Welcome to the February 2025 edition of the Clinks Policy Briefing. Let us know your thoughts about this newsletter, or any of the things it has covered by emailing the Policy team.
This month:
- Our Policy Work: Our work in preparing responses to a number of parliamentary committee inquiries, a blog on key takeaways from the Clinks 2024 annual conference, and news on Clinks CEO’s involvement in the Women’s Justice Board.
- Latest Justice News: Including updates on the Women's Justice Board, the latest Justice Quarterly Statistics, annual statistics on Women in the Criminal Justice System and Youth Justice, and changes to MAPPA eligibility.
- Parliamentary News: Highlights from the most recent oral Justice Questions, a House of Lords debate on prison healthcare, Lord Timpson's response on drones and high-security prisons, and a Justice and Home Affairs Committee evidence session with HM Chief Inspector of Prisons.
- Sector Insights: Covering sector responses to the Independent Sentencing Review, HM Inspectorate of Probation reports on its thematic inspections on probation recruitment and unpaid work, a report on the evaluation of women's problem-solving courts, Nacro's report on prison healthcare, an Alliance for Youth Justice briefing on the transition from youth to adult custody, and more.
- Get Involved: Featuring calls for evidence from the Ministry of Justice, the Welsh Affairs Committee (including a Clinks roundtable event), plus other upcoming Clinks and sector events.
As noted in last month’s briefing, January was set to be a very busy time for our policy team. Across the last month, we have submitted responses to three inquiries: the Justice Select Committee’s inquiry Rehabilitation and resettlement: ending the cycle of reoffending; the Public Accounts Committee’s inquiry Prison estate capacity; and the Justice and Home Affairs Committee’s inquiry Prison culture: governance, leadership and staffing. Our responses will be published on our website in due course.
Clinks CEO, Anne Fox, also gave oral evidence to the Justice Select Committee, following our submission of written evidence, where she drew attention to a number of issues including contracting and commissioning, vetting, criminal records, as well as the need to address the basic needs of people in prison, and support for women in contact with the criminal justice system. You can watch this in full here.
As part of this session, the committee also heard evidence Helen Berresford, Director of External Engagement at Nacro, Pia Sinha, CEO at Prison Reform Trust, as well as Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group (RR3) seat holders Nicola Drinkwater, Director of External Affairs and Campaigns at Women in Prison and Jess Mullen CEO of Alliance for Youth Justice.
We also held a focus group, comprised of voluntary sector providers working in the drugs and alcohol space, to inform our response to a separate Justice Select Committee inquiry ‘Tackling drugs in prisons’. This will be submitted in the coming weeks.
We have published a blog covering key takeaways from our busy 2024 annual conference, including Prisons Minister James Timpson's keynote speech. Take a look and see what interests you, with links to the work Clinks is doing across a number of different thematic areas.
Additionally, we are delighted to report that Clinks CEO, Anne Fox has been appointed to the new Women’s Justice Board, which held its inaugural meeting on 21 January. Her role will ensure that Clinks can continue to represent the views of our members working with women in contact with the criminal justice system. Find out more about the Women's Justice Board. You can also discover more about Clinks' work with women in the criminal justice system here.
Women's Justice Board
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has announced further details of the Women’s Justice Board (WJB), which met for the first time on 21 January 2025. The Board aims to reduce the number of women in prison, cut reoffending, and improve support for children. It will be supported by the new Women in Justice Partnership Delivery Group (PDG), comprising of external experts from the voluntary sector, recruited by open competition, as well as senior government officials from other departments. This Delivery Group will implement the Board’s initiatives to drive progress in reducing the number of women in custody. Applications to join the PDG are open until Tuesday 11 February.
Lord Chancellor's opening remarks at the Women's Justice Board
On 21 January, the Lord Chancellor, Shabana Mahmood, delivered opening remarks at the inaugural meeting of the WJB. She emphasised the pressing need to reduce the number of women in prison, underscoring the complex pathways leading women to crime, such as addiction and abuse. She also pointed out the intergenerational harm caused by imprisoning women, noting that three quarters of children are displaced from their homes when their mothers are in custody, with many entering the care system. The Board’s mission is to address these issues by implementing strategies to divert women from prison, focusing on rehabilitation and support to reduce reoffending.
Latest Quarterly Justice Statistics
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 86,966 people in prison on 30 September 2024. There were 342 deaths in custody in the year to December 2024, a 10% increase from last year. The number of self-harm incidents in prison rose 11% in the year to September 2024, with the rate of self-harm incidents per 1,000 people decreasing 2% in female establishments and increasing 14% in male establishments. The annualised rate of self-harm per 100 children in the CYPSE per year decreased by 23% in the quarter to September 2024, compared to the same quarter last year, with the rate standing at 287.5. The proven reoffending rate for the January to March 2023 cohort was 26.5%.
Women and the Criminal Justice System Statistics 2023
The MoJ published statistics compiled from across the criminal justice system on women. In 2023, 22% of individuals dealt with by the criminal justice system were women, and 78% were men. The average custodial sentence length for women was 12.2 months. As on 30 June 2024, 16% of women and 4% of men were serving sentences less than 12 months. Women from black ethnic group account for 4% of all female prosecutions, and 27% of women cautioned or convicted in 2023 were first time offenders, compared to 21% for men. 74% of those prosecuted for TV license evasion were women, accounting for 12% of all female prosecutions. Theft from shops was the most common indictable offence for female defendants, accounting for 27% of all prosecutions, compared to 12% for men.
Youth Justice Statistics 2023 to 2024
The Youth Justice Board published its annual statistics on Youth Justice for the year ending March 2024. First time entrants to the youth justice system fell by 3% compared with the previous year. Almost two thirds of children remanded to custody received a non-custodial outcome, 28% of which were acquitted or had their case dismissed while 72% received a non-custodial sentence. The number of custodial sentences increased for the first time in the last 10 years, increasing by 21% compared with the previous year.
MAPPA arrangements for people convicted of controlling or coercive behaviour
The government announced that people convicted of controlling or coercive behaviour and sentenced to 12 months or more, including suspended sentences and hospital orders, will automatically be managed under multi-agency public protection arrangements (MAPPA). The change, introduced by the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, aligns these offences with other serious domestic abuse crimes, removing previous discretionary management under MAPPA.
Recent Business
The latest Justice Questions session for the MoJ was held on Tuesday 28 January. Issues discussed include efforts to reduce the backlog of cases in the Crown Court, support measures for women in contact with the criminal justice, and strategies to increase prison capacity.
On 14 January, Baroness Morgan of Drefelin (Labour) asked an oral question on the provision of health services in prisons. Key points of discussion including updating NHS health assessments for people in prison, enhancing healthcare facilities in new prisons, and ensuring end-of-life care through hospice links. Concerns were raised about high rates of substance misuse, mental health issues, and specific healthcare needs for women and those with learning disabilities.
On Wednesday January 15, the House of Lords addressed the escalating issue of drones delivering contraband into high-security prisons. Lord Timpson repeated the answer given to an Urgent Question in the House of Commons on Tuesday 14 January, acknowledging the threat posed by drones, and the need to tackle both supply and demand. Measures discussed included enhanced CCTV, netting, and counter-drone technology, alongside efforts to reduce the illicit economy within prisons which drives violence and instability.
On 21 January , the Justice and Home Affairs Committee held an oral evidence session as part of its inquiry into prison culture. Charlie Taylor, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, was the sole witness and addressed key issues including overcrowding, staffing challenges, and the need for better mental health support.
On Monday 27 January, the Justice and Home Affairs Committee held an oral evidence session as part of its inquiry into prison culture: governance, leadership and staffing. As part of this session, the Committee heard evidence from senior officials including Michelle Jarman-Howe, Chief Operating Officer of Prisons and Dominic Herrington, Executive Director of Transforming Delivery Directorate at HMPPS.
Upcoming Business
The House of Lords and House of Commons will be in recess from 14 to 23 February.
On Monday 24 February will see an oral question in House of Lords about the re-offending rates of those convicted of domestic abuse offences, led by The Lord Bishop of Gloucester.
On the same day (24 February), the House of Lords continues its committee stage consideration of the Mental Health, marking the fifth day of proceedings. Amongst other reforms, this Bill seeks to remove prisons and police stations as places of safety under the Mental Health Act.
Sentencing
HM Chief Inspector of Probation, Martin Jones, published a blog summarising the inspectorate’s submission to the Independent Sentencing review. The response advocates for a fundamental shift in sentencing, urging a balanced approach between custodial and community sentences to effectively reduce reoffending. It also stressed the need for better resourcing of probation services, noting current challenges such as insufficient staffing, limited experience, high caseloads, and the significant increases in the number of recalls.
Revolving Doors published its response to the Independent Sentencing Review, advocating against short prison terms for low-level offences, urging investment in community alternatives, problem-solving courts, and a distinct approach for women and young adults.
In a Russell Webster guest blog post, the Rt Revd Rachel Treweek, Lord Bishop of Gloucester and Anglican Bishop for HM Prisons outlines proposals for a new approach to sentencing policy, advocating for objective, evidence-based decision-making in the development of sentencing laws. She emphasised the need to move away from reactive legislation driven by high-profile cases and media headlines, which often contribute to prison overcrowding. The Bishop called for a more measured approach that considers empirical evidence and the broader impacts of sentencing decisions on individuals and society.
The MoJ published an interim report of the ongoing process evaluation of the Intensive Supervision Courts (ISC) pilot, launched in June 2023 to divert people with complex needs from short custodial sentences to enhanced community-based alternatives. Revolving Doors, in collaboration with CFE Research, is conducting the process evaluation. Covering December 2023 to May 2024, the report highlights effective partnerships in the ISC approach, with 63 individuals sentenced under the pilot by January 2024. It also identifies challenges such as resource constraints and the need for clear eligibility criteria. Alongside this, the MoJ issued a press release on the new ISC sentencing approach to ‘cut drug-fuelled crime.’
Probation
HMI Probation published its thematic inspection report examining the recruitment, training, and retention of frontline probation practitioners. The report identifies significant challenges, including high vacancy rates, increased workloads, and insufficient support for new staff. It emphasised the need for improved recruitment strategies, improved training, and stronger retention efforts to ensure a competent and stable workforce.
HMI Probation published a report on its thematic inspection of the delivery of unpaid work as a community sentence. The report identified inconsistencies in policy implementation, staff shortages, and inadequate assessment process, leading to delays and reduced effectiveness. It also identified limited integration with education, training, and employment opportunities, weakening unpaid work’s rehabilitative potential.
HMI Probation published its first Academic Insights paper of 2025, looking at effective relationship building between youth justice practitioners and young people involved in crime. This report presents findings from a three-year action research project in Ireland, which led to the development of a Relationship Model designed as a reflective resource for practitioners and managers.
HMPPS released a 12-month update on their action plan addressing the thematic inspection of the role of Senior Probation Officers (SPOs) and management oversight. The updates outline progress in developing a comprehensive management oversight policy framework. It also highlights ongoing efforts to design and implement a national induction and development program for SPOs, aiming to enhance leadership and management skills.
The Domestic Abuse Commissioner published a report setting out their vision for transformation of the criminal justice response to domestic abuse, entitled Shifting the Scales. It includes 12 recommendations for change across four key themes: data and accountability, multi-agency collaboration, resource allocation, and the prioritisation of domestic abuse cases. These recommendations also address the role of the Probation Service, and the MoJ.
The MoJ and HMPPS published a Probation Court Services Policy Framework to guide Probation Service staff on court related functions, roles, and responsibilities. It provides guidance on all sentencing options, pre-sentence reports, and information on cohorts with specific considerations including those with mental health conditions, women, young adults, and defendants from racially minoritised backgrounds.
HMPPS released the Serious Further Offences Action Plan 2023 to 2024 in response to the HM Inspectorate of Probation's annual report. The plan outlines steps to enhance public protection and organisational accountability, including revising the serious further offences review format to focus on key actions for public safety, with a regional pilot planned before national implementation in August 2025, and as conducting a comprehensive review of risk assessment and management practices.
Women
At the recent Clinks and Weavers' Company summit - 'Justice and Women: A New Direction', Dr Ruth Armstrong and Dr Shona Minson presented findings from their report, Justice Changes Her Face. The report explores the development and evaluation of women’s problem-solving courts in the UK and internationally. Drawing on a detailed review of existing literature, evaluations, and court observations, alongside interviews with practitioners and participants, the report examines how these courts address the unique challenges faced by women in the criminal justice system. It highlights the aspects of problem-solving courts that contribute to their effectiveness, many of which reflect principles of systemic thinking, even if not explicitly designed as systems change initiatives.
The Phoenix Trust published a blog highlighting data from 11 mindful and yoga mediation courses run the Trust in two prisons. The data finds that women's mental wellbeing was significantly improved during the 11 courses held in two prisons. Addressing mental health is critical to justice reform, says director Selina Sasse.
The National Audit Office released a report evaluating the Home Office’s efforts to tackle violence against women in girls (VAWG). Despite the 2021 "Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls" strategy and the 2022 "Tackling Domestic Abuse" plan, the NAO found that these efforts have not yet improved outcomes for victims or enhanced overall safety. The report stressed the need for a more coordinated, cross-government approach to effectively reduce VAWG, and achieve the government’s goals of halving such violence within the next decade.
Birth Companions’ Director, Naomi Delap, has published a new opinion piece exploring the critical role of voluntary and community sector women’s organisations in driving policy change within the criminal justice system. The piece highlights the development of the Women’s Justice Board and the impact of collaborative work in this area.
Young adults
Clinks published the latest report in its Evidence Library, exploring the evidence around working with young adults in the criminal justice system. In this review, Gemma Buckland, from the Transition to Adulthood Alliance (T2A) looks at what we understand about the development of the brain in young adulthood; the implications for young adults involved in criminal behaviour; the impact of trauma and adverse childhood experiences on the maturation process; the 'age-crime curve' and the evidence about growing out of crime; and the implications for best practice working with young adults.
The Centre for Justice Innovation's January 2025 briefing emphasises enhancing out-of-court resolutions for young adults aged 18–24. Recognising that individuals in this age group are still maturing and may lack impulse control, the briefing advocates for tailored interventions that address their specific needs. Case studies, such as the Gateway Project and the Newham Youth to Adult Probation Hub, illustrate effective strategies, including mentorship, needs assessments, collaborative partnerships, and holistic, multi-agency support.
Families, Friends and Travellers published a summary report Trapped in the Turnstile: Understanding the Impacts of the Criminal Justice System on Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Young Adults and their Families. The report examines the disproportionate representation of Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller (GRT) individuals in the criminal justice system and the systemic issues contributing to this disparity. It highlights how the criminalisation of GRT young adults has profound negative effects on their families and communities, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage. The report calls for targeted interventions, including culturally sensitive support services, policy reforms, and greater community engagement to address these issues.
Youth Justice
The Youth Justice Board (YJB) issued a press release announcing the publication of an animation commissioned by the London Resettlement Partnership, to raise awareness of adultification bias in the youth justice system. Adultification bias involves perceiving and treating certain children, particularly those of Black and Mixed heritage, as adults, thereby overlooking their vulnerabilities. Additionally, a podcast featuring a discussion between Jahnine Davis, director and co-founder of Listen Up, and YJB Chief Executive Stephanie Roberts-Bibby delves into the causes and consequences of adultification bias.
The Alliance for Youth Justice has published a briefing, Adultifying Youth Custody: Learning lessons on transition to adulthood from the use of youth custody for young adults. The briefing, funded by the Barrow Cadbury Trust, explores how the government’s decision to temporarily raise the age young people transfer from the children’s secure estate to the adult secure estate from 18 to 19 resulted in a 253% increase in the number of over 18s in the child estate. The briefing highlights the lost opportunity for systemic reform during this time and further warns of the long-term risk of blurring the boundaries between youth and adult justice systems.
Wales
The Welsh Parliament Finance Committee published its report on Scrutiny of the Welsh Government Draft Budget 2025-26. As part of the scrutiny process, the Committee ran a call for information, to which Clinks responded. One of the Committee’s key recommendations is for the Cabinet Secretary to undertake an assessment on the impact of increasing employer National Insurance Contributions on voluntary sector organisations in Wales and make this information publicly available ahead of the budget.
Health
Nacro’s latest report, produced in collaboration with Nacro's Justice ExChange, highlights serious challenges in prison healthcare. The report surveyed over a hundred people about their experiences of physical healthcare, with nearly half (43%) stating that they did not receive needed medical care, while 73% know of others struggling to obtain medication, and 60% endured prolonged pain. Hospital and GP appointments were frequently delayed or missed, with some resorting to self-administered dental care.
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman published its latest Policy into Practice briefing, examining the application of emergency response policy frameworks and procedures within prisons. It highlights the recurring issues identified in investigations such as delays in initiating emergency codes, hesitations in entering cells during medical crisis, and inconsistent use of emergency equipment.
Calls for the evidence
The Welsh Affairs Committee announced an inquiry into prisons, probation, and rehabilitation in Wales. As part of this, the Committee have launched a call for evidence, that closes on Friday 21 March 2025.
On 6 March, 10:30-11:30, we will be hosting an online roundtable event in order to gather the views of organisations with a footprint in Wales and provide a response to the Committee's enquiry. The committee has seven key questions that they want to explore, and Clinks will be providing a response to those questions. During the roundtable, we will go through these questions with participants, gathering your views so that we can provide the Committee with a full response. If you wish to participate in the roundtable, please contact our Senior Development Officer - Wales, Bryn Hall.
The MoJ has launched a 12-week call for evidence to examine the use of computer-generated evidence in criminal proceedings. This initiative seeks to reassess the current legal presumption that computer evidence is correct unless proven otherwise—a principle that came under scrutiny following the Post Office Horizon scandal. The call for evidence is open until on Tuesday 15 April 2025.
Events
The Clinks All Wales Criminal Justice Forum takes place on Wednesday 12 February from 1400 to 1530. This forum brings together partners working across Wales in the criminal justice system. It aims to provide an opportunity to find out about latest government policy developments impacting organisations working in Wales, and the space to network with other organisations, discuss opportunities for joint working, and offer each other peer support. The Forum is open to all organisations working in the criminal justice system in Wales and is free to attend.
Following our successful joint summit with the Weavers' Company on 30 January, Clinks is continuing to support the Weavers in finding an intervention design partner to shape a new direction for women and justice. As part of the Phase 2 opportunity, an online Q&A session is being held on 26 February at 1400. This one-hour session is open to those interested in participating and looking for further clarification.
HMI Probation is hosting an event to discuss key findings and recommendations from its thematic report on recruitment, retention, and training of frontline probation staff on Monday, 24 February 2025, from 1100 to 1230. Attendance is free, but registering online is required.
Following the publication of Clinks' Evidence Library review into working with young adults, join us for an event with the report's author, Gemma Buckland from T2A. At this event, Gemma will discuss the latest evidence on the maturation process and best practice in working with young adults in contact with the criminal justice system. The event will also include a live question and answer session. This free event will take place online on Tuesday 25 February, from 1400 to 1500.
HMPPS is holding an online Insights Event on Wednesday 5 March, at 10:00 to 11:30, looking at why it is adopting recovery-oriented systems to address drugs and alcohol. Registration is free for this online event, and open to key delivery partners like drug and alcohol treatment and recovery support services, lived experience recovery organisations, and family services.
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This month's edition was written by...
Clinks Policy and Communications Officer, Bronte Jack
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