Dear colleague,
We are pleased to announce the launch of our State of the sector 2022 report.
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.
As Clinks’ role is to represent, support and advocate for the voluntary sector working in the criminal justice system our annual State of the sector research is produced, in partnership with the NCVO, as a free resource evidencing what our members and sector are experiencing and the impact on their service users.
Below is a summary of the key findings from the State of the sector 2022 report most applicable to you:
Short-term & long-term financial sustainability/funding
- The cost of living crisis is increasing the pressure on arts organisations’ operating costs.
- Arts organisations highlight the importance of long-term unrestricted grant funding to provide more sustainable finances and allow them to build their capacity.
- Challenges in filling vacancies with skilled and experienced staff are likely to be further exacerbated as the sector attempts to keep up with inflation.
- The loss of specialist staff was seen as a greater threat to sustainability than finances.
The people organisations support
- Organisations continue to highlight that they are supporting an increased number of people with more complex and urgent needs.
- The arts in criminal justice sector often mirrors the wider voluntary sector in that many organisations will deliver targeted work to particular demographics of people i.e. women, young people, homeless people and people suffering with mental ill-health.
Involving people with lived experience
- The arts in criminal justice sector has a long history of working with those with lived experience with several organisations founded and led by those who have lived experience, it is often difficult for those same individuals to work across the prison estate.
- The involvement and leadership of people with lived experience is increasingly recognised as essential to strategy, decision making and public communication.
The arts in criminal justice sector supports people to foster empathy and build connections, particularly with family, and plays a role in restorative justice. Research shows that creativity within criminal justice settings can awaken an interest in learning and can help people build positive new identities. It has also been found to improve safety and wellbeing and can play a role in building safer communities. Engaging in the arts can also lead to new skills and employment opportunities as well as equipping participants with the desire to actively engage in their communities and culture. Arts organisations which provide interventions face numerous challenges - from a difficult funding climate to operational challenges and public misconceptions - but there is clear evidence and growing recognition that access to arts provisions is a springboard for positive change.
Our pledge to you
The sector’s voice is one of its key strengths, and the NCJAA 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
Creating change together – please consider sharing the State of the sector report on Twitter and LinkedIn
Best wishes,
Lorraine
Lorraine Maher
NCJAA Manager
Clinks
020 4502 6774 | 07376654033
Pronouns: she/her
Working hours: Monday to Thursday 9am – 5pm
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