Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 839 | 12 July 2024

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In this issue... 

CLINKS NEWS: why be Clinks Chair?

Why be Clinks' Chair? Our Policy and Communications Officer, Marianne Mooney, talked with one of our Trustees, Kelly Lofus, about what it is like to be on Clinks' board.

Read about her insights, and the type of environment fostered on the board in our blog.

CLINKS NEWS: post Election reflections and Clinks key asks

The UK has elected a new government. Now what should they do to support the voluntary sector working in criminal justice? Clinks Specialist Policy Officer, Franklin Barrington, highlights some key asks and recommendations for a new government, drawing on our 2023 State of the Sector research. Read the blog here 

CLINKS NEWS: new RR3 seat holders

We can now update you on our recent recruitment efforts for new members of the Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group (RR3).

  • Paul Grainge, CEO of Recoop, has returned to the group, taking on a new role as the Older People seat holder.
  • Dr David Maguire, Project Director of Building Futures at the Prison Reform Trust, will bring his expertise to the Longer Sentences seat.
  • Vicky Baird, Prison Family Services Manager with Spurgeons, will take over in the Families seat.
  • Paula Harriot, incoming CEO of Unlock, and Dave Higham, Founder of the Well Communities CIC, will both be bringing their expertise of influencing and services development as the Lived Experience seat holders.

We will be recruiting for the Wales seat, with the role going live on our jobs board from Monday 22 July. Please do look out for further information and if anyone has any questions, get in touch with Bronte Jack.

CLINKS NEWS: closing Expressions of Interest - Community Provision SIG

We are thrilled to share with you that we received an overwhelming response to our call for expressions of interest in joining the RR3 Special Interest Group on Community Provision.

We have now closed to expressions of interest ahead of schedule but want to thank all individuals and organisations who reached out. The diverse perspectives and expertise offered promise to enrich the group. Your enthusiasm and commitment are truly appreciated, and we look forward to the insightful discussions ahead.

If you would still like to provide input in writing, please contact bronte.jack@clinks.org.uk

CLINKS NEWS: ending homelessness in Wales - Clinks' response

In April the Welsh Government published the responses it received to its consultation on the White Paper on Ending Homelessness in Wales. Clinks has now made our response to this consultation available on our website. Read the response here

CLINKS EVENTS: July round-up 

  • Do not miss last chance to book - Clinks Chair Q&A event [15 July, 12:30-13:00, online, free]. We are recruiting a new Chair. We want someone who has a fresh approach and a positive attitude. Have you thought about taking on the role of Clinks Chair? Discover what it takes to lead our dynamic board and drive impactful change. Bring your questions for Clinks Chair, Roma Hooper OBE, and CEO, Anne Fox. Join us for our Chair recruitment session Q&A. 
  • Working and volunteering in prisons training [22 July, 10:00-13:00, online, from £95]. Are you new to working or volunteering in prisons? Do you have volunteers or staff members who want to increase their understanding of the prison system? Join us at this three-hour training session 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. 
  • London Criminal Justice Forum [30 July, 12:30 - 14:00, online, free]. All voluntary organisations working in the London Criminal Justice System are warmly invited to attend the next Clinks London Criminal Justice Forum. Our guest speaker will be Sophie Linden, Deputy Mayor of London for Policing and Crime. Sophie will be answering questions about her role; how voluntary organisations can be part of London’s upcoming Police and Crime Plan; and the value of voluntary organisations in criminal justice in London.

MEMBER FOCUS: Glasshouse Theatre CIC

Glasshouse leverages theatre for social change within the criminal justice system. By uniting diverse communities, they use the power of creativity to conduct impactful workshops, produce thought provoking theatre and foster dialogue to reshape perceptions of prison and those affected. 
 
Their vision is to create trauma-informed dialogue about systemic injustice, driving social change through theatre. Glasshouse encourages active participation in criminal justice reform by holistically engaging all impacted individuals, spanning education, the prison system and the private sector. By challenging individual and societal mindsets, attitudes and misconceptions.
 
As an organisation they centre the voices of those with direct lived experience of prison, either through incarceration or frontline work. Founded by ex-Prison Officers, Glasshouse champions the stories often ignored and suppressed, from within the prison walls. Find out more about Glasshouse Theatre CIC 

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Charity Awards 2024

Congratulations to Storybook Dads and Land Works for coming first in each of their categories.

Devon-based rehabilitation and resettlement charity, LandWorks, won two awards at the 2024 Charity Awards - winner in the "Social Care, Advice and Support" category and also winning the "Overall Award for Excellence". The awards were announced at an event in London on Tuesday night.

Chris Parsons, LandWorks Project Director said: "We were surprised enough to win our category, but to then go on to win the overall award is just amazing. This is great recognition for our team, volunteers and supporters but perhaps more than anything it is recognition of all the men and women who have been on placement at LandWorks and worked so hard to turn their lives around.

"I hope that we have shown that there is a different way of doing things in the criminal justice system that works and that is in everyone's interest. With the right support, people can transform their lives and reoffending can be avoided. We hope we can take our message to MPs and Ministers in the new parliament."

Storybook Dads received an award for strengthening ties between imprisoned parents and their children. It is amazing to see our members being recognised for the incredible work they do.

CLINKS MEMBER NEWS: Spark Inside - animated spoken word piece

Spark Inside have created a new animated video of a powerful spoken word piece written and performed by Spark Inside Champion and talented artist, Jonno Mambu.

The video shines a light on the power of coaching for young adults and the positive impact it can have on their wellbeing, as part of their Being Well Being Equal campaign. This project was a collaboration between Sparks communications and advocacy team, Jonno Mambu, and Tim Powell, a brilliant animator. Watch the video here

CLINKS MEMBER NEWS: WYCCP awarded National Lottery Community funding

WYCCP (West Yorkshire Community Chaplaincy Project) Resettlement Service were successful in securing three years funding from the National Lottery Community Fund which will enables them to develop and increase the involvement of their service users by establishing a "Fresh Start Club". This weekly group will provide positive activities and peer support; where men can positively engage with each other, with the local community and with the running of WYCCP.

The funding will also enable WYCCP to continue to support people leaving prison and their families in the community as well as providing a unique dedicated counselling service for people engaged with the project. Find out more about WYCCP here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: childhood criminal records roundtable

Unlock are hosting this event [10 September, 14:00 - 16:00, online] on the need for a distinct system for childhood criminal records. Please contact brendan.shepherd@unlock.org.uk to register to attend. 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: new MoJ ministerial team

Following the General Election the new ministerial team at the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has been announced:

  • Shabana Mahmood MP - Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice

  • James Timpson OBE - Minister of State (Minister for Prisons)

  • Heidi Alexander MP - Minister of State

  • Alex Davies-Jones MP - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State

  • Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State.

We have begun engaging with the new ministers and have sent correspondence to the Lord Chancellor and the Minister for Prisons. Find out more about the appointments here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: joint letter calls for IPP reform

More than 70 campaigners, trade unionists, activists, lawyers and civil society representatives are calling today for urgent action on IPP (Imprisonment for Public Protection) reform.

The letter argues that swift and decisive action to resolve the IPP scandal once and for all is both the right thing to do and would help the government resolve the immediate population pressures facing the prison system. Find out more about the call here

RESOURCE: MPs and their experience in the charity sector

The 2024 General Election brought 335 new MPs into the House of Commons. For the many charities that seek to influence parliamentarians, this creates a significant challenge. That is 335 new MPs to research and sift through to try and understand if they might be inclined to support a charity’s cause. Pro Bono Economics (PBE) undertake research into the charity sector, including its relationship with policymakers, and have looked up the backgrounds of all 650 elected MPs. They have made all that information freely and openly available online for charities, broken down by parts of the sector. See the research here

RESOURCE: Labour’s priorities ‒ NCVO's guide for the charity sector 

It is only a week since the election, but a lot has already changed. Responding to a Labour government, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) executive director, Saskia Konynenburg's, shares their analysis of what it means for the charity sector. Read the analysis here

PUBLICATION: solutions to the prison capacity crisis

This new publication from the Howard League covers prison population growth, the implications of population growth and capacity pressures, cost of prisons and emergency measures, and composition of the prison population. It highlights solutions to issues within the sector, including immediate measures and mid to long-term solutions. Read the full report here

FEATURED VACANCY: Engagement and Support Officer 

Fine Cell Work are seeking a compassionate and adaptable individual to join their vibrant team as an Engagement and Support Officer [£28,000-£33,000, Battersea, full time]. You will offer person-centred support, help shape their post-release programmes, whilst nurturing an aspirational working environment where participants are inspired to achieve their potential. You will coordinate referrals, build and maintain referral partnerships with external agencies to increase participation, and help develop risk management plans. The role requires at least three years' professional experience working with adults in contact with the criminal justice system, and a proven track record of case management. You will have excellent organisational skills and be skilled at building rapport with individuals and partner organisations. Find out more and apply by 31 July here 

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:

Family Support Worker with Ormiston Families [£21,840, Ipswich, part time]; Key Worker with Achieve [£26,485-£30,012, Redfern, full time]; Key Worker with St Giles [£23,000 to £28,000, Wolverhampton, full time]; Community outreach worker with Sussex Prisoners' Families CiC [£24,294 to £25,545, Brighton, full time]; Visits Services Play Worker with NEPACS [£22,971 FTE, HMP Northumberland, part time]; Accommodation Adviser with Shelter [£31,113, Hull, full time]; Early Help IDVA with Advance [£26,000-£32,000, London (Brent & Hammersmith), full time]; Engagement & Support Officer with Fine Cell Work [£28,000-£33,000, London (Battersea), full time]

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

READS OF THE WEEK:

EXTRA INFORMATION:

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