Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 872 | 14 March 2025

Light lunch

In this issue...

MEMBER FOCUS: Chocolate & Co 

Chocolate & Co, based in York, believe work is transformational. They offer a sense of purpose, whilst building confidence and self-worth. This is why Chocolate & Co does what they do best, offering work and training opportunities for those struggling with addiction or a history of offending, giving some of the most overlooked and marginalised people in our community a fresh start. Find out more

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Transforming community justice for women and girls

The Centre for Justice Innovation have announced their major, new project looking to transform community justice for women and girls. The project, which will run for three years, comes after having been awarded funding by the JABBS Foundation. In this programme of work, they will work with practitioners, commissioners and others at the local, regional and national level to build up the quality of community justice provision for women.

The aim is to catalyse and spread effective evidence-based gender-responsive approaches for women and girls involved in the criminal justice system, especially in the areas of early intervention and problem-solving approaches at court. This comes at a time where the Government has been clear it intends to reduce women's imprisonment, and so ensuring that the provision of community responses for women in justice is widely available, gender-responsive and based on best practice is of upmost importance. Find out more by e-mailing ssmith@justiceinnovation.org

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Supporting loved ones in prison with health issues

The Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT) has published a landmark report highlighting the challenges faced by families and loved ones supporting people in prison with health issues. The report sheds light on the barriers to accessing healthcare within prisons and the vital role families can play in advocating for better support. Key findings include:

  • Many families struggle to get information about their loved ones’ health needs.
  • Prisons often lack clear communication channels between healthcare services and families.
  • Family involvement in healthcare decisions can improve prisoner wellbeing and rehabilitation.

PACT is calling for better collaboration between prisons, healthcare providers, and families to improve support for people in custody. Read the full report here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Homelessness sector insights sought

St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity are once again gathering the insights of frontline staff in the homelessness sector. The homelessness sector survey is the only one of its kind and it asks about 2 key areas:

  • Insights into addressing homelessness.
  • Staff’s own experiences of frontline work.

The 2024 survey revealed that staff feel their ability to prevent homelessness has decreased (47%) due to a lack of housing for those in need and an increased demand. Nearly half (49%) of staff worry about paying bills themselves, and two-fifths (41%) worry about the state of housing generally. The insights enables St Martin-in-the-Fields to do two crucial things:  

  • Amplify the voices of frontline staff, helping to inform homelessness policy and practice.
  • Use this experience of what’s happening on the frontline, to shape the support they offer, including funding, training and more.

Please take the time to complete the homelessness sector survey [closes on 4 April].

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Breaking out of the Justice Loop

A new report, Breaking out of the Justice Loop, has now been published by the National Women’s Justice Coalition (NWJC) and the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies (CCJS). It calls for women’s centres and a public health approach to be at the core of justice reform. It includes these key recommendations:

  • An independent Women’s Justice Board with a ring-fenced budget, modelled on the Youth Justice Board.
  • A presumption against imprisonment for women, with sentencing reflecting their specific needs/vulnerabilities.
  • Women’s centres at the heart of justice reform, supported by sustainable funding.
  • A public health approach, focusing on prevention rather than punishment.

Read the report: Breaking out of the Justice Loop.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Leadership changes announced

It has been announced that Dame Antonia Romeo will be leaving her role as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to become the new Permanent Secretary at the Home Office, effective [14 April 2025]. As a result:

  • Amy Rees, currently Director General and CEO of HMPPS, will take on the Permanent Secretary role at MoJ on an interim basis.
  • Phil Copple, currently Director General of Operations at HMPPS, will become the interim CEO of HMPPS [from 1 April].

Both leaders have expressed gratitude to their teams and a commitment to maintaining stability through this period of change. Further updates on structural changes within HMPPS will be provided in due course. Read more about the announcement here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Supplier contacts register

His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) is sharing this survey for potential lead bidders and those wishing to be a part of the service supply chain. 

The data gathered will be used to collate information and help providers to find each other across the sector. This will also enable HMPPS to create a single database and share contact details. This information will be used to organise lead bidder events and support the development of supply chains. Complete the survey if you wish to be included 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Market engagement events

HMMPS is hosting market engagement events for the recommissioning of rehabilitative services for people in prison and/or in the community. They intend to share information about the specifications, flexibility and partnership arrangements. 

These events will provide an in-depth understanding of the specification, flexibility, and Partnerships of the future Rehabilitative services for people in prison and in the community. The events have been split into two; one for Lead Bidders/Consortia, and one for Supply Chain/Sub-Contractors.

It is suggested that you attend the event most relevant to your bidding position. Please note questions throughout the event will be focused on the event topic and relevant to the type of bidding organisation. It should be noted that HMPPS are at a fundamental stage of the design process, and need the ability to drive conversation relevant to lead bidders or sub-contractors.

To allow providers to start thinking about whether they are a lead bidder and/or supply chain provider please note the majority of contracts are [over £1.5/2m per annum] (values in Cumbria and Isle of Wight may be under these figures), final values will be shared at the next event but all figures may change and evolve until tender launch.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Prison Service Journal - special edition focusing on women and criminalisation

The latest edition of the Prison Service Journal, published by the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, is now available. Edited by Clinks' Women's Network Coordinator, Jackie Lowthian, this issue includes expert analysis, research, and commentary on key issues affecting justice involved women.

The Prison Service Journal is a peer-reviewed publication providing insights from academics, practitioners, and policymakers. It covers contemporary challenges in the criminal justice system, with a focus on rehabilitation, sentencing, and prison reform. Read the special edition issue 277

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Probation Quarterly - Issue 35

Issue 35 of Probation Quarterly is a bumper edition. It includes articles from academics and professionals on a wide range of topics. This issue includes:

  • Evidence-based strategies to revive probation
  • A framework to support change
  • Insights into Offender Management in Custody (OMiC)
  • Experiences of people subject to a life licence.

Issue 35, published today, can be downloaded here for free.

FUNDING: independent appraisal of reducing ethnic disproportionality

London Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) have made £30,000 available for a voluntary organisation to complete an independent appraisal of the actions it has taken so far to reduce ethnic disproportionality in the London criminal justice system, and make recommendations on future development of this work.

Voluntary organisations interested in applying should register as potential suppliers via this link. Further information can then be found in your dashboard under ‘Response Manager’ using access code 8528UDMH9T and project code 925198028.

The deadline for applications is [27 March] and the 16-week contract will begin in May 2025. Clarification questions can be sent to zoe.hickman@mopac.london.gov.uk before [20 March].

FUNDING: action on racial injustice in the Criminal Justice System

The Baring Foundation has announced new funding to support legal action that addresses racial injustice in the criminal justice system. This funding aims to back organisations using legal strategies to challenge discrimination, improve policies, and drive systemic change. Key details:

  • Open to registered charities and not-for-profits using legal action for racial justice.
  • Supports strategic litigation, legal advice services, and advocacy efforts.
  • Focuses on addressing racial disparities in policing, courts, and prisons.

Applications are now open, and organisations are encouraged to apply to help combat racial inequality in the criminal justice system. Find out more on the Baring Foundation website.

FUNDING: Training funds for frontline staff

Do you or your team need funding for frontline staff training and development? If you work directly with people experiencing homelessness then you may be eligible for up to [£500 for individual training or up to £1500 for a group training], if there is a training need that has been identified by frontline staff, that your organisation cannot fund. This support is provided by Frontline Network, a part of St Martin in the Fields Charity. Follow this link to find out more

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Expert voices on tackling violence against women and girls

Join the Centre for Justice Innovation for their next Expert Voices event delving into court responses as an evidence-backed intervention to tackle violence against women and girls [26 March, 14.00 - 15.00, online, free]. Sign up to hear examples of good practice, some of the evidence and research available in this area, and to think through the challenges these interventions may pose.

You will hear from experts in the field, including Karen Senogles, Specialist Domestic Abuse Courts (SDAC) mapping lead and criminal justice programme manager at Standing Together, Andrea Campos-Vigouroux, Policy and Strategy Lead to the Angiolini Inquiry and researcher who has explored how areas in Australia, Canada and the USA use specialist court models to respond to domestic abuse. Register here

NON MEMBER'S EVENTS AND TRAINING: The Violence Anonymous national launch

Join Socio Logical for their online launch of Violence Anonymous. They will present the pre-hate & harm intervention model, a national intervention that engages those at risk of violence......the "third way" [17 March, 13:30 - 14:30, online, free].

The "third way" means engaging those at risk of, or navigating, the "pre-hate/harm space" whether as victims or perpetrators, whether that be systemic youth violence, racism, radicalisation or extremism.

If you are a practitioner in education, social services, community safety, CSO or criminal justice, this session is for you. Register here

RESOURCE: The state of prisons in England and Wales

A new report Inside Crisis: The State of Prisons in England and Wales from the Institute for Government examines the worsening crisis in prisons across England and Wales, highlighting significant challenges including overcrowding, staff shortages, and rising violence. The report warns that without urgent intervention, these issues will continue to undermine rehabilitation efforts and put both staff and prisoners at greater risk. Key findings include:

  • Overcrowding at record levels, with prisons operating beyond their designed capacity.
  • High levels of violence against both staff and prisoners.
  • Staff recruitment and retention struggles, leading to operational strain.
  • Limited access to rehabilitative services, reducing the chances of successful reintegration into society.

The report calls for system-wide reform to address these long-standing issues and ensure prisons fulfill their role in public safety and rehabilitation. Read the Institute for Government report here

RESOURCE: Nothing more important, a parenting book

Do you agree that there's nothing more important than good parenting? If so, a new book might well be of interest. It is about how to prepare young people to be good parents: the first time worldwide that so much information has been collected together on projects in the UK and US, popular with young people and using lively methods which will make the learning memorable.

The plethora of resources detailed would be an enormous help to people working with young prisoners - or any prisoners - who might be parents now or hope to be in the future. This affordable book 'Nothing More Important' is available on request. E-mail roskane@btinternet.com

FEATURED VACANCY: Chief Executive Officer 

Upcycle is seeking a dynamic Chief Executive Officer to drive our mission forward, ensuring financial sustainability, strong governance, and strategic growth. [£42,000–£47,000 FTE, part-time, Bradford]. UpCycle uses bike maintenance programmes to empower at-risk youth in Bradford and trainees in prisons across the UK, helping them gain skills, confidence, and brighter futures. As CEO, you’ll lead a small, impactful team, including the Operations Manager and Fundraising Manager and work closely with the Board of Trustees. We welcome candidates with lived experience of the criminal justice system. Join us in creating lasting change for vulnerable individuals in Bradford and prisons across the UK, empowering them to build brighter, more secure futures. Find out more and apply by 24 March here 

FEATURED VACANCY: Family Support Worker 

Ormiston Families is seeking a dedicated and efficient individual to join their team as a Family Support Worker. [£21,840 part-time, HMP Highpoint Visitors’ Centres]. In this role, you will be providing a personal welcome for first-time and returning visitors to help them access the services available to them. You will be providing the effective and efficient running of the Visitor Centre, ensuring prisoners and their families have a valuable visiting experience. You will need experience of a customer service-based role with excellent communication and problem-solving skills sometimes under challenging circumstances with a non-judgemental and empathetic work ethic. Experience of providing play activities for children of a range of ages is essential. Find out more and apply by 21 March here

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:

Office Administrator: HR and Finance with Restorative Justice for All International Institute CIC [£27,711-£30,771, Rotherhithe, full time]; Volunteer - Peer Advisor with St Giles Trust [voluntary, based between Holloway Road and various NLFC hub locations, part time]; Support Worker with The Growth Company [£27,500, Blackburn, full time]; Personal Wellbeing Manager (Emotional Wellbeing) with Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact) [£28,875, Kent, full time]; Casual Visits Centre Assistant with Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact) [£12/hour, HMP Lewes, part time]; Casual Visits Centre Assistant with Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact) [£12/hour, HMP Rochester, part time]; Family Engagement Worker with Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact) [£25,725 FTE, HMP/YOI Feltham, part time]; Personal Wellbeing Manager (Emotional Wellbeing) with Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact) [£28,875, Cheshire, full time]; Family Support Worker with Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact) [£25,642 FTE, HMP Highdown, part time]; Visits Centre Assistant with Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact) [£23,400 FTE, HMP Birmingham, part time].

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

READS OF THE WEEK:

EXTRA INFORMATION:

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