Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 841 | 26 July 2024

Clinks Light Lunch banner image

In this issue...

CLINKS NEWS: Standard Determinate Sentences (SDS) policy and next steps

In our new blog, Sam Julius, Clinks Head of Influence and Communications, outlines the recently laid draft statutory instrument (SI) that was approved in the House of Commons, yesterday. This will see a reduction in the time served in prison for certain people currently serving Standard Determinate Sentences, and the newly sentenced.

Sam outlines some of the ways Clinks is working with our member organisations and senior voluntary sector representatives to support, advise and influence the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) through Strategic Partnership Boards and the Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Groups (RR3). Read the blog here

CLINKS NEWS: RR3 recruitment - Wales seat

Clinks is seeking a senior leader from the criminal justice voluntary sector to join an influential advisory group to government. We are looking for an individual with knowledge of delivering services to people in contact with the criminal justice system in Wales and expertise in Welsh policy relating to criminal justice.

The Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group (RR3) works closely with senior officials in the MoJ and HMPPS to reduce reoffending and to build a more effective partnership between government and the voluntary sector. Find out more and apply by 12 August here

CLINKS EVENT: London Criminal Justice Forum - last chance!

All voluntary organisations working in the London criminal justice system are warmly invited to attend the next Clinks London Criminal Justice Forum [30 July, 12:30 - 14:00, online, free]. 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 to criminal justice in London.

Small and specialist voluntary organisations will also be showcasing how they successfully applied for funding from the London Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), and the impact this has made on their organisation and service delivery. In addition, London Probation, MOPAC and the Metropolitan Police will provide local commissioning and policy updates. The event will be hosted and facilitated by Matt Uberoi, Clinks London Development Officer. Book your place here

MEMBER FOCUS: The New Futures Project

The New Futures Project work with Women and Young People in the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland area; who are at risk of or who are being sexually exploited. They have extended their services to provide support to women made particularly vulnerable to sexual exploitation, coercion or abuse. 

The New Futures Project work with women and young people in a trauma informed, holistic and non-judgemental way. They are client led and work to support individuals to recognise their strengths, creating a safe and supportive environment to address need, reduce vulnerability and promote independence. Find out more about The New Futures Project here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: young women's education in prison

A new report, published by Prisoners’ Education Trust, demonstrates the powerful role education plays for young women in prison and on release.

The Young Women’s Education in Prison report explores the experiences of young women - aged 18 to 24 - who spend time in prison and their relationship with education and work.

The report shows that education and purposeful activity can help young women to envisage a positive future after their release and offer practical stepping stones towards further study or employment.

It makes a series of recommendations to ensure that every young woman can experience these benefits, including the need for tailored, gender-informed support and education provision and an increased use of ROTL so young women can access educational opportunities in the community. Read the report here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: a guide on IPP licence terminations

The Howard League, together with Dr Laura Janes, the Prison Reform Trust and Prisoners’ Advice Service, have prepared a practical "how-to" guide on IPP licence terminations. Terminating your IPP licence: a legal guide explains when and how a person serving an IPP or DPP sentence can get their licence terminated. The guide covers both the current rules, and the forthcoming changes introduced by the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, which are not yet in force. View the guide here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: latest criminal justice statistics published

The MoJ published statistics covering people in the criminal justice system, safety in custody and the children and young people’s secure estate (CYPSE), and proven reoffending. There were 87,726 people in prison on 30 June 2024. There were 308 deaths in custody in the year to June 2024, a 2% decrease from last year. The number of self-harm incidents in prison rose 24% in the year to March 2024, with the rate of self-harm incidents per 1,000 people increasing 5% in female establishments and increasing 32% in male establishments. The annualised rate of self-harm per 100 children in the CYPSE increased by 119% in the quarter to March 2024 compared to the same quarter last year, standing at 420.9 incidents per 100 children and young people per year. The proven reoffending rate for the July to September 2022 cohort was 26.5%.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: anti-rip clothing update report

The Independent Custody Visiting Association (ICVA) is sharing an update report on the use of anti-rip clothing in police custody. ICVA undertook a thematic review of inspection reports, obtained legal advice and surveyed schemes some time ago on the removal of clothing for "welfare reasons" resulting in the use of anti-rip clothing. ICVA scrutinised custody records of those who had their clothing removed and given anti-rip clothing. As a result of this thematic review an interim report was produced. 

ICVA have released an update report, which contains updated information from stakeholders, members and an overview of the responses to the ICVA recommendations. You can read the report here and their press release here.

FUNDING: The Fore - funding registration for Autumn 2024 round now open

Registration is now open for the Autumn 2024 funding round with The Fore. The Fore funds registered charities, CIOs, CICs limited by guarantee, and Community Benefit Societies that have an annual income of less than £500k. Their vision is a fair, healthy, just and sustainable society. The Fore provides a wrap-around package of unrestricted, multi-year grant-funding up to £30,000, training, skilled volunteers, peer-to-peer networks and impact measurement. The deadline for registration is midday, Wednesday 31 July. Find out more and apply here

PUBLICATION: National Audit Office report on tackling homelessness

The National Audit Office (NAO) has released a report assessing the government's effectiveness in addressing homelessness. The report highlights key issues such as insufficient funding, lack of affordable housing, and the impact of welfare reforms. It calls for a coordinated strategy across departments and enhanced support for local authorities to improve outcomes for homeless individuals. This publication is essential reading for those involved in homelessness and criminal justice work. Read the report here

PUBLICATION: fixing public services

The Institute for Government has laid out it's priorities for the new Labour government around the country's public services. The report looks at four key public services – the NHS, local government, schools and the criminal justice system – and the common problems that cut across them. It also analyses the implications of sticking with current spending plans, and makes recommendations for how the government can improve performance. Read the report here

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:

Domestic Abuse Early Responder with St Giles Trust [£27,000 - £31,000, West Midlands Oldbury Custody Suite West Bromwich, full time]; Office Manager and Administrator with Brighton Women's Centre [£24,174, Brighton, part time]; Floating Support Worker with Hestia Housing & Support [£26,767, Bromley, full time]; Community Key Worker with ADVANCE (Advocacy and Non-Violence Community Education) [£22,000 - £26,000, Essex, full time]; Support Worker and Activity Facilitator with St Giles Trust [£23,000 - £25,500, Various locations (HMP Leeds, HMP New Hall, HMP Askham Grange and HMP Full Sutton), full time]; Prison Facilitator with Shannon Trust [£27,584, Lincoln, full time]; Women in Justice Research Intern with Centre for Justice Innovation [£23,933, London, full time]; Policy and Communications Intern with Centre for Justice Innovation [£23,933, London, full time]; Substance Misuse Practitioner with Phoenix Futures [£24,250, HMP Hollesley Bay, full time]; Substance Misuse Practitioner with Phoenix Futures [£24,250, HMP Warren Hill, 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 13877 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, 2024

Clinks logo