Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 751 | 23 September 2022

Light Lunch

 

 

CLINKS NEWS: The Making Every Adult Matter coalition has a new Chair

The Making Every Adult Matter (MEAM) coalition, of which Clinks is a founding memnber, has appointed Liv Corbishley as its new Chair. Liv will join the coalition in September, following a competitive recruitment process led by Peridot Partners, the MEAM board and an individual with lived experience of multiple disadvantage. Liv said: “I am looking forward to contributing my skills and experience to the coalition’s development and to working closely with the board, staff team, local and national partners, and people with lived experience to improve policy and practice and to change people’s lives.” Read more here

CLINKS NEWS: service user involvement network

The voluntary sector has a long history of pioneering service user involvement in the criminal justice system, and it is rightfully becoming increasingly common to have experts by experience at the helm of developing and delivering services, influencing change, and challenging systemic inequality. The Service user involvement network meeting [20 October, 14:00 - 15:30, online, free] will support you to establish meaningful service user involvement as a reality at your organisation. There will be an opportunity to meet other organisations committed to involving service users, discussing the challenges you face, and how to take the next steps in embedding service user involvement into your work. Book your place here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Unlock policy manifesto

Unlock has published its policy manifesto, Unlocking Change. Drawn from years of listening to and supporting people with criminal records, it sets out the legislative changes needed to create a fairer system, and end the disproportionate impacts of a criminal record. Read the Unlock manifesto here 

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Revolving Doors position on neurodiversity

After working with its Neurodiversity Forum to inform the Ministry of Justice's Neurodiversity Action Plan, Revolving Doors have now published their policy position on neurodiversity in the criminal justice system. The briefing was co-produced with neurodivergent lived experience members and explores the links between neurodiversity, other forms of disadvantage, and criminal justice involvement. It also makes a series of recommendations to improve support for neurodiverse people across the criminal justice system and beyond, and prevent them from getting trapped in a cycle of crisis and crime.

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Criminal Justice Alliance awards 2022

Nominations are now open for the CJA Awards 2022 [closes on 2 October, 11:59pm]. The CJA Awards celebrate outstanding individuals and organisations who are contributing to a fairer and more effective criminal justice system. Winners and runners-up of the awards receive cash prizes, ranging from £500 to £3,000. There are five awards in the sector awards category: outstanding individual; outstanding local or regional organisation; outstanding national organisation; the Jack Merritt legacy award for racial equality; the Saskia Jones legacy award for victims services. Read about the CJA Awards; the CJA Awards 2022 and criteria and apply here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: call for evidence, women who have experienced abuse or violence from an adult child

AVA has launched a new research project to explore and develop responses to adult family abuse/ violence called Hear ME (Mothers' Experiences). AVA are putting out a 'Call for evidence' [closing date 21 October] and are looking to interview women who have experienced abuse/violence from an adult child (aged 18 and above). AVA are also interested in speaking with women who have experienced mental ill health, used substances in a way that has impacted on their well-being (substances may include alcohol, illegal drugs, prescribed and over-the counter medications), had contact with the criminal justice system, experienced homelessness, have been involved in sex work or faced sexual exploitation. Further information can be found here or contact the Project Manager dhriti.suresheapen@avaproject.org.uk

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Ministers confirmed at the Ministry of Justice

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) ministerial team has been announced. The Rt Hon Brandon Lewis CBE MP is Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice. Rob Butler MP is Parliamentary Under Secretary of State with responsibility for prisons, probation and youth justice.  He has been a member of the Justice Committee since March 2020, is a former magistrate, member of the Youth Justice Board, Sentencing Council and non-executive director of HM Prison and Probation Services. This is his first ministerial post. Rachel McClean MP is Minister of State with responsibility for victims and vulnerability, Gareth Johnson MP is Parliamentary Under Secretary of State with responsibility for courts, Mike Freer MP is Parliamentary Under Secretary of State with responsibility for constitution and legal services, Lord Bellamy QC remains Parliamentary Under Secretary of State responsible for MoJ business in the House of Lords. You can find more detail about each of their portfolios by scrolling to the bottom of the MoJ homepage.

FUNDING: Grant funding competitions for womens services

The Ministry of Justice is investing £24 million over 3 years to support women in or at risk of contact of the criminal justice system. Three grant funding competitions are live. Women’s community sector organisations can apply to two of these: one for ‘core costs’ over three financial years and one to extend or offer new services. A third strand (for statutory partners) is to develop ‘whole system approaches’ in local areas. Clinks welcome this investment and we are particularly pleased to see multi year grant funding and support towards core costs which we have  advocated for since the publication of the female offender strategy. To apply for any of these grants you must login to the Ministry of Justice sourcing portal The ITT numbers for each competition are: core costs ITT_6494, new or extended services; ITT_6495 and statutory-led partnerships ITT_6488. If you are not registered on the grants portal, find out more on the Clinks website here.

FUNDING: Probation launch grant competition for services to support racially minoritised people

The first round of probation grant competition was launched on 21 September and is for organisations delivering services to support racially minoritised people on probation. This competition covers all probation regions. Clinks welcomes this significant investment of £12.8 million in services for racially minoritised people and is very pleased to see it being distributed through grants in line with our recommendations on how to best commission the voluntary sector. For more information on the funding allocations in each probation area and the timelines for applications please read our updated blog 

FUNDING: the Baobab collective fund

The Baobab Foundation have announced a new £3 million fund to grow, sustain, and strengthen Black and Global Majority communities that are resisting racial injustice in the UK [register by 5pm, 25 September]. Baobab is pro-Black, with 70% of it's resources going direct to Black African/Caribbean heritage individuals, groups and organisations. It is a people-driven movement which believes that the communities harmed by racism are best placed to create change, and so it aims to resource those with direct, lived experience of the issues they are addressing. The fund will work consciously with individuals, groups and organisations whose purpose and practices are focused on collectively addressing racial justice and intersectionality and challenging oppressive systems. Apply here

FUNDING: supporting veterans in the criminal justice system

NHS Arden GEM CSU on behalf of NHS England (Armed Forces) (the Contracting Authority) is inviting suitable organisations to tender for up to £14 million [deadline, 25 October, 12pm] to provide a new service across England to provide support to veterans in the criminal justice system. The tender is split into 7 geographical lots, North East & Yorkshire; North West; East of England; Midlands; London; South East; and the South West. Organisations wishing to submit a bid will need to register on the Arden GEM EU Supply website and complete the ITT documentation here. Find out more about the opportunity here

FUNDING: Youth Investment Fund (YIF) advice event

The UK Government Youth Investment Fund (YIF) is made up of £288 million capital and up to £80 million revenue grants. This workshop event [29 September, 11:30-13:00, online, free] will serve as an opportunity for Black/People Of Colour led youth organisations to hear the eligibility criteria and how they can apply for the fund as well as submit questions. YIF Phase 1, of £12 million, was launched in January for small-scale projects. YIP are now inviting expressions of interest for phase 2, delivering grants for up to 300 facilities that: represent positive value for money, are environmentally sustainable, and enable positive activities for young people aged 11 to 18 (up to 25 for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) in eligible places across England. Register here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Pact conference, AGM & volunteer awards

Registration is now open for the Pact Conference, AGM & Volunteer Awards, taking place on [12 October, De Montfort University, Leicester, free]. This year’s theme is 'Time well spent? A prison system that offers everyone a fresh start,' exploring how the sector can work together to deliver safer prison regimes, reduce reoffending, and support everyone affected by the criminal justice system. We will be welcoming former Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, Sue McAllsiter CB, as our keynote speaker. Register online today.

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: the hidden entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs Unlocked CIC is delighted to announce it is hosting "The Hidden Entrepreneur" event [16 November, HMP Thorn Cross near Warrington, Cheshire, £12 suggested donation] as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week. The event will showcase the entrepreneurial talent of people with convictions and highlight how it can reduce the risk of someone re-offending and enable them to lead a crime free future, whilst contributing to the growth of the economy and having a safer society. Attendees will hear stories of success, learn of the plans of budding entrepreneurs, and participate in a pitching competition with the opportunity to pledge their support. They will also get the chance to sample award winning products from HMP Pasties, who employ people with convictions in its business, founded by a former prisoner. Register here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: The £10bn Challenge: Transforming criminal justice through diversion

Make Time Count, Transform Justice and the Cambridge Centre for Evidence-Based Policing (CCEBP), are hosting a full day in-person conference [19 January, QE11, London, free] around the theme of diversion in the UK. At a time when the options to resolve crime outside of court are in a state of flux, the event will discuss how best to divert people from the formal criminal justice system and showcase best practice in diversion approaches. The in-person event will bring together experts and practitioners from across justice, the voluntary sector and policing, both in the UK and internationally. The panels and workshops will discuss the many ways we can resolve crime without going to court, reduce crime, meet the needs of suspects and resolve the harm felt by victims of crime. Register for a free place here

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: self-employment and welfare benefits training

Society Matters CIC is providing self employment and welfare benefits training [8 November, 9:00 – 13:00, online, £55 plus VAT]. Moving from unemployment into self-employment is increasingly becoming an option for lots of people, but if the budding entrepreneur is claiming welfare benefits, what advice and support can you give them to make sure they maintain their benefits income while they’re getting on their feet? If you’re an employability professional who’s supporting people to consider their options this 4 hour workshop is for you. Book your place here

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: get to grips with Universal Credit

Society Matters CIC is providing training to help get to grips with Universal Credit [10 November, 9:00 – 14:30, online, £59.50 plus VAT]. This highly interactive, quality accredited Universal Credit training course has been designed to help support organisations involved in all aspects of social welfare to get to grips with Universal Credit. Book your place here

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children

This 1-day training course by Society Matters CIC is highly interactive [17 November, 9:00 – 13:00, online, £49.50 plus VAT] and is particularly geared to professionals who are working with families that may need to make a claim, but aren’t sure where to start. By having a detailed understanding of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children you and your team can reduce the pressure on parents and health professionals trying to tackle the 40-page application form and improve the likelihood of them making a successful claim. The training is designed and delivered by experts with front-end experience of supporting families to make successful claims. Through case studies, group discussion and quizzes we will bring your new knowledge to life, giving participants the confidence to get started with making their mark on the families they are aiming to help. Book your place here

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: introduction to welfare benefits

This introduction to welfare benefits training by Society Matters CIC is CPD accredited [23 November, 9:00 – 13:00, online, £45 plus VAT]. Since the introduction of Universal Credit and PIP in 2013 with the objective of simplifying the welfare state, there are still multiple ‘legacy’ benefits that are being claimed by millions of people. This short course provides newcomers to welfare benefits with an overview of 14 welfare benefits that are currently being claimed in the UK. Book your place here

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: understanding stress and mental health

This CPD accredited course, provided by Society Matters CIC [30 November, 10:00 – 15:00, online, £45 plus VAT] is a practical introduction to the concepts of stress, mental health and resilience, combined with practical exercises and materials that can be used immediately to reframe your vision of stress and start to build change into your life. Book your place here 

NON-MEMBER'S EVENT: essential employment skills for tomorrow’s workforce

The Academy For Social Justice are hosting The Skills Imperative 2035: Essential Employment Skills for Tomorrow’s Workforce [20 October, online, free] which will give an overview of what the world of work will look like in 2035 and which essential employment skills will be in demand. Register your place here

PUBLICATION: Probation Quarterly

 The latest issue of Probation Quarterly includes articles from academics, practitioners, people with lived experience and the voluntary sector covering the following subjects: The case of John Worboys, a pivotal point in Probation Victim Services; Lived experience in service delivery; Breaching non-compliance: proactive practice or ignoring the complexities?; Lived experience voices: building better relationships. There are many more articles too. Download your free copy

FEATURED VACANCY: Policy Manager

The IMB Secretariat is looking to appoint a Policy Manager [£43,647-£48,067, London, full-time]. You will be responsible for managing the policy impact for Independent Monitoring Boards (IMBs) and Lay Observers, particularly in relation to influencing change to legislation, policy and practice. You will be liaising with stakeholders about potential points of influence, collating themes or key issues identified by the monitoring carried out by members and ensuring the relevant decision-makers are informed about those themes or issues. You will also make sure members are provided with up-to-date information about policy or guidance that impacts on their monitoring. Find out more and apply by 2 October here.

FEATURED VACANCY: Chief Executive Officer

Good Vibrations is seeking an inspirational, empowering and collaborative leader to take the organisation forward as their Chief Executive Officer [£45,000-£48,500, Remote, part-time]. You will have experience and understanding of the careful balance between strategic delivery and operations. You will be able to work with and gain respect from multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders and have excellent communication skills. Experience of diversifying income streams, working with a board of trustees, and a good level of financial acumen would be advantageous. If you are passionate about enriching the lives of those in challenging circumstances with collaborative music-making and your values align with those of Good Vibrations, we would very much like to hear from you. Find out more and apply by 3 October here.

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:

Caseworker with St Giles Trust [£19,847 - £22,500, Leeds office with travel across West Yorkshire, full time]; Accommodation Support Officer with Seetec [£19,841 - £24,801, HMP Haverigg & surrounding community, full time]; Mentor with Rethink Mental Illness [£21,703 - £23,906, North East (including HMP Durham, Holme House, Low Newton, Kirk Levington Grange, Northumberland), full time]; Family Engagement Worker with NEPACS [£23,985, HMP Durham, part time]; Specialist Support Worker with Imagine Independence [£20,119, Padiham, Lancashire, full time]; Interventions and Women's Centre Coordinator with ADVANCE (Advocacy and Non-Violence Community Education) [£21,000 - £24,000, Oxford, part time]; Board Members with RECOOP [voluntary, national with quarterly meetings in Poole (or remote access), part time] Support Worker with Nacro [£21,124, Peterborough, full time]; Waking Night Worker with Nacro [£21,752, Nottingham, full time]; Senior Support Worker with Nacro [£24,376, Nottingham, full time]

For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here

TIPS OF THE WEEK:

  • Smart plug with energy monitoring. £9.99 details
  • GPS anti-loss trackers. £6.99 details
  • Ergonomic 2.4G wireless vertical mouse. £14.99 details

EXTRA INFORMATION

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