Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 817 | 26 January 2024

Light Lunch Clinks

In this issue...

CLINKS NEWS: the passing of Erwin James

It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of Erwin James, the former Editor of Inside Time, who helmed the publication from 2016 to 2023. Erwin's editorial stewardship not only shaped Inside Time but also showcased the transformative power of second chances. During his incarceration, Erwin, a life prisoner, achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first serving prisoner to contribute regularly to national media, with a column in The Guardian. His insightful articles provided a unique perspective on prison issues, amplifying the voices of those behind bars. Erwin's journey from a life sentence to esteemed journalist serves as a testament to the potential for redemption and change. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, and we express gratitude for his impactful legacy. Erwin's presence and contributions will be deeply missed. Read Erwin's obituary in Inside Time here

CLINKS NEWS: RR3 recruitment 

We are seeking seven senior leaders with criminal justice voluntary sector expertise in Resettlement, Mental Health, Families, Youth Justice, Arts in criminal justice, Women and Organisations led by and focused on racially minoritised people to join The Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group (RR3). The group works closely with senior officials in the Ministry of Justice and HM Prison and Probation Service to reduce reoffending and to build a more effective partnership between government and the voluntary sector. For more information, click the links below.

Resettlement application : Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group – Resettlement  | Clinks 
[Application deadline: 29 January]

Mental Health application: Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group – Mental Health Specialist | Clinks 
[Application deadline: 5 February] 

Families application: Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group – Families Specialist | Clinks 
[Application deadline: 5 February]

Youth Justice application : Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group – Youth Justice Specialist  | Clinks 
[Application deadline - extended: 12 February]

Arts Specialist : Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group – Arts Specialist  | Clinks
[Application deadline - 12 February]

Women’s Specialist: Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group – Women’s Specialist | Clinks
[Application deadline - 12 February]

Organisations led by and focused on racially minoritised people seat​: Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group – Organisations led by and focused on racially minoritised people seat | Clinks
[Application deadline - 12 February]

If you have any questions about any of our RR3 vacancies please contact Sam.Julius@clinks.org

CLINKS NEWS: Clinks membership renewal coming soon! 

As we gear up for another impactful year, we want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to each and every one or you who has been part of Clinks. Your dedication to our mission of supporting the voluntary sector in the criminal justice system is what makes our community thrive. 

Membership renewals 
With 1 April just around the corner, we wanted to remind you that it’s time for membership renewals. Your continued commitment not only ensures uninterrupted access to your membership benefits but also reinforces your integral role in our dynamic community. 

In the coming weeks, we will be in touch with your Member Contact via email to guide you through the renewals process, to ensure you can make the most of everything Clinks has to offer. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact us at membership@clinks.org

New members 
To those considering joining our community, we extend a warm invitation to explore the benefits of Clinks membership. If you know someone who shares our passion for positive change within the criminal justice system, direct them to the Clinks website for more information or contact us directly at membership@clinks.org

NATIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE ARTS ALLIANCE NEWS: Save the date - Anne Peaker Lecture 2024

Join the National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance (NCJAA) as we honour and celebrate the work and legacy of Anne Peaker at this year's Anne Peaker Lecture [26 March, online, free]. The NCJAA will be joined by member organisations, the people they support and individual artists as they share performances and arts created in, or inspired by, criminal justice. 

CLINKS EVENT: working with people on probation who have mental health issues

In Clinks’ latest evidence review ‘Best practice in working with people with mental health problems on probation’, Professor Charlie Brooker, honorary professor at Royal Holloway, University of London and Dr Coral Sirdifield, Senior Research Associate at the University of Lincoln, looks at: 

  • The benefits of focusing on the mental health of people on probation 
  • What we know about the mental health of people on probation 
  • The organisation of mental health care, current initiatives, and challenges to providing high-quality care 
  • What good quality care for people on probation looks like 
  • Improving the evidence base and provision of care. 

Charlie and Coral will join Clinks for a discussion on this topic via webinar [4 March, online, free] as part of our 'A matter of fact: what the evidence tells us' series. Register online. 

CLINKS EVENT: Building a resilient workforce - lessons learnt

At Clinks, we have heard consistent feedback from our members about ongoing recruitment challenges within the voluntary sector and how difficult it is to retain skilled and experienced staff. Join us [20 February, online, free] to hear from our guest speakers, Matina Marougka, Head of Regional Operations for London services at Together for Mental Wellbeing; Dawn Harrison Criminal Justice Service Manager at Changing Lives and John Speyer, Director at Hear Me Out as they explore the challenges of building a resilient workforce. The event will end with an optional networking space led by Lucy Ball, CEO at New Bridge Foundation, where attendees can reflect on their learnings from the event and share their own best practice. Book your place here 

MEMBER FOCUS: Change, grow, live

Change Grow Live (CGL) is a criminal justice, health and social care charity working with individuals, families and communities across England and Wales that are affected by drugs, alcohol, crime, homelessness, domestic abuse and anti-social behaviour. Their projects, delivered in communities and prisons, encourage and empower people to regain control of their lives and motivate them to tackle their problems. The also offer volunteering, peer mentoring and employment opportunities across England and Wales. Find out more

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Recoop look back on the highlights of 2023

2023 was a very busy year for Recoop, with a number of new contracts beginning alongside the renewal of current contracts. In their recently published review article Recoop look at some of their highlights of 2023, including the expansion of their Buddy Programme, addition of three women's prisons, adaption of their 50+ Resettlement programme and much more. You can read their review article here 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: National statistics announcement from Ministry of Justice

Safety in the children and young people secure estate: Update to September 2023
Safety in the Children and Young People Secure Estate statistics cover assaults, self-harm and deaths in the Children and Young People Secure Estate in England and Wales.

Ethnicity and the Criminal Justice System 2022
This report compiles statistics from data sources across the Criminal Justice System, to provide a combined perspective on the typical experiences of different ethnic groups in England and Wales.

Offender management statistics quarterly: July to September 2023
Detailed quarterly statistics on offenders in custody (including offence groups, sentence lengths and nationalities), and quarterly statistics on prison receptions, prison releases, adjudications, and licence recalls.

Proven reoffending statistics: January to March 2022
Statistics on reoffending of offenders who were released from custody, received a non-custodial conviction, or a caution.

Justice data lab statistics: January 2024
Tailored set of reports as part of the Justice Data Lab assessing the impact on rehabilitation programmes on reoffending behaviour analysed within the previous quarter, and summary of results to date.

Youth justice statistics: 2022 to 2023
Youth justice annual statistics for 2022 to 2023 for England and Wales.

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: What happens to the children when a parent goes to prison?

What happens to the children when a parent goes to prison? Children Heard and Seen would like to invite you to watch a screening of the 11-minute film ‘Invisible Children’, to raise awareness of parental imprisonment, and creating change for children with a parent in prison.

Children Heard and Seen hope this emotive and informative film, [Dates throughout January and February | online | free] told through the words of those who have experienced parental imprisonment first-hand, will impassion you to support their campaign and take up the call to action! View the trailer and register here

FUNDING: VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme

Applications are now open for capital grants under the VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme, following applications opening in December for independent energy assessments. The first capital grant round will close [29 February at 12pm] with the second round opening in mid April and the third in early July. Eligible organisations can apply for 1) an independent energy assessment to understand what improvements could be made to their building and 2) capital grants to install physical energy efficiency measures. Find further details, including eligibility criteria and application timelines online.

RESOURCE: Transform Justice podcast and blog

Transform Justice have this week released a new podcast episode: From cells to streets: The revolving door of crime and homelessness. In this eye-opening episode, hosts Rob and Penelope are joined by philanthropist and prison reformer Edwina Grosvenor and author, former prisoner and Own Merit co-founder Steve Gallant to discuss how and why the justice system is failing prison leavers. They explain how they are taking matters into their own hands by creating positive and supportive spaces for former prisoners to live in as they work to reintegrate into society.

Transform Justice have also published this blog post: 'Why doubling sentences won’t reduce shop worker assaults'. Penelope Gibbs says "No shop worker should be abused or assaulted. It’s not OK. But the creation of a new offence of assault shop worker with a doubling of the maximum sanction for this common assault offence (from 6 months to a year) will do nothing to reduce this crime".

RESOURCE: public opinion and understanding of sentencing

The government has responded to the Justice Committee's report on public opinion and understanding of sentencing. In this, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) set out its response to the conclusions and recommendations of the Justice Committee. The MoJ said the government is committed to the principle of open justice, and work is continuing to rebuild public confidence in the justice system. The government also notes public opinion "plays a pivotal role in shaping sentencing policy". The Sentencing Council, an independent non-departmental public body who develop the sentencing guidelines and monitor their use, also responded to the Committee's recommendations. Read the government response here 

PUBLICATION: What is going wrong in the Welsh Criminal Justice System?

Read Clinks' latest blog post What is going wrong in the Welsh Criminal Justice System? from Senior Development Officer for Wales, Bryn hall in which the latest factfile of statistics from Dr Robert Jones at the Wales Governance Centre looking at data from 2022. Whilst the report makes for pretty grim reading, we've revisited the factfile following on from our 2019 blog to reflect on how this latest factfile suggests that the picture has worsened.  

FEATURED VACANCY: Head of Policy and Public Affairs

Hibiscus Initiatives are looking for an experienced Head of Policy and Public Affairs [£40,000 - 44,000, Full-Time, London] to lead their Policy and Public Affairs team. The post holder will ensure that Hibiscus stays abreast of key policy changes and relevant political issues, providing strategic advice to the CEO based on contextual analysis of current affairs and the sectors that impact the organisation's work. The successful candidate will have experience working in policy, advocacy or campaigning, and have experience building relationships with senior stakeholders. You will have experience with line management, knowledge of HR processes, and be able to lead a team. You will be committed to the vision and values of Hibiscus. [Find out more and apply here by 31 January]

FEATURED VACANCY: 10 days left to apply to be Clinks Chair 

We're excited to extend our recruitment for you to apply to be Clinks Chair of the Board of Trustees. Our new chair will be committed to voluntary action, our organisation, our values, and anti-racism. This role is pivotal in creating the conditions for overall board and individual director effectiveness, both inside and outside the boardroom. We aim to onboard our new chair as a trustee from April 2024 to ensure efficient handover, ahead of the AGM. We welcome applications from across society and we aim to have a diverse board representative of the communities impacted by criminal justice and the challenges they face. The deadline for applications is [5 February]. Click here for more information and how to apply

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:

Creative Outreach Worker with Junction 42 [£22,557 - £26,734, HMP Northumberland, full time]; Personal Wellbeing Coach with St Giles Trust [£23,700, Cardiff, full time]; Accommodation Support Officer with Seetec [£23,088 - £24,801, Chester, full time]; Mentor Co-ordinator with Community Chaplaincy Norfolk [£27,085, Norwich, part time]; Senior Practitioner with Phoenix Futures [£24,250, HMP Wayland, full time]; Family Support Worker - HMP Belmarsh with Phoenix Futures [£26,085, HMP Belmarsh, full time]; Domestic Abuse Housing Advocate with ADVANCE (Advocacy and Non-Violence Community Education) [£26,000 - £32,000, Hammersmith, full time]; Senior Housing Partner with One Small Thing [£28,000 - £30,000, Southampton, full time]; Admissions Manager with One Small Thing [£37,000 - £42,000, Southampton, full time]; Volunteer Engagement Specialist with ADVANCE (Advocacy and Non-Violence Community Education) [£33,000 - £39,000, Hammersmith, full time]; Housekeeper with Seetec [£23,000, Bristol, part time]; Participation Practitioner (ETE Specialist) with Abianda [£30,000, London, full time];

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

READS OF THE WEEK:

EXTRA INFORMATION:

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