Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 890 | 18 July 2025

Light lunch

In this issue...

CLINKS NEWS: Government launches new civil society covenant

Government this week launched the Civil Society Covenant - with event catering provided by the Clink Charity! It states the covenant is "a new principles-based arrangement for re-setting the relationship between UK Government and civil society". Clinks is part of the Civil Society Group and fed in experiences and ideas from the criminal justice voluntary sector as the covenant was developed. A full analysis of the implications of covenant for our sector will follow. Read the Civil Society covenant here

MEMBER FOCUS: Silkfutures CIC

Silkfutures is dedicated to supporting young people aged 12-25 from disadvantaged backgrounds, global majority communities, and underrepresented groups. their work focuses on those at risk of violent crime, involved in the legal justice system, or facing significant social and economic barriers. 

Using the power of music and creative events, the team has attained funding for over 412 workshops, delivered by talented facilitators, helping nearly 300 young people. Feel inspired, have a look and see the power of their work. Visit Silkfutures - Youth Music Organisation

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: Faith leaders call for urgent justice reform

A new report, "Picking up the Pieces" by Pact brings together an unprecedented alliance of Christian leaders urging government action to address failings in the justice system.

Over the past 20 years, Christian communities and charities have stepped in, providing the type of support to vulnerable members of society (both victims of crime and those who have offended) - work once led by government bodies. The report calls for action, including measures to:

  • Reduce reoffending by supporting prisoners’ children and families
  • Create safer communities by investing in restorative justice programmes
  • Empower Christian communities and charities to provide the services that matter to people

The message is clear: while churches are playing their part, it is time for government to meet its responsibility in creating a justice system rooted in humanity and safety. Read the report here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: a special prison art exhibition

Pictora is holding a special Prison Art Exhibition [21 July, 14:00 & 19:00, Dornoch Cathedral, Sutherland. free]. Dornoch Cathedral is 800 years old and is considered the Cathedral of the Highlands of Scotland.

There will be two launch events on the 21st, one is at 14:00 and another at 19:00, with shortbread, wine (or soft drink), plus a welcome from guests supporting the prison system. All are welcome.

Donations from the launch events go to supporting Dornoch Firth Parish. For more information visit: www.pictora.org

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Criminal Justice Forum - Sussex

The Criminal Justice Forum (CJF) Sussex is a regular space for practitioners to meet and be able to discuss issues relevant to the criminal justice sector. In particular the focus of the meetings is to improve communication across the sector, bring together statutory and voluntary services and to bring in organisations that work with these groups without it being the sole focus of their organisation.

The intention for this meeting [29 July 10:00 - 12:00, The Innovation Centre - University of Sussex, in person and online, free] is to focus on the recommissioning of rehabilitative services and welcome any 'prime providers' that may be interested in attending to meet local organisations.

People are encouraged to attend in person but may also attend virtually. Book your tickets here and please contact mark@makingitout.co.uk for a sign in link.

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: #SheMatters Women's Criminal Justice Conference 2025

Join on [12 September, 10:00, St John’s Church, Waterloo, £25 - £80] for the #SheMatters Women’s Criminal Justice Conference - a day dedicated to exploring the unique challenges women face in the criminal justice system.

With powerful keynote speakers, exhibitors from across the CJS, and opportunities to connect with others in the field, this event aims to inspire action and promote a more equitable justice system for women.

Save the date and be part of the conversation. Reserve your place here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Rewriting Justice: facilitating playwriting in criminal justice settings

Clean Break is offering Rewriting Justice, a one-day training course for theatre-artists, playwrights, facilitators and criminal justice professionals interested in delivering playwriting workshops with women in criminal justice and community settings [18 September, 10:00 - 16:30, London, £75 - £120].

Drawing on over 40 years of experience, Clean Break will share its approach to using playwriting as a powerful tool for personal expression, confidence and transformation. Participants will explore creative exercises, best practice for working with vulnerable adults, and insights from working in prisons and women’s centres.

The course is facilitated by Artistic Director Anna Herrmann and Associate Artistic Director Lakesha Arie-Angelo. Find out more and book your place

FUNDING: AB Charitable Trust

The AB Charitable Trust is an independent grant-making organisation that supports work that promotes human dignity and defends the human rights of the most excluded and marginalised people, who are often from communities experiencing poverty and racial injustice.

They fund work in the following priority areas: the human rights framework, access to justice, the criminal justice system and penal reform, and migrant and refugees. They give unrestricted multi-year funding when they can, and work with partners to identify gaps and opportunities to bring about change. Their open grants programme is usually between [£10,000-30,000 per year for 1-3 years], the next application deadline is [25 July]. Apply here 

FUNDING: Society Foundation grants

The Society Foundation is an independent grant giving trust who provide financial support for organisations that help disadvantaged people move towards paid work. They are prioritising support to those who are recently homeless or vulnerably housed, ex-offenders, and 16-24 year olds not in employment, education or training. They offer grants of [up to £2,500] to small or growing organisations with a turnover of up to £500,000.

They provide funding for capacity building activities, including IT infrastructure and equipment, staff training and development, and external consultancy. Their summer funding round is now open for applications [until 12 September]. Find out more and apply here

RESOURCE: Free practical hydration booklet

With temperatures continuing to reach high 20’s this summer, dehydration can be a very real issue, especially for older adults. Dehydration can worsen existing health conditions, impact mood and concentration, and even lead to medical emergencies.

Staying hydrated can be a daily challenge for many older people in prison during warmer months, especially when locked in hot, poorly ventilated cells for long periods.

To help address this, Recoop has created a simple, practical hydration booklet designed specifically for older prisoners. This resource supports people to ensure their hydration needs are addressed.

To help older individuals in custody during this period of excessive heat, Recoop is providing a free download of their Hydration Workbook [until 31 August]. Download the practical hydration booklet 

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:

Assistant Coordinator at Exeter Crown & County Court (12-month contract) with CASS+ [£25,506, Exeter, part time]; Deputy Service Manager with Social Interest Group [£30,000, West Ealing, full time]; Deputy Service Manager with Social Interest Group [£30,200, Croydon, full time]; Female Specialist Support Worker 25/37 with Imagine Independence [£23,870, Oldham, full time]; Housing Officer with Nacro [£26,584, Sunderland, full time]; Policy Manager with Prisoners' Education Trust [£47,392, hybrid (London travel), full time]; Prison Facilitator - HMP Nottingham with Shannon Trust [£28,274, HMP Nottingham, full time]; Operations Director with Kaleidoscope Project [£60,000 – £68,000, Cardiff, full time]; Housing Officer with Nacro [£26,584, Cardiff, full time]; Employment Advisor – BAME Community Support with Offploy CIC [£26,000 – £27,000, South Yorkshire/Bradford/Calderdale, full time].

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

READS OF THE WEEK:

EXTRA INFORMATION:

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