Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 875 | 04 April 2025

Light lunch

In this issue...

CLINKS NEWS: State of the Sector 2024

Now in its eleventh year, Clinks’ State of the Sector research provides a snapshot of how voluntary organisations working in criminal justice are faring. This year, in response to consistent feedback, we have taken a new qualitative approach, partnering with NCVO to hold in-depth focus groups and interviews. This offers fresh insights into persistent challenges. Key findings include:

  • Concerns around media portrayals of criminal justice
  • Importance of coalitions and alliances
  • Long-term impact of the Covid-19 pandemic
  • Staffing pressures and workforce wellbeing
  • Vetting barriers to involving people with lived experience
  • How funders can better support the sector

Read the full 2024 report and the executive summary here

CLINKS NEWS: Specialist Policy Officer

We are hiring for a Specialist Policy Officer to join our National Influencing & Networks team [£35,019, remote, full time]. This is a fantastic opportunity to help shape national policy to support the voluntary sector working in criminal justice.

We are seeking someone with policy experience in criminal justice, a commitment to equity and inclusion, and the ability to produce clear, evidence-based policy to support change. The deadline for applications is [21 April, 12:00] with online interviews held on the [week commencing 28 April]. Find out more and apply now

CLINKS NEWS: National multiple disadvantage summit

Making Every Adult Matter (MEAM) charity is hosting a National Multiple Disadvantage Summit [13 May, 10:00-16:30, London, £175]. This year's event is called 'Connect More: How can services, sectors and communities find a shared vision?'. With keynote speakers and a wide range of breakout sessions, it brings together people from across sectors such as homelessness, substance use, health, mental health, social care, criminal justice and domestic violence who are working in partnership to tackle multiple disadvantage. Tickets are available here

CLINKS NEWS: Working with young adults in contact with the CJS

Clinks has published a new “A matter of fact: what the evidence tells us” video. Gemma Buckland, Transition to Adulthood Alliance (T2A), discusses the latest evidence and best practice around working with young adults in contact with the criminal justice system. Gemma has provided an in-depth look at the issues in a review for our Evidence Library which covers:

  • 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
  • Implications for best practice working with young adults.

 Watch the video and read the review here

MEMBER FOCUS: Breakthrough 

Breakthrough works in prison to deliver a technology-focused training which is followed by a technology apprenticeship after release with one of the large partner employers. By partnering with leading organisations, Breakthrough creates sustainable pathways for success, integrating diverse talents into the digital economy, and helping corporate companies increase their social impact. Find out more here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Social prescribing for people on probation

As part of their work on developing a wellbeing framework, HMPPS have created a short survey to learn more about organisations providing social prescribing services and activities to people on probation. If you provide services or support to people on probation (or would like to) please take a few minutes to complete the survey. 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Potential provider database

His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service is looking to streamline their communications around the recommissioning of commissioned rehabilitation services. The team are creating a new database of organisations wishing to receive information, either as potential lead bidders or supply chains. There will be a move away from sharing updates on the portal. All interested organisations should complete this Centralised Provider Database Survey.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Ethical digitisation in probation

A new Academic Insights report from HM Inspectorate of Probation provides a guide for practice and policy, helping all to understand the kinds of practical steps and activities needed to help support people on probation with digital resources as a means to reduce contact with the criminal justice system. Read the report here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: ROTL in youth custody policy framework

The framework for release on temporary license in youth custody has now been published. This follows a consultation, last year, on a new Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) policy for the children and young people secure estate.

It will be piloted from 1 May 2025 at Wetherby YOI, Parc YOI, Oakhill STC, Barton Moss SCH and Vinney Green SCH, and will widen the eligibility criteria so that more children can be considered for ROTL. The framework also standardises the eligibility criteria across the youth estate.

The policy includes:

  • A general presumption in favour of ROTL, subject to suitability and risk assessments
  • Children who are eligible, could be released on temporary license after five months or halfway through their sentence, whichever is earlier.

Read the framework here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Punishment Acts - a co-created performance

Nights are long in prison. Tales are told, secrets shared, rumours whispering under the doors, down the pipes, leaking through the locks. In that hinterland between sleep and wakefulness, the timeline of history buckles and twists as the past and present begin their endless dance. The nights are long in prison for those who are out of time. How long is long enough?

Punishment Acts [9 -17 April, Stoke on Trent, £6.50 - £10.00] draws on the ideas of people with lived experience of multiple disadvantage, including custody. Made following a series of workshops with Expert Citizens exploring themes in Discipline and Punish by the French philosopher Michel Foucault, it will ask audiences to reflect on beliefs about punishment and consider whether there are other ways to achieve 'justice'. Book your tickets here

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: Society Matters courses

A range of upcoming CPD Accredited courses are on offer from Society Matters CIC clink on the title of each course for further information or to book your place:

Visit Society Matters CIC

NON-MEMBERS’ EVENTS OR TRAINING: child financial exploitation

Join the 'Child Financial Exploitation Insight Session' for and eye-opening event on child financial exploitation [30 May, 11:00-13:00, London, free]. Learn about the warning signs, prevention strategies, and how to protect your loved ones. This in-person event will feature expert speakers and interactive discussions to help you gain valuable insights. Do not miss this opportunity to educate yourself and make a difference!

Abdul-karim Abdullah is a national leader in tackling child financial exploitation, with a focus on empowering youth and protecting communities from emerging financial crime threats. As Founder and CEO of Solution Focused World, he delivers impactful training to youth professionals, safeguarding leads, and financial crime specialists. His sessions raise awareness of youth financial exploitation, money muling, and CIFAS markers, equipping professionals with the tools to intervene early and support vulnerable young people. Abdulkarim is dedicated to bridging the gap between frontline practice and financial systems to build a safer, more informed future for the next generation. Find out more and reserve your place here

RESOURCE: Give it 10, yoga pack

Give It 10 is a free resource to help people in prison try meditation and yoga during [Mental Health Awareness Week 12-17 May]. The Prison Phoenix Trust, which was highly commended for its work supporting health and wellbeing in prisons in the 2024 Inspire Justice Awards, is making a limited number available free to use with individuals or groups.

The idea of Give It 10 is to encourage people to try yoga for 10 minutes each day for a week – and experience some of the mental health benefits. Each pack contains:

  • How to take part leaflet (including health and safety)
  • Yoga Can Help flyer
  • 7 x Yoga Handouts
  • Give it 10 tracker calendar /work sheet (to tick off progress along the way)
  • Poster for in-prison promotion 

Complete this form to request the resource pack. Limited number available, first come, first served.

FEATURED VACANCY: Specialist Outreach Coach – Northumbria 

Changing Lives is seeking someone passionate about making a difference in women’s lives to join their team as a Specialist Outreach Coach – Northumbria [£28,000, full time, Northumbria]. Changing Lives is a nationwide charity helping people face the most challenging of circumstances to make positive change. Their services for women in contact with the criminal justice system are underpinned by an in-depth understanding of trauma. They currently deliver diversion from custody schemes, education, training and employment services, and holistic services to women serving community sentences or following release from custody. They welcome informal discussions about the role prior to application. Find out more and apply by 11 April here

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:

Operations Manager with Liberty Choir [£40,000 FTE, remote with occasional travel to London and South East, part time]; Volunteer Coordinator/Administrator with Friends of Peterborough Prison [£33,366 FTE, Peterborough, part time]; Prison Facilitator with Shannon Trust [£28,274, HMP Stocken, full time]; Volunteer Member – Nominations, Remuneration and Culture with Women in Prison [voluntary, part time]; Volunteer Member – Finance, Audit and Risk Committee with Women in Prison [voluntary, part time]; Data and Monitoring Officer with Women in Prison [£25,874 – £29,864, London or Manchester, full time]; Assertive Outreach Worker with Julian House [£25,235, Gloucester, full time]; Project Manager, Criminal Justice (Kent) with National Literacy Trust [£32,500, remote/Kent, full time]; Prison Facilitator with Shannon Trust [£28,274 FTE, HMP Hollesley Bay, part time]; Chair of Trustees with POPS (Partners Of Prisoners and Family Support Group) [voluntary, Manchester/online, part time].

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

READS OF THE WEEK:

EXTRA INFORMATION:

About Clinks Light Lunch

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