Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 793 | 28 July 2023

Light Lunch Clinks

In this issue...

CLINKS NEWS: State of the sector survey 2023 – complete by Monday 7 August

Time is fast running out to make your voice heard in our 2023 survey! Thank you to all those who have completed the survey so far. Your responses provide us with up-to-date evidence on how you are faring so we can speak up on behalf of the sector.

We are not done yet though! We urge you to continue providing the evidence we need to influence decision makers by making our evidence base more robust. Read our blog: State of the sector 2023 survey: why your response is crucial to find out more about how we use your responses and why your voice matters!

The survey closes Monday 7 August. Complete the survey today here! And share the survey on Twitter here

CLINKS VACANCY: Policy and Communications Officer

Clinks has a new and exciting opportunity available for you to join as the Policy and Communications Officer. The Policy and Communications Officer will be part of the Policy and Communications team. You will help support the delivery of core policy functions.

Responsibilities include; identifying new government initiatives and policy relating to criminal justice and the voluntary sector in England and Wales, conducting desk-based research, supporting the development and operation of the policy focussed groups, networks and structures which Clinks facilitates and producing documents and briefings as part of a team. You will also be responsible for Clinks’ social media presence, planning and coordinating e-communications and website content, and provide support to Clinks’ staff in the writing and production of publications. Applications close 9:00, 14 August. Find out more and apply here

CLINKS VACANCY: Fundraising Officer

We have an exciting opportunity available for you to join us as our new Fundraising Officer. You will help support and maintain Clinks’ healthy income stream and ensure that we secure appropriate income to remain independent and impartial as we grow, progress and develop infrastructure support for criminal justice charities.

Clinks is an equal opportunities employer and individuals with direct experience of the criminal justice system and/or with protected characteristics are actively encouraged to apply. This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Clinks recruitment policy is that there is no requirement to disclose any convictions.

Applications close 9:00, 4 August. Find out more and apply here

MEMBER FOCUS: Sentencing Academy

Sentencing Academy is a research and engagement charitable incorporated organisation dedicated to developing expert and public understanding of sentencing in England and Wales. It encourages the government to implement effective sentencing practices and informs public debate about sentencing, acting as a bridge between those with expert knowledge of sentencing, the public, and policy makers.

Their mission is to inform decision making and improve awareness and understanding of sentencing through evidence-led research working in collaboration with experts in the field. Find out more

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Call out to host a work placement

The Criminal Justice Alliance is looking for criminal and social justice organisations (public, private, academic and voluntary sector) to provide one-week senior level work placement opportunities to participants on their ground-breaking ELEVATE CJS lived experience leadership programme. 

The work placement is a crucial element of the twelve-month ELEVATE CJS programme, as research has highlighted the lack of progression routes into senior roles for people with lived experience of the criminal justice system.  Work placements (between October and November) will last a minimum of one week, with the possibility of being extended if participants' schedules and the hosting organisation allow. There is no cost to organisations hosting a placement. Find out more

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: The Queen visits The Women’s Centre Cornwall

The Women’s Centre Cornwall had a recent visit from Queen Camilla, who met their Prison Link Worker based in their closest prison, 150 miles away in Gloucestershire. She also met one of the Women’s Centre’s volunteer peer mentors and heard about her time in prison and the support she now offers to women in the community. Claire Davies, Chair of Trustees, said: “We are incredibly proud to welcome Her Majesty The Queen to The Women’s Centre Cornwall. By lending support to the issue of sexual and domestic abuse, Queen Camilla is helping us to further bring to light the realities experienced by too many women and girls. Speaking out about these issues helps reduce the stigmas associated with abuse by allowing women to create connections and know they are not alone.” Click here to read more

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: I'm a victor not a victim

The latest podcast by Transform Justice discusses domestic abuse and claiming back power. Although public awareness of domestic abuse has risen in recent decades, it remains a widespread issue. In this episode, hosts Penelope and Rob are joined by Janika Cartwright, who survived an attempt on her life by her ex-partner and is a passionate advocate for restorative justice, and Jackie Sebire, retired police officer and co-author of Policing Domestic Abuse. They discuss the nuances of domestic abuse, why people experiencing it may not go to the police, and what needs to be changed to prevent it where possible, and provide a better response to survivors when it does happen. Listen here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Locked In? Achieving penal change in the context of crisis and scandal

A new discussion paper exploring the impact which crisis and scandal can have on the functioning of the criminal justice system. The paper, authored by Dr Harry Annison and Dr Thomas Guiney, has been prepared as part of a collaboration between the University of Southampton, University of Nottingham and the Prison Reform Trust’s Building Futures programme. The Building Futures programme focuses on how long sentences impact prisoners, their families and wider communities. By collaborating on this new discussion paper, we hope to initiate a conversation about how crises and scandals are responded to by policymakers and practitioners. Read the discussion paper

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Innovation Grants programme

His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) Innovation Grants programme is looking to fund initiatives aimed at improving the lives of people in their care through effective rehabilitation and reducing re-offending. This scheme is designed to fund new methodologies, innovative ideas, test and establish good practice with the potential to be replicated and implemented across the estate, in custody and/or in the community.

The four themes are:

  • Improving support for families and significant others
  • Improving outcomes for those with protected characteristics
  • Improving Safety
  • Improving Health and Wellbeing

Grant funding totalling £2 million across two years is available. The voluntary sector organisation(s) receiving the grant should be a registered charity or a social enterprise. The competition will be a two-stage process.

Stage One – Eligibility Assessment via the Jaggaer e-sourcing platform [closes at 12:00 on 4 August].

Stage Two – Full competition will be by invitation only.

If you have any issues registering on Jaggaer, please phone the e-sourcing central support team on 0845 0100 132. Find out more

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Mental Health support in North Wales

HMPPS is seeking to procure a mental health support provider to deliver out of core hours rehabilitation activities, to people who are living at two Approved Premises in North Wales. Support is often required out of core hours, during evenings and weekends, when staffing levels are reduced and support agencies are not available. This can result in residents being referred to emergency services or even recalled to custody due to their challenging behaviour. If support was available on site, from a service with the right skills and expertise, then some of these behaviours may be more effectively managed.

Interested bidders should submit Selection Questionnaires to be qualified on to the Probation Service Dynamic Framework (PDSF) under service category DF.07 Emotional Wellbeing in the region of Wales to then be invited to bid for this opportunity. A virtual market engagement event will be held on 15 August. Register your place by e-mailing probationsourcingteam@justice.gov.uk before 10 August.

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Pact AGM & Volunteer Awards

Pact is delighted to be hosting their AGM & Volunteer Awards [20 September, London South Bank University, free] and welcoming the Rt Hon Lord Keith Bradley as keynote speaker. In 2009, Lord Bradley was appointed by the Government to lead an independent review of people with mental health problems or learning disabilities in the criminal justice system. Fourteen years on, he will reflect on the challenges around mental health provision in the system today. Register here

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: How to develop Trauma Informed policies

Participants will look at their organisational existing policies, consider what might be amended from a trauma-informed perspective, and think through the development of new trauma-informed policies [9 November, 9.30 – 13:00, online, £95 + VAT]. By the end of this workshop, you will have:

  • a clearer understanding of what you already have in place
  • what needs to be developed
  • what is required to embed trauma informed policies across the organisation

No longer will your policies be stuck in a folder in a dusty drawer, they will become living, trauma informed, applied documents that move you closer to your goal of being a trauma informed organisation. Book your place

PUBLICATION: The Universe Provides

Eddie Gilmore is CEO of London-based charity Irish Chaplaincy which supports Irish prisoners, Travellers and seniors. He draws on his professional as well as his personal and musical experiences in his new book The Universe Provides- finding miracles and inspiration in unexpected places. This book collects stories of hope and uplifting encounters from Eddie’s travels around a global community rediscovering itself following the isolations of the coronavirus. Some of the stories show how those in prison were disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Find out more

OPPORTUNITY: funded cyber essentials programme

Funded cyber essentials programme for small or micro organisations (1-49 staff) providing legal aid services or support to victims of domestic abuse. Some organisations are at greater risk of cyber attack than others, perhaps because of sensitive information they deal with, or because they're seen as an ‘easy target’ for cyber criminals. The National Cyber Security Centre’s focus is on supporting small organisations who have a low level of cyber maturity, and work with data that is sensitive and would have significant impact if disrupted. The programme will offer Cyber Essentials Plus to specific organisations that are at high risk of cyber attack, at no cost. Find out more

FEATURED VACANCY: Pastoral Education and Employment Practitioner

Are you passionate about Participatory practice for young people? Join Abianda, a London-based social enterprise, as a Pastoral Education and Employment Practitioner [£30,006, full time, London] supporting girls and young women affected by criminal exploitation and violence. Be part of the Participation team, providing crucial pastoral, education, and employment support. Offer advocacy for young women at risk of criminal exploitation. Facilitate group work sessions and the leadership program “Elevate” for girls and young women. Strong skills in developing education, training, and employment opportunities required. Make a difference in the lives of young women in our communities. Find out more and apply by 14 August here

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:

Domestic Abuse Early Responder with St Giles Trust [£27,000 - £31,000, West Midlands Police Custody Suites (across Oldbury, Perry Barr, Wolverhampton and Coventry), full time]; Chair with Prisoners' Education Trust [voluntary, part time]; Key Worker with Seetec [£24,650 - £29,000, Bristol, full time]; Regional Development Coordinator for Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland with  StreetDoctors [£29,960, Working from home, ideally based in South Wales, with travel throughout UK, full time]; Peer Volunteer with St Giles Trust [Leeds Media Centre, part time]; Youth Violence Caseworker (Emergency Department) with St Giles Trust [£28,500 - £30,000, Northwick Park ED (Emergency Department), full time]; Substance Misuse Practitioner with Phoenix Futures [£23,000, HMP Highpoint, Stradishall, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 9YG, full time]; Project Manager, Criminal Justice with National Literacy Trust [£32,000, Postholder must be able to travel to the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, full time]; Trainee Health & Wellbeing Recovery Practitioner - HMP Bronzefield withThe Forward Trust [£19,838, HMP Bronzefield, full time]; Head Office Administrator with ADVANCE (Advocacy and Non-Violence Community Education) [£22,000 - £24,000, Hammersmith, part time]

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

READS OF THE WEEK:

EXTRA INFORMATION:

About Clinks Light Lunch

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