Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 806 | 27 October 2023

Light Lunch Clinks

In this issue...

CLINKS NEWS: annual conference programme announced

There are only 4 weeks to go to the conference, so be sure to book your place to avoid disappointment. We have announced the conference programme themes, where you will see a variety of thought-provoking and reflective sessions to influence and inspire.

Tickets are selling fast so be sure to book your ticket for the conference. You can still book at our early bird rate which is available until [30 October]. View the programme and book your place here.

CLINKS NEWS: 25th Annual General Meeting (AGM)

At this year's AGM [7 November, online, free] we are pleased to welcome HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, as our keynote speaker. Mr. Taylor will speak to our theme; “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.” There will also be an opportunity to engage in a question-and-answer session with the Chief Inspector. 

Our AGM is always a well-attended and lively event, offering a great opportunity to network and for you to comment on Clinks’ work and our priorities for the year ahead. The AGM allows us to carry out business vital to our work. Find out more and book your place here

CLINKS NEWS: annual report & financial statements 2022-23

We have published our annual report & financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023. Our annual report details our achievements and progress towards our strategic goals; plus our plans for the future, followed by a financial review. The report covers our activities for the year across our five strategic goals:

  • Understanding
  • Connecting
  • Voicing
  • Supporting
  • Developing

Read the report here, which includes a forward from Clinks C.E.O, Anne Fox, and our Chair of Trustees, Roma Hooper. 

CLINKS NEWS: last chance to register for the research focus group

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 of a range of voluntary organisations. Participants will have advanced sight of our survey’s findings, directly contribute their voice to the research, and be able to highlight challenges, but also successes, from the last year. If you would like to take part in the focus groups, register your interest using this form by Monday [30 October].  

MEMBER FOCUS: Hart & Joy

Hart & Joy delivers mindset coaching, education, mentoring and signposting services to prison leavers and those working with and supporting them. They offer learning programmes including coaching and mentoring for prospective employees before, during and after transition periods (e.g. leaving prison and moving into employment), and education and learning programmes, consisting of coaching and mentoring for prospective employers (of marginalised groups and prison leavers).

Hart & Joy works with ex-offenders searching for employment alongside their prospective and current employers in order to promote recruitment and retention, creating an inclusive, understanding and welcoming workplace before and throughout the employment process. Find out more about Hart & Joy

NATIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE ARTS ALLIANCE NEWS: Writing Development Workshops

The National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance (NCJAA) is excited to revive its writing development training programme for individuals and organisations delivering arts-based services and projects in the criminal justice system [October 2023 to February 2024, online, free]. Working in partnership with the Royal Literary Fund (RLF), a programme of free, digital workshops will teach vital writing development skills for reports, case studies, and funding applications. Book now for NCJAA Writing Development Workshop – Writing Case Studies – 14 December 2023

Our next workshop takes place on [14 December] and will help you to consider how to structure case studies, what key elements to include, how to adapt tone and style for different audiences such as stakeholders or the broader community and self-editing and proofreading. Visit the NCJAA website for information about the workshop programme

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: criminalisation of women globally, a survey

Penal Reform International and Women Beyond Walls are collaborating to map out the key areas in need of reform related to the criminalisation of women globally due to their poverty and status. We want to know which criminal laws target or disproportionately impact women, what is known about the impact of these laws, and what is happening to move towards decriminalisation or reform. The findings will be published in a policy briefing aimed at policymakers, advocates, researchers, donors and others.

We invite you to complete the form below for your country and share it with anyone you think could contribute to building this global picture. All responses will be confidential, with an option for you/your organisation to be acknowledged for contributing to the research. [Deadline 8 November]. Complete the survey here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Probation Change Bulletin 

The October edition of the Probation Change bulletin has been published by His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS). Hannah Meyer, Executive Director, Strategy Planning and Performance is hosting this edition which covers:

  • One HMPPS
  • Electronic Monitoring
  • Community Payback 50th anniversary
  • Probation Exhibition
  • Independent Approved Premises
  • Transforming Prisoner Education

HMPPS hope these publications provide a concise overview of the Probation Service and its work on a regular basis. Read the Probation Change Bulletin. If there is anything you would like to see included in future issues or you have any feedback – please contact PCETmailbox@justice.gov.uk

FUNDING: Unpaid Work services in the West Midlands

His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service is looking to commission Unpaid Work services in the West Midlands as a grant and is holding a market engagement session on [1 November, 10:00, free]. The aim of the grant is to:

  • Improve people’s engagement in, and experience of, probation and unpaid work activities.
  • Support an individual’s rehabilitation and desistance journey; and
  • Improve the quality and effectiveness of Unpaid Work, by offering experience of a range of different work projects with the opportunity to gain specific skills/ qualifications whilst completing Unpaid Work hours.

As a grant, this is only open to non-profit organisations. If you wish to express an interest in the grant, you can find more information here. Providers must be registered for the grants portal. Register for the engagement here. For further information, please contact Ben.Coughlin@justice.gov.uk

PUBLICATION: Serving a Hidden Sentence

Pact’s new report, ‘Serving a Hidden Sentence’, published on 20 October, reveals that the children and families of prisoners are facing financial hardship and emotional strain.

Prisoners’ families are often hit by a ‘double whammy’ - the loss of a partner’s income, along with the extra costs of staying in touch with and supporting their loved-one. Families also face social stigma and many report that their mental and physical health suffer as a result. Findings:

  • 50% of families responding express concerns about affording what they need to care for their children.
  • 38% spend a quarter or more of household income supporting a loved-one in prison.
  • More than half are finding it difficult or very difficult to afford the basics (food, heating, etc)

Family contact helps keep people safer during their sentence and reduces re-offending – however 56% of families said money affected their ability to keep in touch with a loved-one. Read the report and its recommendations here.

PUBLICATION: a guide to developing the prison curriculum

The Prisoner Learning Alliance (PLA) has published a guide for developing the curriculum in prisons. The new resource – created by teachers and learners – is designed to support those working in prisons to offer a good range of high-quality formal and informal learning. It features a five-stage approach to curriculum planning, an adaptable curriculum statement template, and lots of space for your reflections. The practical guide is flexible enough to be used by experienced educators and newcomers, in England and Wales, and further afield. Click here to download the guide.

BLOG: creating roots for well-being through art

This blog about the Creative Roots Project and the impact of art in prison is written by Mark Jones, Director at Higher Plain and Visiting Professor of Criminology at University South Wales. The Creative Roots Project is an arts project that has been funded by the Arts Council for Wales and G4S and was delivered in Parc Prison from September 2022 to May 2023. The project aimed to provide a safe space for residents of Parc Prison to take time out of their daily routine to engage in a range of activities, including an introduction to yoga style mindfulness exercises and different ways of creating art. Residents also had the opportunity to take part in sessions focussed on arts practices such as printmaking, fine art and painting, and photo journalism. Read the blog

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:

Restorative Justice Delivery Officer with Sussex Pathways [£25,000, Lewes, full time]; Recovery Community Development Coordinator with Community Led Initiatives CIC [£30,000, Bedford Borough/Central Bedfordshire, full time]; Peer Advocate with Community Led Initiatives CIC [£21,255, Bedford, full time]; Assistant Manager with Community Led Initiatives CIC [£30,000, Liverpool, full time]; Recovery Community Development Coordinator with Community Led Initiatives CIC [£30,000, Liverpool, full time]; Peer Advocate with Community Led Initiatives CIC [£21,255, Liverpool, full time]; Volunteer Coordinator with Community Led Initiatives CIC [£24,000, Greater Manchester, full time]; Peer Support Worker/Mentor with Community Led Initiatives CIC [£21,255, Wigan & Leigh, full time]; Substance Misuse Practitioner - HMP Belmarsh with Phoenix Futures [£26,085, HMP Belmarsh, full time]; Director of Delivery with Leap - Confronting Conflict [£53000 - £58,000, Finsbury Park, full time]

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

READS OF THE WEEK:

EXTRA INFORMATION:

About Clinks Light Lunch

This edition of Light Lunch has been sent to the inbox of 13801 people working (or with an interest) in the criminal justice system of England and Wales.
If you would like to include something in a future edition of Light Lunch, use our submission form.
Get involved Become a Member | Follow Clinks on Twitter
Contact us www.clinks.org | info@clinks.org | 020 4502 6774
Click here to manage your subscriptions. For assistance, email info@clinks.org
Registered office: 82A James Carter Road, Mildenhall, Suffolk, IP28 7DE 
Registered charity: 1074546 | Company limited by guarantee in England & Wales: 3562176
© Clinks, 2023

Clinks logo