This specialist quarterly ebulletin keeps you updated on relevant developments for organisations working to support women in contact with the criminal justice system. Please contact Jackie Lowthian at Jackie.lowthian@clinks.org if there is anything you would like to raise or to include items in the next ebulletin.
In this edition...
- News
- Events and Training
- Publications and Resources
- Funding
- Campaigns
- Blogs
- Extra Information
Clinks influence: join our focus groups and make your voice heard
Following our State of the sector survey, we are looking to delve deeper into the current landscape of the criminal justice voluntary sector, through focus groups with representatives from member organisations. Participants will have advanced sight of our survey findings, directly contribute their voice to our research, and be able to highlight challenges and successes from the last year. Previously, Clinks presented findings from its State of the Sector research to senior officials in the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), charitable trusts and foundations. The findings also underpin and help shape our influencing work. Clinks is also pleased to be able to offer participating organisations a free place on one of our training sessions. If you would like to take part in one of these focus groups, please register your interest using this form by [30 October].
Clinks influence: women and the criminal justice system
Clinks Head of Influence and Communications, Sam Julius, attended the MoJ's Women in the Criminal Justice System Expert Group meeting in September. The session’s focus was on the use of Out of Court Disposals (OOCDs) through the new two-tiered framework, alongside a presentation on the Female Pathway Review of NHS England’s Liaison and Diversion Services. Sam provided comments from the sector, giving details of how some voluntary sector organisations are providing innovative early intervention services. We have subsequently met with the Ministry of Justice team running the Expert Group to discuss how best Clinks can feed in members’ expertise and will be reaching out with further updates in due course. Additionally, Sam has accepted an invitation to sit on His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation’s Expert Reference Group, ahead of HMI Probation and HMI Prisons’ joint inspection into the quality of work undertaken with women. Find out more about Clinks policy work here
Clinks influence: Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Board (RR3)
Clinks will be running several 'Special Interest Groups' (SIGs) as part of its work convening the Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Board (RR3). We would welcome the specific expertise of the women's sector in feeding into these SIGs. The first is focused on accommodation [26 October, online]. The session will help build an evidence base testifying to the barriers faced by people leaving prison and/or people with criminal records in accessing either temporary or settled accommodation. The commissioning SIG [15 November, online] will focus on influencing the next round of commissioned rehabilitative services. The Employment SIG [21 November, in-person, London with online option] will focus on high quality workshops in prisons, boosting prison engagement with local employers, supporting people furthest away from the labour market, the prison wage structure, and how to ensure the coordination of all services aimed at boosting employment outcomes. Contact Bronte Jack at bronte.jack@clinks.org for further information.
Clinks influence: Commissioning Forum
Clinks met with colleagues from MoJ and HMPPS for the quarterly commissioning forum in October; a space where Clinks provides feedback and learns of commissioning opportunities which involve the voluntary sector working in criminal justice. We shared feedback from some of our smaller members around how challenging they have found engaging with HMPPS grant processes, particularly in relation to the time frames in which these opportunities have run to recently. We also highlighted the significant reduction in opportunities for the voluntary sector on the Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) in this financial year to date in comparison to last year and explored the reasons behind this. A summary blog will be published shortly outlining the key updates and will be shared through our regular communication channels.
Clinks networks updates: Women's Network forum
The Clinks women’s network forum met on 26 September with a focus on children and families. We were joined by speakers from PACT, Commonweal, Reform and AVA. Jo Mulcahy, PACT’s Assistant Director of Services shared evaluation findings showing the significant impact of the ‘Together a Chance’ project which provides independent social workers in two women’s prisons. Amy Vanzyl from Reform presented research from the 'Still a Mam’ project highlighting women’s lived experiences of child removal and shocking data showing that since 2011, there has been a 77% increase in the number of children being taken into care. Network members discussed good practice in supporting the children and families of women affected by the criminal justice system across different geographical areas. The next women’s network forum is on [19 December]. To attend future Women’s network meetings please register as a member of the network here.
Black History Month: Saluting our sisters
As this month-long celebration draws to a close Clinks is delighted to have been able to engage our staff in internal activities to recognise the contribution and achievements of those with African or Caribbean heritage, particularly Black women. We held three ‘lunch and learn’ events, one of which focused on Black women who have inspired us. We are proud to have promoted our members' events and activities, including this blog celebrating black women activists and change-makers.
New measures to prevent abusers harassing victims from prison
The MoJ has issued a press release announcing the introduction of a new scheme to require people leaving prison at risk of abusing their partners to be subject to electronic monitoring (EM). The scheme will launch in the East and West Midlands, which will mean anyone who poses a threat to their former partner or children could be required to wear an electronic tag to enforce bans against going within a certain distance of their former partner's home or enforcing "strict curfews". The pilot will see up to 500 people subject to EM which is expected to be rolled out across England and Wales next year. Find out more here
Clinks events: 25th Annual General Meeting (AGM)
This year the AGM is entitled; ‘The role and value of the voluntary sector working with people in prison, on release and their families at a time of change and challenge’. Join us on [7 November, 16:00 - 17:30, online, free] for what is sure to be a well-attended and thought-provoking event, offering an opportunity to ask questions and comment on Clinks’ work and our priorities for the year ahead, as well as engage in a question-and-answer session with HM Inspector of Prisons; Charlie Taylor. The AGM allows us to carry out business vital to our work, including electing trustees. Find out more and book your place here
Clinks events: annual conference
Book your early bird ticket for our annual conference 2023: Making race & justice everyone's business [22 November, London, from £50].
We invite organisations to book an event stall and feature in the Clinks' learning space at this year's conference. In line with our theme this year, we are particularly keen to welcome organisations dedicated to supporting racially minoritised individuals in the criminal justice system. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your work, share best practice, and engage in meaningful discussions with peers.
Event stall's are open to all conference ticket holders and we encourage you to come along, participate and share valuable information, resources and experience with the wider sector.
If you are keen to showcase your work and make it accessible for display, please reach out to events@clinks.org after securing your ticket reservation. Find out more here
Clinks training: Why Gender Matters in the Criminal Justice System
Part One: 11 December 2023, 10:00 - 12:00
Part Two: 12 Dec 2023, 10.00 -13.00
Is your organisation part of the Clinks women’s network? Do you have frontline staff or volunteers who are new to your organisation and want to increase their understanding of why gender matters in the criminal justice system? If so, join us for this entry-level training course [11 and 12 Dec, online, £95 for both days, Clinks voluntary sector members]. The training aims to develop understanding of women’s gendered experience of the criminal justice system. Part One focuses on understanding the policy landscape, including the Female Offender Strategy and the aim to achieve a ‘Whole System Approach’ (WSA) for women. Part Two guides participants through elements of WSA in practice. The course has been developed in response to a need for training for frontline staff in the women’s sector who are new to the criminal justice system and is exclusively for members of the Clinks women’s network. Find out more and book your place here
Clinks training: Working and volunteering in prisons
Working or volunteering in a prison can be quite daunting due to the many complexities associated with its unique environment and establishing the role of the voluntary sector within that can be challenging. Join us at this three-hour training session [8 November, online, £95 members] for voluntary sector staff and volunteers in which we aim to raise awareness of the prison environment and provide information on key aspects such as staffing structures and departments, prison procedures and current challenges associated with working in prisons. Find out more and book your place here
Clinks training: Navigating the criminal justice system workshop
Are you new to working or volunteering in the criminal justice system? Do you have volunteers or staff members who want to increase their understanding of the criminal justice system? Join us at this three-hour workshop [9 November, online, £75 members] for voluntary sector staff and volunteers in which we aim to increase awareness of, and provide the opportunity to, explore and discuss how the criminal justice system is organised, the complexities within it, and how it works. Find out more and book your place here
Women’s Resource Centre training: Bitesize Sessions
These lunchtime drop-in sessions are informal, bite-sized, online meet-ups where you can learn some new skills, meet other women from the sector and discuss common issues. These sessions are free and open to all. You just need to register by clicking on the links.
Speaking up for women campaign
25 October, 13:30 pm- 14:10
Join this session to find out more about WRC’s Speaking Up for Women campaign. We all know what we need as a sector during the cost-of-living crisis, but how do we make the most impact of our collective voice? Join the session to find out more about elements of effective campaigning.
21 November, 11:30 - 12:30
WRC conducted a survey earlier in the year to find out more about the family court process and the impacts on women, especially those who are in/escaping abusive relationships. The WRC Policy Team will present those findings in this session, which will also be a forum to discuss our own experiences and what we can do together to improve the system for women.
5 December, 11:30 - 12:30
Join us for this session on the basics of bid-writing for the National Lottery’s Awards for All grant programme. This will suit relatively new organisations with limited experience of how to approach the bid-writing process. This session will be led by experienced bid-writer, Helen Cylwik.
Conference on violence against women and girls
YouTurn is hosting a National Conference on Violence against Women and Girls - the Impact of Sexual Trauma [2 November, 9:00 – 16:30, Kings House, Bedford, £125]. This event promises a packed schedule of subject expert speakers including Zoe Lodrick and Fay Maxted. This is a fantastic opportunity for staff and safeguarding leads to develop their professional skills and networks. Throughout the day you will assess, explore and analyse the latest insights into trauma informed practice and gain knowledge about improved professional approaches to dealing with survivors of sexual violence. For more information, please visit the National VAWG Conference 2023 website or email bookings@youturnfutures.com
Webinar: implementing equity and equality plans in maternity and neonatal services
The Maternity Consortium is hosting an event on [9 November, online, free] sharing examples of good practice from Local Maternity and Neonatal Systems (LMNS) working in partnership with Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations and Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnerships (MNVPs) to implement their equity and equality plans. The event will also include a national update on the equity and equality plans from NHS England and an opportunity to network with colleagues in breakout rooms. Find out more and register here
Suicide Prevention Strategy: Agenda Alliance’s response
The launch of this long-awaited strategy was welcome, and the focus on specific areas of interest to women and girls as well as the criminal justice system was encouraging. Agenda Alliance’s response highlights the need for a delivery plan which cuts across government departments to ensure that women and girls facing multiple unmet needs can access appropriate support. This has particular implications for women and girls in custody; for example, over 50% of women in prison have experienced domestic abuse. Given this connection, and other evidence demonstrating that women and girls in custody often experience complex and intersecting disadvantages, it is essential that the criminal justice strand of the strategy is joined-up. Read the full response here
Exploring women’s experience of drug and alcohol treatment
The Centre for Justice Innovation and Staffordshire University have published new research following in-depth interviews with 28 female drug users and 20 workers at drug treatment centres in three local authorities in the West Midlands. The research shows that that services are “chaotic, intimidating or unsafe” and that women drug users are at risk of exploitation in mixed-sex treatment groups, including being groomed into sex work. The report calls for a gendered response to meeting the needs of this vulnerable group of women and for specialist approaches which address barriers to accessing treatment, which are particularly pronounced for women from some minority communities, including women of south Asian or eastern European backgrounds. Download the report here and find out more about The Centre for Justice Innovation here
New reports from Women’s Resource Centre (WRC)
WRC has published two reports recently, one on the ongoing impacts of the cost-of-living crisis on women and women's organisations and another on how mediation is working as part of the family courts process. State infrastructure appears to be in a state of crisis, with long waiting lists because of chronic cuts to public services. In this context, the support that women need is becoming harder to deliver; women's organisations are still facing massive demand for their services and ever more complex cases that are driven by mental health issues, violence, homelessness and having to navigate the family courts system, which itself is running on fewer and fewer resources. Read the reports to find out more from a frontline perspective. See here for family courts and here for cost-of-living crisis
Use of imprisonment for women: new data resources show local trends
The Prison Reform Trust has just published new data resources on women’s imprisonment from analysis of local court data in England and Wales. Analysis reveals that over half (58%) of prison sentences given to women in 2022 were for less than six months, despite a widespread recognition that short prison sentences are harmful and ineffective. This analysis of local data reveals significant geographical variations between police force areas. This variation may, in part, reflect areas with more effective coordinated approaches to women in the criminal justice system. In some areas, such as Greater Manchester and London, there have been concerted local efforts to develop more effective responses to women’s offending through joined up working between police, courts, and women’s services. Find out more and download data tables here
National Women's Justice Coalition women's service map
The National Women's Justice Coalition has launched their Women’s Services Map, the UK’s first directory of services for women in contact with the criminal justice system. Have a look at the map and resource If your organisation would like to be featured and currently delivers services for women and girls in contact with the criminal justice system, and/or runs women’s centres in the UK, please contact the National Women’s Justice Coalition for more information.
South West Probation Service: small budget crisis intervention
South West HM Prison and Probation service are inviting organisations to apply for small pots of money, to support people on the Integrated Offender Management Scheme and people on probation at points, where they would benefit from a rapid response from community-based organisations. They are looking for organisations that already have a presence in their communities that can expand on their existing provision to provide immediate targeted support to individuals. Your organisation can apply for a one-off sum of £1000 to support up to four individuals over a 12 month period. Apply here Closing date: [26 October]. Please direct any queries to Jennifer.Beesley@justice.gov.uk
Women’s Resource Centre calling for National Women’s Fund
Amid concerns about the chronic underfunding in the women’s sector, WRC is calling for an independent, national women’s fund to support women and children. They want to see greater recognition and funding for successful models of work, such as holistic, woman-centred support that isn't just about 'service delivery', but also about encouraging women's power, dignity and growth. Find out more and sign the petition here
Ending violence against women and girls (VAWG) manifesto
Ahead of the next general election, a coalition of over 70 leading organisations working to end VAWG have signed this joint manifesto calling on all political parties to adopt its priorities for ending this abuse. The manifesto sets out their priorities for the next government, calling for a comprehensive, whole-society approach to tackling VAWG that looks beyond the criminal justice system and centres those who face the greatest barriers to support and protection. Find out more here
Receiving the Clinks women’s network ebulletin
If you find this quarterly bulletin useful, please tell your colleagues about it. If they would like to receive the bulletin, please encourage them to login to their Clinks account and go to this manage subscriptions page where they can sign-up. They will need to be a member of the women’s network so if they need to join, they can Register here today
If you have any comments about this ebulletin or feedback for improvement, please email Jackie Lowthian.
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