Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 718 | 28th January 2022

Light Lunch

In this week's edition...

CLINKS NEWS: join an influential advisory group – large provider

Clinks is seeking a senior leader from a large voluntary organisation to join an influential advisory group to the government. The Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group (RR3) is a group of openly recruited voluntary sector experts that work closely with senior officials in the Ministry of Justice and HM Prison and Probation Service to reduce reoffending and to build a more effective partnership between the government and the voluntary sector. This vacancy is for a senior manager in an organisation with an income of over £10 million, who has experience and expertise of the commissioning and delivery of public services. Find more and apply by 9am 18th February here

CLINKS EVENTS: leaders share campaigning tactics for change in the criminal justice system

Join voluntary sector leaders as they share their experiences of influencing and campaigning to affect policy change in the criminal justice system across three upcoming events. Nacro and Switchback will discuss how they use their front-line expertise to influence policy [22nd February, online, free]; Hibiscus and Traveller Movement will share their approaches to campaigning against hostile policy [1st March, online, free]; and Birth Companions and Greater Manchester Women’s Support Agency will reflect on their successes in achieving policy change for women in the criminal justice system at the national and regional level [15th March, online, free]. These three expert seminars are delivered by Clinks as part of the Stronger voice project, funded by the Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales. Read more and sign up here

CLINKS NEWS: Learning Together

Clinks has signed a letter alongside over 100 academics, voluntary sector leaders, project beneficiaries and others to express dismay at the University of Cambridge’s recent decision to put a ‘clear stop’ to all Learning Together activities, following its review into the tragedies at Fishmongers Hall in November 2019. Learning Together aims to provide high-quality educational opportunities and break down barriers between prisons and the outside world. Read the letter here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: prisoners’ experience of Covid-19

The Prison Reform Trust has published the latest edition of its Bromley Briefing, collating a range of statistics on the criminal justice system in England and Wales on topics including sentencing, the state of prisons, and rehabilitation and resettlement. It also shares a “Long view” from the Sentencing Academy, on the public’s estimates of sentencing practices. Their survey found the majority of people in England and Wales significantly underestimate the severity of current sentencing practices. For example, 75% of respondents who expressed a view, said they believed the average prison sentence length over the last 25 years had become shorter, despite the average sentence for indictable offences rising from 16 months in 1993, to 21.4 months in 2019. Read the briefing here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: the impact of parental imprisonment

The Daily Express, supported by Children Heard and Seen is running a campaign called Breaking the Cycle that is designed to shine a light on the impact of parental imprisonment. The campaign calls for a statutory mechanism for identifying children with a parent in prison and a commissioner for children with a parent in prison. Families supported by Children Heard and Seen are sharing their stories under different themes including a lack of identification, intergenerational offending and domestic violence. Read more here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: pregnant in prison

Researchers from Coventry University and City, University of London, in collaboration with Birth Companions and Women in Prison have published their research on Why are pregnant women in prison?. Using evidence gathered from women who had been pregnant in prison about the realities of their experience, Dr. Geraldine Brown, Rona Epstein and Maria Garcia de Frutos conclude that pregnant women should not be sent to prison and other options should always be sought, including probation, suspended sentences, or deferred sentences. The full report is available here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: research opportunity

In April 2022 HM Inspectorate of Probation together with HM Inspectorate of Prisons are undertaking a joint thematic inspection of the 'Offender Management in Custody Model' and are seeking an organisation that has people with lived experience as part of their team. The organisation must have experience of delivering work within both a prison setting and community setting. The inspectorates are looking for an organisation that has a track record in delivering research projects and reports. The right organisation will be confident in bringing a creative approach to seeking opportunities for the voice of people in prison and on probation to be heard. The closing date for expressions of interest is 9am 18th February. Find out more including the expression of interest document here

VOLUNTARY SECTOR NEWS: Small Charities Coalition questionnaire

The Small Charities Coalition (SCC) is using its final few months to focus on closing down the organisation carefully and compassionately. The team has created a questionnaire for both members and non-members of the coalition to tell them what you have valued most about SCC and where you think it could have gone further to support and champion small charities. SCC was established in 2008 with the dual purpose of: supporting small charities to flourish through specially designed training, events, support and networking; and being a voice and advocate for small charities in government and beyond. In December 2021 after 13 years, the trustees took the decision to close due to funding shortfalls. Take the questionnaire by 7th February here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: feasibility study

Aligned to the government’s strategic priority to reduce reoffending by supporting people in contact with the criminal justice system to achieve employment and accommodation and to access substance misuse treatment services, HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS)/The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) have commissioned a short study. The purpose of this work is to explore the feasibility of outcomes-focused funding on reoffending, specifically with the intention of supporting innovation. This work is at an early stage and no decisions will been taken until the findings of the report have been considered. Further updates will be provided in due course, in the meantime any enquiries should be sent to holly.scott@socialfinance.org.uk

FUNDING: training

The St Martin in the Fields Frontline Network’s Training Fund is now open for applications. Any Frontline Worker can apply for funding towards training that supports them in their work with people experiencing homelessness. Individuals can apply for up to £500 and groups for up to £1000. There is no deadline to apply. Find out more including suggested training providers and courses here

FUNDING: Essex

Grants of up to £20,000 are available from the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex - Crime Prevention Fund for community projects to prevent crime from happening, to reduce overall crime and to keep communities safe in Essex. Applications to the fund must demonstrate activity that prevents crime in line with one of the twelve Police and Crime Plan priorities. Find out more and apply by 13th February here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: fighting to prove innocence

The Sun Does Shine is a new musical work, created by Harvey Brough and Justin Butcher, and inspired by Anthony Ray Hinton’s compelling autobiography about his 30 years as an innocent man on death row [27th February, Holloway, £15]. World class soloists Wills Morgan, Christina Gill, Michael Henry and Clara Sanabras join community choir Vox Holloway, under the direction of Harvey Brough. The Prison Reform Trust has partnered with Vox Holloway to link up with prisoners in the UK, who are serving long-term or life sentences, and together plan to weave their experiences into a documentary film that will complement the The Sun Does Shine and be shown in prisons around the country. Get tickets here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: changing perceptions

The Oswin Project is holding a conference ‘Changing perceptions, how prison leavers can solve the employment crisis’ [2nd March, Newcastle Cathedral, from £10]. Alongside a panel of people with lived experience who are guiding the day, speakers include Kameel Khan, the inspiration behind Project ReMake, Darren Burns, National Recruitment Ambassador for Timpson’s, Lance Harris, New Futures Network, Lindsay Blackmore, Deputy Director of HMP Northumberland and John McCabe CEO North East Chamber of Commerce. Find out more and book tickets here

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: personal budgeting

Inside Out Support Wales is holding training on personal budgeting which may be of interest to the people you work with [1st February, online, free]. This interactive training course gives lots of top tips for how to budget, and starting to plan for short, medium, and long-term goals. It includes suggestions for how to create a budget, categorise spending and set aside funds for the future. Book the training here

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: mental health

Society Matters CIC is holding a workshop: Let’s Talk about Mental Health [11th February, online, £45]. This three-hour session will help you to build your knowledge and understanding of mental health issues, and offer the opportunity for reflection, discussion and practical implementation of learning and plans of action, in a safe environment. Find out more and book a place here

FEATURED VACANCY: Chief Executive

Women in Prison is looking for a Chief Executive [£70,000, London, full time] to ensure that the charity upholds its vision, mission and values by developing and sustaining high quality services to support and promote the needs of women affected by the criminal justice system. The Chief Executive will lead on campaigning and lobbying work to maintain and develop Women in Prison’s position at the cutting edge of penal reform, and income generation. You will have relevant, recent, and substantial management experience of working at a very senior level in the voluntary sector. You will also have experience in leading organisations with multiple stakeholders, strategic and business development planning and implementing organisational change. Find out more and apply by 31st January here

FEATURED VACANCY: Community Link Team Leader

Together for Mental Wellbeing is looking for a Community Link Team Leader [£28,110, 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. 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

FEATURED VACANCY: Young Women's Practitioner, Rescue and Response

Abianda is looking for a Young Women's Practitioner [£28,560, London, full time] with working knowledge of local authority child protection procedures and contextual safeguarding, to join its Rescue and Response team. You will deliver one-to-one sessions and advocacy support to young women affected by gangs and county line activity and engage with up to 16 young women per year to achieve their best hopes and project outcomes, including being better connected to services and a professional network. You will have a proactive nature, and be able to manage and respond to risk, disclosure, safeguarding and child protection issues in the unique context of gangs, while working as part of multi-disciplinary professional networks. Find out more and apply by 13th February here

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES

Active Treatment Worker with Kaleidoscope Project [Ceredigion], Recovery Co-ordinator with Humankind [Stockton-on-Tees], Area Manager – Approved Premises with Hestia Housing and Support [London], Specialist Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Worker with Changing Lives [Newcastle], Criminal Justice Group Lead with The Reader [several locations], Senior Research and Engagement Officer with Agenda [London], Engagement and Activities Worker with Social Interest Group [Romford], System Change Lead – Changing Futures with Second Step Housing Association [Bristol], Resettlement Support Worker with The Clink Charity [HMP Styal], Female Drop-In Support Worker with Anawim [Balsall Heath], Team Administrator with Foundation [Scarborough]. For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here

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EXTRA INFORMATION

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