Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 801 | 22 September 2023

Light Lunch Clinks

In this issue...

CLINKS NEWS: influence the next generation of CRS contracts

As part of our role convening the Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group (RR3), we are setting up a special interest group (SIG) on commissioning which will focus on influencing the next generation of commissioned rehabilitative services (CRS) contracts. This group will provide a platform for voluntary providers and organisations to feed into the future shape and content of CRS contracts.

This initial session [15 November, 11:00 - 13:30, online, free] will focus on:

  • People-centred and outcome-driven services
  • Multi-agency delivery, processes and access to data
  • Building a robust supply chain incorporating the expertise of smaller, specialist organisations

We are calling for voluntary organisations working in this space to express an interest in attending this session and contributing to the work of this group. Please submit your expression of interest by Monday 23 October to Clinks Policy and Communications Officer, Bronte Jack.

CLINKS NEWS: Older People in the Criminal Justice System (OPiC) network meeting

Join us for the Older People in the Criminal Justice System (OPiC) Network meeting [26 September, 14:00, online, free] to discuss how the arts can support older people in contact with the criminal justice system. Speakers for this networking event include Sarah Matheve, the Director of Outreach at Koestler Arts, and Paul, who has lived experience of the arts in criminal justice. There will also be an update on the forthcoming Ageing Prisoner Population Strategy and an opportunity to discuss this too.

The OPiC network is designed to bring together voluntary and statutory organisations and practitioners, as well as academics, who provide services for and/or advocate for older people (people aged 50 and over) in the criminal justice system. This event is for anyone who has an interest in older people in the justice system and being part of the network. Register here

MEMBER FOCUS: Rescue of Dignity

The Rescue of Dignity Group (ROD) has been supporting prisoners and their families in the United Kingdom since 1997. Its approach to reducing recidivism is a holistic programme that supports people with convictions from sentencing, through imprisonment; with continued support in the community to enable them to become law abiding and live positive lives. The ROD Group is made up of trained volunteers who dedicate their time to giving spiritual and practical support which has enabled inmates to successfully turn their lives around. Find out more about Rescue of Dignity

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: the Clink Charity Ball

Join in the fun and celebrate at the Clink Charity Ball [2 February, £150 per person]. Enjoy an evening of delicious food and fundraising in aid of their students and graduates.

The evening will start with a champagne reception followed by a 5-course meal with matching wines. Canapes will come from Clink Events and bread & petits fours from the award-winning Clink Bakery, as well as the opportunity on the evening to win some amazing prizes in a table raffle and silent auction.

There will also be the chance to hear from graduates of The Clink training programme about how their work has helped them to reintegrate back into society upon release from prison. Plus, you can sabrage a bottle of champagne for £70 and enjoy it with your guests before joining the band for the evening until the early hours.

Dress code is black tie. Tickets are £150pp or £1,400 for a table of 10 guests and must be booked in advance. Find out more and book here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: The Right Course - documentary

‘Served’, a new documentary released online this week, follows charity; The Right Course, and its founder, TV’s Fred Sirieix, as they launch a training restaurant called Bertie’s inside Lincoln Prison.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ)-produced film follows the journey of prisoners working in Bertie’s, looking at how they evolve into hospitality professionals, acquiring industry-recognised qualifications and training from education provider, PeoplePlus, enhancing their prospects of finding employment on release.

Since Bertie's officially launched in May 2023, one of the prisoners featured in the documentary has secured a job in the hospitality industry after being released. Meanwhile, 56% of those trained at The Right Course and NOVUS location at HMP Wormwood Scrubs have found employment on release.

To watch Served, visit the MoJ’s YouTube channel.

FUNDING: VVU Community Safety grant

The 2024-2025 V&V Community Grant round is for local not-for-profit, voluntary, or community clubs or organisations based in, and delivering in, [Essex, Southend and Thurrock].

Groups can apply for up to £25,000 to deliver support and interventions for children, young people, young adults (aged 0-24 inclusive) and families (families, must include children, young people or young adults aged 0-24).  Projects must demonstrate how they have a positive impact through protective factors on issues relating to serious violence.

Projects must evidence they are meeting specific needs and the fund would especially like to see applications for creative work around risk taking behaviours. The closing date is [29 September].

Visit the ECVYS website for an overview of the grant in more detail and how to apply.

FEATURED VACANCY: Participation Practitioner

Join Abianda, a London-based social enterprise, as a Participation Practitioner [£30,006, full time, London]. You will design and deliver group sessions and provide advocacy support to young women and girls affected by or at risk of criminal exploitation. Are you enthusiastic about participatory practices for young people? Can you effectively engage and support girls and young women impacted by criminal exploitation and violence? Do you possess strong group facilitation skills for working with youth? If you are dedicated to going the extra mile and believe in creating a better future for young women, be part of Abianda’s transformative mission and apply today. Find out more and apply by 4 October here

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:

Substance misuse practitioner HMP Wayland with Phoenix Futures [£23000, HMP Wayland, part time]; Team Lead with The Wise Group [£28,022 - £31,500, North West England, full time]; HR Officer with St Giles Trust [£32,500, Camberwell, full time]; HR Administrator with St Giles Trust [£25,000, Camberwell, London, full time]; Family Support Group Volunteer with Prisoners Abroad [Finsbury Park, part time]; Housing Officer with Seetec [£23,000 - £24,801, Barnstaple, full time]; Quality Development Officer with Seetec [£28,050 - £33,000, Hastings, full time]; Activity Coordinator with Seetec [£24,989 - £27,765, Liverpool, full time]; Support Worker with Seetec [£24,650 - £29,000, Bristol, full time]; Housing Officer with Seetec [£23,000 - £24,801, HMP Highdown, full 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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