Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 843 | 9 August 2024

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In this issue...

CLINKS NEWS: A message from Clinks 

Clinks condemns the abhorrent racial violence that has taken place over the last ten days. There is no place for racism and Islamophobia in our society, and we express our solidarity to the voluntary sector working in criminal justice and the communities that they serve.

As an organisation dedicated to supporting the voluntary sector working in criminal justice system, we stand firmly against all forms of racism, Islamophobia and violence, and believe it is vital to address these issues with compassion, understanding, and a commitment to justice.

The racism and Islamophobia we have seen over the last ten days is not an isolated phenomenon; it is a symptom of deeper systemic issues that have persisted for generations. Racism manifests in the overt acts of hate we have seen recently and in more subtle, insidious ways, contributing to the marginalisation of minoritised communities.

Addressing this requires not only the immediate criminal justice responses we are now seeing, but also long-term strategies to tackle the underlying causes. This means advocating for systemic change, working towards equity and inclusion, and ensuring that the voices of those most affected by racism are heard and valued. Clinks is committed to making a difference in the criminal justice system, where minoritised communities are disproportionately represented. We will continue to advocate for policies that promote equity and reduce racial disparities in the criminal justice system, and promote the work of organisations led by and for minoritised people.

In times of turmoil, it can be easy to lose hope. But we believe in the power of community. Amidst the ugliness of the last ten days, we have also seen communities pull together, supporting each other with love, courage and determination. Individually and collectively, we re-affirm our commitment to challenging racism and Islamophobia in our professional and personal lives, and to working collectively towards a peaceful and inclusive future for all.

CLINKS NEWS: RR3 recruitment - Wales seat

Last chance to apply! 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 Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and HM Prison and Probation Service (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 NEWS: join the RR3 Community Provision SIG

We are calling on voluntary organisations providing mental health support to people involved in the criminal justice system! We encourage you to join the second session of the RR3 Community Provision Special Interest Group, focused on mental health [16 September, 10:00-12:00, online, free].

The Community Provision SIG has been established to explore current challenges faced by providers of services in the community, as well as the resourcing and modelling of community provision, within the context of an increase in demand for community services.

For any questions, or to express your interest in participating, please contact our RR3 Secretariat, Bronte Jack.

MEMBER FOCUS: Khadys Dream

Khadys Dream, a CIC established in 2023, is bringing a message of hope and transformation while developing an ecosystem of support services for young people at risk of offending in the UK. They bring their workshops to schools, colleges, councils, and local communities all across London. 

They work to prevent young people from committing crime by sharing insight into the criminal justice system from first-hand experiences. This approach highlights the hidden consequences that do not get revealed until a person is behind a prison wall and referred to by a prison number. Find out more about Khadys Dream here

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: CGL SDS40 guidance 

Change Grow Live (CGL) have produced guidance on the Standard Determinate Sentence (SDS) 40 measure for those supporting people who may require drug and alcohol treatment and support. Use the links below to access the following guidance:

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: 50+ Resettlement programme

Recoop’s 50+ Resettlement programme, co-designed with older people in custody, was developed specifically to meet the needs of older and long sentenced prisoners. The programme helps reduce fear and anxiety for those returning to the community and is available for use in prisons, in Approved Premises, in Community Accommodation Services (CAS1, 2 and 3) and in Probation Hubs.

Under the Government's new temporary scheme, over 5,500 people are likely to be released from prison early. This will put significant pressure on probation, accommodation providers and community-based charities working in this field. Many will face psychological challenges including discrimination, isolation, stigma and instability. With limited resettlement support, the risk of breaches, re-offending and recall increases. Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Survey on Community Justice Solutions for Women

One Small Thing are seeking views from professionals and practitioners on community justice solutions for women. They are calling for those who work with or support women who may be in contact with, or at risk of contact with the justice system, to complete this survey. Your responses will feed into One Small Thing’s research in this area. Complete the survey here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: rehabilitative services market engagement event

HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) are holding the next market engagement session for the recommissioning of rehabilitative services for people in prison and on probation, on [15 August, 13:00–16:00, online, free]. The event will cover: 

  • Service Design General Requirements
  • Performance Measures
  • Contract Levers, including termination.

The session will primarily focus on the service design of men’s services however, women’s organisations are welcome to attend. Register for your place here

HMPPS intend to hold future sessions to discuss other key topics and further information regarding this will be released in the near future. 

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Preparing for early releases and homelessness

Clinks and Homeless Link are hosting an online event discussing the new SDS40 policy, the potential impact on resettlement and increased homelessness risk [5 September, 12:30–14:00, online, free]. The event will feature insights from a voluntary sector coordinator at HMP Isis and Jeremy White from Homeless Link, who will lead the discussion on how homelessness services can work in partnership with statutory and other voluntary agencies in London to respond to this emerging situation. While this discussion is London focused, many of the themes will be relevant for organisations across England and Wales. Register here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: women’s criminal justice conference

Join Imago Dei Prison Ministry for their ‘Value Her – #SheMatters Women’s Criminal Justice Conference' [27 September, 09:30-17:00, Tonbridge, £34-£100], for a day of joined-up thinking for anyone involved in bringing hope and freedom to women in the criminal justice system.

Attendees will hear from: Dr Ruth Armstrong from Justice Matters, Imago Dei, ID Grace House, ID Essence, #SheMatters, Prison Reform Trust, WISH, Birth Companions, Hestia Housing and more, as well as hearing from women with lived experience of the criminal justice system. The event will feature artwork by women and the Community Arts Project, and a poet and singer are also on the programme! The day will be an opportunity to hear from those working on the front line, sharing their experiences and knowledge, and offering insight into the valuable work being done in all areas. In addition, there will be breakout sessions throughout the day, as well as networking opportunities to promote the different organisations working in this sector. Find out more and register here

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: "Advising Ex-Offenders"

Offploy are offering the opportunity to join this upcoming course [13 August, 09:15-10:00, online, free] on how to best identify, support and advocate for those who deserve another chance. Voluntary organisations are on the frontline of mentoring people who are socially excluded, many of whom will have a criminal record. Therefore this training will be ideal for those working in the sector who are new to it or just want a refresher. Find out more and register here

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: self employment for prison leavers

RIFT Social Enterprise are hosting a one hour training session [21 August, 13:00, online, free] to explore the potential of self-employment as a viable career option for those leaving prison. They will be looking at the advantages and disadvantages of self-employment, unveiling opportunities for those in custody to begin planning their entrepreneurial journey, and they'll also share some tips and tricks to identify potential entrepreneurs amongst the prison population. There will be two further sessions to choose from across August and September. Find out more and register here

NON-MEMBERS’ EVENT: 'Care-experienced children in Youth Justice Systems'

This seminar from the Academy for Social Justice [2 October, 16:00-17:15. online, free] will explore two aspects of a recent research project commissioned by HMI Probation which seeks to understand the supervision of care-experienced children by Youth Justice Services. Find out more and register here

OPPORTUNITY: skills training for young people

Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) are a community interest company that offers free, short-term work experience placements for young people (aged 14-24) that are not in/are at risk of becoming disengaged with employment, education or training. They have an upcoming project in September in Gateshead at the community football club offering work experience and training for young people. The young people will focus on widening participation and promotion of female football, improving the disabled parking facility, improving access for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and people with prams/buggies at the football club.

If your organisation is interested in registering young people in the Gateshead area for the project, then please contact Hazel Okeefe. The project runs [16-27 September,10:00-15:00]. Visit VIY's YouTube channel for more of a flavour of their work.

FEATURED VACANCY: Area Manager - Approved Premises (Maternity Cover)

Hestia is looking for a dynamic and experienced Area Manager [£52,584, London, full time] to lead their Approved Premises (AP) in London. This pivotal role involves overseeing the strategic direction, operational management, and performance of their APs, ensuring the highest standards of care and public protection. You will have proven leadership experience in a similar role within the criminal justice sector, with a strong track record of achieving results. You will also have in-depth knowledge of rehabilitation principles, and experience in managing residential care settings. This position is for seven months, with possible extension, to provide maternity cover. Find out more and apply by 30 August here

FEATURED VACANCY: Employability Manager

Longford Trust is looking for an Employability Manager [£32,000 FTE, remote, part time] to run the Longford Trust's Employability Project. This runs alongside the Trust's long-running scholarship programme supporting over 100 young people each year who have been in prison to continue their rehabilitation by going to university. You will work closely with the team to support award-holders during their time at university with workshops, career guidance, work placements and internships that prepare them for graduate roles once they have their degree. Find out more and apply by 6 September here

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:

National Delivery Lead with Beating Time [£37,500-£40,000, Birmingham, full time]; Senior Criminal Justice Key Worker with Together Women Projects [£29,258, Halifax/Huddersfield, full time]; Prison Employment Adviser with Achieve [£26,485-£30,012, Manchester, full time]; Community Caseworker - Wellbeing Coach with NEPACS [£27,261, Durham and Teesside, full time]; Trusts and Foundations Officer with St. Giles Trust [£30,000-£34,000, London/Hybrid, full time]; Substance Misuse Practitioner with Phoenix Futures [£24,247, HMP Norwich, full time]; Senior Family Engagement Worker with Jigsaw Visitors' Centre [£27,803 FTE, HMP Wealstun, part time]; Senior Offender Management Liaison Worker with Change, grow, live [£31,529-£33,708, Coventry, full time]

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

READS OF THE WEEK:

EXTRA INFORMATION:

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