Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 893 | 08 August 2025

Light lunch

In this issue...

CLINKS NEWS: Independent review of prison capacity - our blog

Clinks has published a blog in response to the Independent Review of Prison Capacity which reveals a deepening crisis in the UK prison system, driven by rising demand for prison places, longer sentences, and inadequate resettlement planning, which have overwhelmed both prisons and probation services. The report calls for a long-term, community-based strategy focused on tackling the root causes of crime, with greater investment in the voluntary sector and proven models like youth justice and gender-specific interventions.

Elizaveta Strelnikova, Clinks' Specialist Policy Officer, highlights key points and challenges within the report and critically evaluates the Review's analysis and recommendations to determine the necessary next steps to solve the prison capacity crisis. Read the blog here

CLINKS NEWS: The 10-Year Health Plan and justice - our blog

This week, Clinks has published a blog on the omission of justice in the 10-Year Health Plan which critiques the missed opportunity in England’s long-term health strategy for failing to address the severe health inequalities faced by people in contact with the criminal justice system.

The Fit for the Future: 10-Year Health Plan for England sets out a bold ambition to reduce health inequalities, shift to more preventative models of care, and improve access to underserved groups, however, justice is not mentioned.

Leanne Jeffery, Clinks' Health and Justice Development Officer, explains that health inequality cannot be addressed without including people involved in the criminal justice system. She highlights the urgent need for cross-sector collaboration, investment, and inclusion of justice-involved individuals in community health planning to ensure equitable access to care and reduce systemic disadvantage. Read the blog here

CLINKS EVENT: September events

Women's Network Forum [9 September, 10:00 - 12:00, online, free]
Influencing policy and creating change for women in the criminal justice system. Our quarterly women’s networking forums, hosted in partnership with the Agenda Alliance, provide support, information and networking opportunities to those working with women in contact with the criminal justice system. They include updates on policy, member activity and host speakers on relevant topics. Register here

Working and volunteering in prisons [11 September, 10:00 - 13:00, online, from £95]
Do you have volunteers or staff members who want to increase their understanding of the prison system? Join us at this three-hour training session for voluntary sector staff and volunteers in which we aim to raise awareness of the prison environment and provide information on key aspects such as staffing structures and departments, prison procedures and current challenges associated with working in prisons. Register here

Whole Systems Approach for women [17 September, 14:00 - 16:00. online, free]
The Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group (RR3) has established a 2025-26 Special Interest Group (SIG) on a ‘Whole Systems Approach’ for women in contact with the criminal justice system. This group will gather evidence; exploring the benefits of co-commissioning; highlight areas of best practice; and present identified challenges. Find out more and register here

MEMBER FOCUS: The Women’s Mental Health Network (WMHN)

The Women’s Mental Health Network (WMHN), launched by the women’s mental health charity Wish, brings together voluntary organisations from across different sectors. This user-led, campaigning network works to amplify the voices of women with mental health needs and push for meaningful change. Its goal is to influence statutory services – including those in hospitals, prisons, substance misuse, housing and social care – to ensure they respond to women’s needs in a more gender-specific way, improving experiences and outcomes.

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: Navigating the July 2025 visa shake-up

A webinar guide to navigating the July 2025 visa shake-up, by Society Matters CIC [20 August, 14:00, online, free] is a practical, friendly webinar unpacking the UK’s July 2025 immigration changes and what they mean for migrants and professionals. Join in for a clear and engaging webinar led by Gareth Newman, Society Matters’ Trainer and Social Welfare Expert, as we explore the UK’s latest immigration changes and what they mean for individuals and organisations alike. Register here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Voluntary sector grant scheme

The MoJ is pleased to invite Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations to attend a virtual market engagement event [8 September, 14:00, online, free] for the "Better Rehabilitation Outcomes Through Enabling the Voluntary Sector" Grant Scheme.

The grant scheme is a [£3 million initiative running from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029]. The MoJ encourages all interested VCSE organisations to attend and help shape the future of rehabilitative services.

Organisations must register for the event via the Jaggaer e-sourcing portal. Once logged in, search ‘PQQ_519 - Market Engagement Event: Rehabilitation Grants Scheme 2026-2029'

To receive a Teams invitation, please send a message via the Jaggaer portal [before 16:00, 4 September].

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Pre-Tender launch event

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) would like to thank all the organisations who have engaged so far to help design and shape future services. They are now at the point where they would like to discuss all the final decisions in relation to the future men's Commissioned Rehabilitative Services. 

Prior to the tender launch, the MoJ would like the opportunity to go through the key decisions with the sector to build awareness of how the tender and contracts will be constructed [11 September, 10:30 - 15:00, online, free].

The virtual session will be covering: Overview of the services; Procurement Overview; Timescales; Values; Evaluation; Methodology; Financial Response Template; Contract; Overview of contract structure; Key contractual decisions e.g Staff transfers, IPR, supply chain; Practical elements of submitting a response 

Please register for the Pre-Tender launch event by following this link

The probation sourcing team look forward to updating you on everything they’ve been working on! 
If you have any queries ahead of the event, please contact probationsourcingteam@justice.gov.uk 

Criminal Justice System: Benefits of improving patient care

The Patient Experience Team from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is putting out a call for evidence, they are seeking case studies showing how better patient or carer experience improves health outcomes, productivity or safety. 

The areas of focus are: Communication; Person-centred care; Organisational culture; and Engagement.

The deadline for responses is 18 August. Please review this form, complete the template and submit it to Fatima.Anwar@dhsc.gov.uk and Reece.Woolley@dhsc.gov.uk

FUNDING: The Blagrave Trust fund

The Blagrave Trust fund collaborates with partners to bring lasting change to the lives of young people. They invest in young people as powerful forces for change and act upon their right to be heard in pursuit of a fair and just society.

The fund is open to applications to their "Challenge and Change fund", for young changemakers aged 18-25 in England who are using their lived experience to lead social justice work, whether as individuals, collectives or movements. They are [funding 38 young leaders with £10,000 each] to support bold, creative, and transformative ideas that challenge the status quo. [Applications are open until 23:59, 14 September] they are holding a [Q&A on Wednesday 13 August at 18:30]. Find out more and apply here

FUNDING: Greggs Foundation Community Grants

The Greggs Foundation are now welcoming applications for their Community Grants [until 22 August, 12:00]. This fund hopes to help charities to thrive by supporting charitable organisations to make a difference in the communities they serve.

The programme offers [core funding of £20,000, for up to two years], to local organisations helping to tackle the challenges facing local communities. Organisations must be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of the issues facing their local area, delivering programmes that have a positive impact. Applications must be from organisations based in and delivering services in the following areas: [Derby City Council; Hull City Council; Coventry City Council; Preston City Council; Belfast City Council; Metropolitan Borough of Sefton; Gateshead; South Tyneside; Northumberland & Southwest Birmingham (B45 postcode)].
Find out more and apply here

FUNDING: Digital Learning Grant

This fully funded programme is a popular online learning programme that gives charity professionals the skills, confidence and support they need to thrive. It is provided by Fundraising Everywhere and fully funded by JustGiving. They have [250 places available] and every successful applicant gets:

  • 1:1 coaching tailored to their goals and challenges
  • Workshops and webinars on digital strategy, innovation, accessibility and more
  • Hundreds of online courses - learn at your own pace
  • A chance to connect and share insights with peers

They have a recording of their Q&A session on their website. Applications are open [until 12 September, 17:00]. Find out more and apply here

FEATURED VACANCY: Referrals Officer  

Elizabeth Fry Charity is seeking an enthusiastic individual to join their team as a Referrals Officer. [£23,930 - £27,461, Part time, Reading]. The role will be processing referrals for residents, maintaining accurate data and contributing to the smooth operation of their service. You will be able to develop a good understanding of risk assessment and management, enabling them to identify risk management concerns and share these with the Referral and Premises Manager at the earliest opportunity. You will be part of a passionate and supportive team, making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable women. Professional development is valued and the charity offers a collaborative working environment where your contribution truly matters. [Find out more and apply here by 24th August 2025].    

FEATURED VACANCY:  Service Delivery Manager  

Spark Inside is seeking an enthusiastic individual to join their team as a Service Delivery Manager. [£37,850, Full time, London]. In your role you will be responsible for engaging young people in prison and in the community to participate in Spark Inside’s life coaching workshops and one-to-one coaching. You will also manage a team of freelance coaches and play a key role in project management and the smooth running of our coaching programmes. You will need to build and maintain relationships with people at all levels in the criminal justice system including prisoners, prison staff of various levels and commissioners. You will enjoy working in challenging and changeable environments. [Find out more and apply here by 15th August 2025]. 

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:

CIAG Adviser with Achieve [£26,485 – £30,012, HMP Sudbury, full time]; Service Delivery Manager with Spark Inside [£37,850, London/South East prisons, full time]; Family Support Worker with Phoenix Futures [£24,637, HMP Norwich, full time]; Research Assistant with Sentencing Academy [£440 (freelance), remote/London, part time]; Financial Wellbeing Coach (Ref: FWW-252) with St Giles Trust [£26,500, South Wales, full time]; Team Leader with Achieve [£31,018 – £33,958, NG5 3AG, full time]; Wellbeing Coordinator (Trailblazer) with Back on Track Manchester [£28,725 – £32,996, Manchester M4 5JW, full time]; Senior Caseworker with St Giles Trust [£30,000, Kensington & Chelsea, part time]; Community Employment Adviser with Achieve [£26,485 – £30,012, Merseyside, full time]; Business and Systems Coordinator with Achieve [£23,567 – £24,837, Liverpool L2 3YL, full time].

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

READS OF THE WEEK:

EXTRA INFORMATION:

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