A snapshot of the voluntary sector working in the criminal justice system
The new report is published today
State of the sector 2022 explores the landscape of the criminal justice voluntary sector as it emerged from the pandemic into an increasingly challenging operational environment. Clinks’ role is to represent, support and advocate for the voluntary sector working in the criminal justice system and our members. Our annual State of the sector research enables us to understand what organisations are experiencing and how developments in the criminal justice landscape and wider external environment are impacting them and their service users.
Key findings in the report highlight how organisations delivered their services; the people voluntary organisations support; financial sustainability, and long-term sustainability:
- The cost of living crisis is driving up organisations’ operating costs.
- The number of people criminal justice voluntary organisations support is increasing, and the level, complexity, and urgency of their needs continues to grow.
- Organisations are working flexibly and in partnership to respond to changes, but larger caseloads are becoming a concerning feature.
- While many organisations have returned to face-to-face delivery, elements of remote working - where it best meets people’s needs - remain.
- Organisations reported an increase in funding but rising caseloads and running costs meant these increases are insufficient.
- Actions for ensuring long-term sustainability included developing new services, working in partnership, flexible multi-year grant funding, and a strong and connected sector.
- Staff levels remain stable but recruiting skilled and experienced staff is increasingly challenging.
- Organisations are involving people with lived experience in their leadership and delivery.
- Achieving full cost recovery on contracts is an ongoing and increasing challenge.
Some of the findings in this year’s report have been seen over several years – such as the increase in service user need and contracts not providing full cost recovery – but there is new detail on the sector’s long-term financial sustainability, and evidence for how best to support organisations to achieve this.
The sector’s voice is one of its key strengths, and Clinks will continue working to make sure it is heard. Over the coming year, Clinks will continue to advocate for improved commissioning practices; to share learning amongst the sector and provide opportunities for connection; and to provide a strong platform from which the sector can come together to speak out on the issues that matter to organisations and the people they work with.
Download the State of the sector 2022 report here
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Keep track of all usual Clinks communications channels for all things State of the sector on our website, Light Lunch, Twitter and LinkedIn.
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