Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 830 | 03 May 2024

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In this issue...

CLINKS NEWS: End of Custody Licence Supervision

Clinks is gathering information from voluntary organisations on their experiences of the End of Custody Licence Supervision (ECSL) scheme. If your organisation is working with prisons operating the scheme, please complete this short survey to tell us more. 

This survey is anonymous but if you would like to discuss your concerns with Clinks please get in touch at policy@clinks.org 

CLINKS NEWS: Education in prison

Clinks has published a new “A matter of fact: what the evidence tells us” video on prison education. In this evidence review Jon Collins, Chief Executive of Prisoners’ Education Trust (PET), looks at:

  • The educational needs of people in prison
  • The current state of prison education
  • The evidence base for the effectiveness of prison education
  • Critical success factors for high quality prison education

Jon has provided an in-depth written review for our Evidence Library which looks at a number of key areas. Watch the video and read the Evidence review here

CLINKS NEWS: RR3 Special Interest Group on Accommodation report

Yesterday Clinks published part 2 of the RR3 Special Interest Group on Accommodation report.  

This report delves deep into the challenges faced by people transitioning from prison to the private rented sector (PRS). From navigating Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates to overcoming discrimination and upfront costs, the report tackles the pressing issues head-on. 
The report finds: 

  • The PRS is increasingly unaffordable and inaccessible 
  • Frozen LHA rates are pricing out those in need 
  • Landlord reluctance poses significant hurdles 
  • Low prison pay hinders financial stability 
  • Universal Credit compounds post-release insecurity

The report sets out a range of practical measures designed to mitigate the key issues. The final part of the report will be published soon, so stay tuned. 

Read part 2 of the report here: RR3 Special Interest Group on Accommodation 2023-24: Report 2 | Clinks 

CLINKS NEWS: MEAM Approach Network

Thanks to the generosity of The National Lottery Community Fund, MEAM are now seeking 10 new areas to join the MEAM Approach network for a period of funded support for 2024 – 2026.

MEAM have now launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) process for areas who are interested in joining. The closing date for applications is [10 June 2024]. Full details of how to apply, the benefits of becoming a member of the MEAM Approach network and the eligibility criteria can be found here.

If you have questions about your application or the process, you can reserve a place on one of the information sessions or email Gregory.Headley@meam.org.uk 

CLINKS EVENT: why gender matters in the criminal justice system

13 May - Part one: Understanding the policy landscape for women
14 May - Part two: Implementing gendered policy for women

Do you have frontline staff or volunteers who want to increase their understanding of why gender matters in the criminal justice system? If so, join us for this entry-level training course [£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

MEMBER FOCUS: Alumah CIO

Based in West Suffolk, Alumah CIO works with individuals of all genders aged 7 years upwards. They work closely with partner agencies to support and educate victims and survivors who have experienced relationship abuse. Alumah CIO offers a place of safety, in which domestic abuse victims can rediscover their self-worth and be empowered to take steps towards a life that they can dream about. Find out more about Alumah CIO

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: complaints at magistrates' courts

The latest blog from Transform Justice looks at criticism for overzealous security, including unnecessary searches, when entering some of London's magistrates' courts. The London Criminal Courts Solicitors’ Association (LCCSA) lodged complaints about invasive searches, while public observers also faced intrusive questioning and refusal of entry without valid reasons. Although most security interactions are respectful, the incidents underscore the need for improved staff training and technology, such as X-ray scanning machines. Urgent attention is required to ensure a balance between security and the principles of open justice. Read the blog here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: women's estate expansion halted

The Government's Women's Prison Estate Expansion Programme, aiming to provide Gender-Specific and Trauma-Informed (GSTI) accommodation, has been paused due to cost challenges from inflation. Planning approval for three of the five sites for open and closed GSTI accommodation had been secured, and work is “continuing to secure planning approval for the remaining two” in order to inform the recommendation of the “building of such accommodation in the future”, which it is noted, will be “subject to fiscal considerations”. For more information, read the letter to the Justice Committee here. 

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: National Multiple Disadvantage Summit 2024

MEAM is hosting "Clarity and complexity: the reality of systems change", at the National Multiple Disadvantage Summit 2024 [22 May, 10:00 - 16:30, Church House, Westminster, London. £125]. This event brings together a broad multidisciplinary group of like-minded practitioners, policymakers, commissioners and people with lived experience from across the country, for a frank conversation about how to transform services and systems for people facing multiple disadvantage. Subsidised places at £125. Get your tickets here

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: upskill staff with this valuable training

Society Matters CIC has a range of open, private and face-to-face training courses to suit your needs and equip you or your staff to assist your clients. The CPD Accredited courses include: 

  • Prisoners and Welfare Benefits
  • Get to Grips with DLA for Children
  • Get to Grips with Universal Credit - An Introduction
  • Prisoners and Welfare Benefits
  • Understanding Immigration and Benefits - Advanced 
  • Understanding Stress and Mental Health
  • Get to Grips with Understanding Current Welfare Benefits 
  • Get to Grips with Personal Independence Payment 
  • Carers and Caring Matters
  • Get to Grips with Universal Credit - Advanced

Additional courses include:

  • Self-Employment & Welfare Benefits
  • Disability Rights Workshop for Employers

Visit the Society Matters website to book your place.

CLINKS MEMBER'S OPPORTUNITY: a youth resilience project

Restorative Justice for All (RJ4All) is delivering a project aimed at addressing youth violence by implementing a comprehensive intervention to support young people dealing with bereavement. The project will support10 young people in London aged between 14 and 18 who are faced with a loss. The project will unfold over the course of ten months, spanning from April 2024 to January 2025. To find out more about the project or refer a young person for support visit the RJ4ALL website.

NON-MEMBERS’ TRAINING: Arts-based research methods

The University of Surrey is offering a course that will delve into the significance of art as a research tool within qualitative methodologies [19 June, online, £98 - £220]. The course covers theoretical frameworks, including feminist and decolonising perspectives, guiding the application of art-based methods.

The session will address both the advantages and obstacles of utilising art in research design, alongside practical considerations and its integration with other methodologies. Find out more about the course and register here

OPPORTUNITY: "Culture Makes" campaign

The Cultural Philanthropy Foundation has announced Culture Makes…, a major UK-wide campaign that will celebrate the wide-ranging impact culture and heritage organisations make within their communities in the run-up to the next general election. 

"Culture Makes" sets out a bold new vision for the value and impact of culture and heritage in society and as a human right which urgently needs investment, employing the 8 Types of Impact that culture makes within communities across the nation as a unified voice for the sector to build understanding.

"Culture Makes"is informed by research undertaken by Achates, the cultural sector consultancy company, from which they developed "The 8 Types of Impact of Culture and Heritage", a tool to express the breadth of impact of the cultural sector. Join the campaign here

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:

Deputy Service Manager [Female Only] with Social Interest Group [£30,200, Brixton, full time]; Project Coordinator with Circles South East, [£35,295, The post is home-based with regular travel across the designated region, part time]; Intervention Worker with Hestia Housing & Support [£26,873, Streatham, full time]; Community Caseworker - Wellbeing Coach with NEPACS [£26,461, Cleveland, full time]; Hub Team Leader with One Small Thing [£30,000 - £32,000, Southampton, full time]; Senior Multiple Needs Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate with ADVANCE (Advocacy and Non-Violence Community Education) [£30,000 - £32,000, Ealing & Hammersmith, full time]; Criminal Justice Casework Coordinator with Julian House [£14,700, Bath, part time]; Youth Adult Caseworker with St Giles Trust [£25,000 - £28,000, Swansea, full time]; Youth Adult Caseworker with St Giles Trust [£25,000 - £28,000, Newport (Clarence House), full time]; Mentor/Facilitator - Young People with St Giles Trust [£25,000, East Cambridgeshire working from home and in the community, part time].

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

READS OF THE WEEK:

EXTRA INFORMATION:

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