Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 882 | 23 May 2025

Light lunch

In this issue...

CLINKS NEWS: The Sentencing Review - Our response

The Independent Sentencing Review’s recommendations are hugely welcome, particularly in their recognition of the voluntary sector’s central role in helping people at every stage of the criminal justice system. Much of what has been recommended aligns with what the sector has been advocating for, for many years. 

We have published a full response to the Review which provides a detailed analysis of the context within which the Review was commissioned, as well as an exploration of its core recommendations. Our blog also provides detail on the Lord Chancellor's response to the Review and contains a link to the Ministry of Justice UK press release.

CLINKS NEWS: RR3 report - Tackling Racial Disparities in the Criminal Justice System

This Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group (RR3) report is drawn from the work of the RR3 Reference Group on tackling racial disparities in the criminal justice system. The forum was convened by the RR3 in partnership with by Black Men 4 Change (BM4C), and focuses specifically on sentencing disparities. It draws on the expertise of individuals and organisations working across the voluntary sector working in criminal justice and other allied sectors, with 71 contributing participants. Read the report here

CLINKS NEWS: Our response - Inquiry into Prisons, Probation, and Rehabilitation in Wales

Clinks provided a response to the Welsh Affairs Committee Inquiry into Prisons, Probation, and Rehabilitation in Wales. To inform this response, Clinks held a roundtable with representatives from voluntary organisations operating in Wales and the insights shared in these discussions form a key part of the evidence Clinks presented to the Committee. Also, see our recent blog on influencing criminal justice policy on Wales. Read the response here

CLINKS NEWS: Our response - Tackling Drugs in Prisons

Clinks provided a response to the Justice Select Committee inquiry: Tackling Drugs in Prisons. This response is informed by our work with members and the wider sector, as well as a focus group convened to explore a joint response to this inquiry. At this group, there were representatives from Clinks members; Change Grow Live, Collective Voice, Forward Trust, and Phoenix Futures. Read the response here

CLINKS EVENT: Upcoming events in June

Please find below a brief overview of our upcoming events in June.

MEMBER FOCUS: Beam

Beam is a social enterprise that delivers tailored 1-2-1 support to people in prison or on probation to progress them into secure employment and housing. Working with 35 local authorities, Beam has been commissioned by the DWP across London, Scotland, and the Midlands. Their proven model, which combines person-centred 1-2-1 support, the lived experience of caseworkers, and the power of innovative technology, has enabled 97% of their service users to maintain desistance. Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Are community orders a soft option?

Andrea Coady, Head of Policy and Service User Involvement at Nacro, has written a blog answering questions about community orders and whether they offer a credible alternative to prison. It explores the current role of community sentences and their efficacy, as well as presenting recommendations to improve how they are delivered. The blog explores: 

  • What a community sentence looks like
  • Why they are a punishment
  • How they stop people offending
  • Recommendations for improved community sentences.

As prison capacity exceeds 98%, it is critical alternative solutions are considered. Nacro is hoping the Government uses David Gauke's Independent Sentencing Review as an opportunity to deliver real change. Read the blog here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Review of the Buddy Programme

Recoop have just published their 2024/25 annual review of the Lancashire Buddy Programme, an overview of the past year’s achievements supporting vulnerable prisoners through peer-led care.

Over the last 12 months, trained Buddies have made a real difference, offering vital support to those with health and social care needs inside prison. The review highlights just how impactful peer support can be, both for those receiving care and those delivering it. Read the review here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: The Thinking Skills Programme is effective

A new multi-site qualitative evaluation of the Accredited Thinking Skills Programme (TSP) by Nicholas Blagden, Luke Vinter, Eve Penford, Jade Mason and Polly Delliere-Moor from the University of Derby, highlights its potential to support people in custody to change their behaviour, but warns that the prison environment is undermining its impact.

Commissioned by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), the qualitative evaluation involved 50 interviews (44 men, 6 women) who had completed TSP. Participants reported improved self-awareness, communication, and decision-making. However, challenges such as poor post-programme support, limited staff understanding, and the negative influence of prison environments were found to hinder long-term behavioural change. Key enablers of success included timely enrolment, strong facilitator relationships, and better support following the course. Read the evaluation here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Tackling gambling harms in Wales

Join Ara - Recovery For All - at their free community events throughout June to talk about how organisations can work together - mobilising local systems to tackle gambling harms across Wales.

[Events are from 10:00-14:30 and are free to attend]

Please e-mail robparker@recovery4all.co.uk if you have any questions.

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Launch of innovative disclosure toolkit

Offploy is thrilled to be able to announce the details of the launch of their innovative Disclosure Toolkit [26 June, 09:15-10:30, online, free]. The launch event will include:

  • The new Disclosure Calculator;
  • the "R3 Certificate" in Reintegration and Reducing Reoffending;
  • and a range of handy advice and news articles.

An AI-powered Disclosure Statement Chatbot is being finalised and will be launched later this year. Do join for the exciting launch of this new toolkit, developed by the criminal justice sector, for the sector! Register here

NON-MEMBERS’ EVENTS AND TRAINING: Empowering a community of frontline workers across Sussex

The Practice Network exists to empower frontline workers across Sussex to embed Trauma Informed Approaches into their work.

Funded by Changing Futures Sussex and facilitated by the Justlife Foundation, The Practice Network supports practitioners working in Multiple Compound Needs (MCN): homelessness, substance misuse, domestic abuse, current or historical offending and mental ill health.

The Practice Network hosts free training events, practice workshops, podcasts and accessible learning resources. Find out more about the events on offer via their website: www.practicenetworks.org.uk

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:

Family Advocate with Women in Prison [£34,692, London, full time]; Artistic Director with Vox Liminis [£50,000–£60,000, Scotland, full time]; Senior Caseworker with St Giles Trust [£30,000, Islington, full time]; Specialist Support Worker 25/30 with Imagine Independence [£23,870, Padiham, full time]; Group Delivery / Trainer with The Growth Company [£27,500, Doncaster, full time]; Senior Family Engagement Worker with Jigsaw Visitors’ Centre [£29,527, HMP Wealstun, part time]; Employment and Talent Lead – Maternity Cover with Onwards & Upwards [£34,000 – £39,000, Lewisham, full time]; Justice Case Worker with The Growth Company [£27,500, Blackpool, full time]; Service Manager – UR4 Driving with The Upper Room [£36,000–£40,000, W12 9LN, full time]; Community Partner with One Small Thing [£27,000–£30,000, Southampton, full time].

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

READS OF THE WEEK:

EXTRA INFORMATION:

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