensitivity to issues relevant to young Black and Muslim men and women. Find out more and apply by 10th February here

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES

Family Enrichment Worker with Phoenix Futures [North West], Communications and Public Affairs Manager at Changing Lives [Gateshead, agile working], High Intensity Therapists & Counsellors at Insight IAPT [Remote], Children & Families Caseworker at St Giles Trust [Swansea and surrounding areas], Administrator at Achieve North West Connect [Manchester], Night Support Worker at Foundation [Leeds], Senior Communications and Campaigns Officer at Agenda [London], Residential Intervention Worker at Langley House Trust [Bradford], Cook at Stepping Stones [Luton], Family Services Worker at Spurgeons [HMP Bure]. For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here

TIPS OF THE WEEK

  • Two ODEON cinema tickets. £11. Details
  • Thames river sightseeing. Save 48%. Details
  • Wireless phone charging pad. £6.95. Details

EXTRA INFORMATION

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