This specialist quarterly ebulletin keeps you updated on relevant developments for organisations working to support women in contact with the criminal justice system. Please contact Jackie Lowthian at Jackie.lowthian@clinks.org if there is anything you would like to raise or to include items in the next ebulletin. Find out more about our work with women here.
In this edition...
Criminal Justice: The Sentencing Bill
The Sentencing Bill, which will give effect to several of the recommendations contained within the Independent Sentencing Review’s final report, was laid before Parliament on 2 September. The Bill’s explanatory notes can be found, here, and details on its Second Reading can be found, here. Key provisions include: a proposed ‘progression model’ for many people serving standard determinate sentences, a presumption for the suspension of short, custodial sentences, changes to recall and reforms to community sentences. Find out more about the key clauses within the Bill in Clinks latest update.
Clinks influence: the Independent Sentencing Review (ISR)
In August, in anticipation of the Sentencing Bill, Clinks convened three roundtables to give the voluntary sector an opportunity to engage with officials on the ISR’s recommendations. The aim was to gather expertise from the sector to feed-in to implementation. Roundtables focused on: resettlement and through-the-gate provision; diversion and alternatives to custody; and the role of the probation service and its relationship with the voluntary sector, and practical recommendations were drawn up. These followed two roundtables, held in July, that looked at older people in the criminal justice system and drug and alcohol, and mental health services. There will be ongoing work to advocate for implementation of these practical recommendations from the sector designed to support in the implementation of the Review’s own recommendations. Find out more here
Clinks influence: Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Board (RR3) – Special Interest Group
Clinks has established a special interest group on women and whole system approaches (WSA) to advise the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) on the successful delivery of a ‘Whole Systems Approach’ for women in contact with the criminal justice system. The Group will focus on leveraging the expertise of voluntary organisations who work with justice-involved women and professionals in statutory organisations to gather evidence about how best effective WSAs can be implemented. The first standalone SIG session took place on 17th September and heard from over 40 contributors. Findings will be published soon. Look out for these on the Clinks website and see the SIG terms of reference here
Clinks advocacy: State of the Sector
Later this month, we are launching the 2025 State of the Sector survey. For all the voluntary organisations working in criminal justice, this is your chance to tell us how your organisation is faring. The views and experiences that you share will help us to influence key decision makers, both alongside you and on your behalf, and ensure that our support meets your needs.
Our State of the Sector 2024 report illustrated how crucial it is that the sector is recognised, heard, valued and properly resourced as a design and delivery partner within the criminal justice system.
Clinks sector support: Intensive Supervision Courts
On 6th August, the Ministry of Justice launched an Expression of Interest (EOI), inviting areas in England and Wales to pilot new Intensive Supervision Courts (ISCs). These courts aim to reduce persistent and prolific offending by addressing the underlying issues that lead to offending. Clinks is collaborating with partners, including the Centre for Justice Innovation (CJI) and the National Women’s Justice Coalition (NWJC), to provide specialist women’s organisations with information and support about opportunities to get involved in EOIs, where areas aim to establish a new ISC for women. EOI submissions close on [17 October 2025]. CJI is promoting the growth of women’s problem-solving courts through their "Transforming Community Justice for Women" programme.
Clinks networks: Women’s Networking Forum
The latest Clinks Women’s Networking Forum took place on 9 September. Over 70 members joined the session which included updates from Clinks from the Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group (RR3) session with the Minister for Prisons, Probation, and Reducing Reoffending, Lord Timpson, and on the Women’s Justice Board. Members heard about work that HMPPS is leading to reduce the numbers of women recalled to custody and, member Lancashire Women shared their model of support for this cohort. The Centre for Justice Innovation provided information on their work to promote women’s Intensive Supervision Courts and the Agenda Alliance shared this powerful film from their Voices from the Frontline project.
Gendered experiences of police custody: new research project
Despite its importance in the criminal justice journey, women and girls’ experiences in police custody is an area that remains strikingly under-researched. Led by Prof. Layla Skinns at Sheffield University, with partners from Cardiff University, the University of Warwick and West Yorkshire Police, a research team is embarking on a new research project to understand more about these experiences. The research will analyse police custody record data, carry out interviews with women & girls, and with staff across West Yorkshire to learn how gendered needs are perceived & managed. The research outputs will contribute to the evidence base to inform national policy, staff training, custody design, and diversionary practice. If your organisation is supporting women and girls who may want to participate in the research or you have staff who would be interested in participating, please contact Katie Weir, Research Assistant, University of Sheffield katie.weir@sheffield.ac.uk
Preventing & addressing gender-based violence through restorative justice
The Restorative Justice for All International Institute (RJ4All) accepts without charge referrals and self-referrals for restorative justice cases including gender-based violence and domestic abuse. RJ4All provides both online and face-to-face restorative justice as well as direct and indirect practices. Additional wraparound support is also provided to survivors and harming parties. RJ4All’s case work is based on a multi-year research and evaluation programme looking at the strengths and weaknesses of restorative justice with complex cases including gender-based violence. Tools such as restorative justice art, circles, trauma informed interventions and specialist counselling are used. Find out more and make a referral or to access the findings of the research email RJ4All’s Founder and Director Prof. Theo Gavrielides, PhD. t.gavrielides@rj4all.org
Birth Companions Institute is born
The charity Birth Companions has launched the Birth Companions Institute, a new centre of expertise dedicated to achieving better care, equity and justice for pregnant women and mothers, and babies giving them the best possible start in the first 1001 days of life. To find out more, Read the blog introducing the Birth Companions Institute and to learn how you can get involved visit birthcompanions.org.uk/institute or contact institute@birthcompanions.org.uk.
Supporting neurodivergent people in the justice system
3SC delivers change across the justice sector through its neurodiversity-focused support and training programmes. 3,370 people on probation have accessed tailored support; over 1,600 Probation and Prison staff trained in Neurodiversity awareness; more than 10,000 interventions delivered nationally. Evaluation shows strong outcomes, particularly around reductions in reoffending by people on probation receiving coaching. To find out more see here: 3SC – Partnerships with Purpose or connect on LinkedIn
Clinks Evidence Library Review - Problem-Solving Courts for Women webinar
14 October, online, free
This latest evidence review explores the evolution of the evidence-base on the effectiveness of Women's Problem-Solving Courts (WPSCs), both in the UK and internationally. Join us for a webinar with the review's authors, Dr Sarah Waite and Dr Alexandra Bradley, chaired by Russell Webster, as they discuss their findings. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions of the academics. Register for the event here.
Network for Black Women Leaders (NBWL)
Calling all inspirational Black women leaders! Are you ready to share your wisdom and walk alongside the next generation of Black women leaders? The Network for Black Women Leaders (NBWL) is now accepting mentor applications for their October 2025 cohort. As a mentor, you’ll play a vital role in supporting emerging leaders—offering guidance, encouragement, and insight rooted in your lived experience. Apply here by 30 September for October cohort
Film Screening, Rupture - a Spark for Social Change.
Open Clasp's film Rupture is going on tour. This October, Rupture returns for a screening circuit, sharing a powerful one-woman show co-created with women from HMP Low Newton. Drawing on their lived experiences of motherhood in prison, the film shares their voices which are too often left unheard. Around 60% of women in prison are mothers (PRiP 2023) and Rupture shines a vital light on the challenges they face and the urgent need to protect and uphold their rights. Praised by The Stage as a “sensitive and thoughtful look at being a mother in prison”, the film moves audiences while sparking needed conversations about change. For more information about where you can see Rupture follow this link Rupture – Open Clasp Theatre Company
Create. Reflect. Unite. Women - CRUW
CRUW is a creative, reflective space designed for women working in and around the Criminal Justice System. Run in partnership with Hampshire Probation Service, it brings together women with a shared purpose providing an opportunity to draw strength and energy from a community of like-minded women. CRUW is more than a meeting or a network - its trauma informed practice in practice. Meeting monthly online and quarterly in person CRUW offers permission to pause, reflect, and reconnect. Building relationships, not just professional networks, CRUW members engage in creative activities and reflective tasks that encourage slowing down, getting curious, and recharging. CRUW aims to help deepen self-awareness, strengthen professional practice, and support self-care. Join CRUW at the Insights Festival on 25 November or find out more here
Online training: working with young women & girls affected by criminal exploitation
Abianda is offering affordable half-day online seminars for individuals, making their specialist training accessible for smaller organisations and practitioners. Abianda’s courses are all CPD accredited, evidence-based, interactive, and co-designed with young women with lived experience. Sessions are delivered by experienced facilitators with years of direct expertise and allow you to relate theory to practice. There are four different sessions’ available, covering topics such as the National Referral Mechanism, County Lines, and Contextual Safeguarding. With dates in October and November, sessions are capped at 30 participants to ensure you gain practical skills to improve your practice with young women and girls. “This was the best training I have had!” – Nazifa, Youth Programmes Officer, Ben Kinsella Trust Book a place here
3SC Accredited Level 2 Neurodiversity in the Justice Sector Training
20 and 27 November, online, £300+£50 accreditation cost +VAT
3SC's accredited course is designed to give those working in the police and criminal justice a greater understanding of neurodiverse conditions, and the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in the criminal justice system. Develop your understanding of neurological conditions such as, autism, dyslexia, ADHD and others, and how they may present in a police and justice setting. Understand the types of challenges that neurodivergent people experience and discuss effective strategies to recognise challenging behaviours and provide better support. In this interactive course you will have the chance to share your experiences and work through case studies in various settings to further your understanding. Find out more and book your place by emailing kasia.westwood@3sc.org
Ending Racial Disproportionality in the Criminal Justice System: Recommendations from the Women’s Justice Reimagined partnership and the APPG on Women Affected by the Criminal Justice System.
The Women’s Justice Reimagined partnership has launched a briefing setting out vital recommendations to the Women’s Justice Board to address racial disproportionality in the criminal justice system. This briefing is the result of recommendations and expertise shared at an All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) Women Affected by the Criminal Justice System meeting held in July 2025, and aims to contribute to work to end racism in all its forms. As specialist organisations working with Black, Asian, racially minoritised and migrant women, we see first-hand how racial disproportionality underpins deep disparities within the criminal justice system. Radical and systemic change is urgently needed to address this, including imbedding anti-racist practices within the criminal justice system. The partnership urges the Women’s Justice Board to implement the recommendations and, in doing so, centre anti-racism and the need to address racial disproportionality within their work. Read the briefing here
Women's Risk Needs Assessment (WRNA) validated in the UK by University of Birmingham
The Women's Risk Needs Assessment (WRNA) has been validated in the UK by the University of Birmingham, demonstrating it effectively predicts reoffending risks and helps identify needs and strengths for women in the justice system. Originally developed in the US, WRNA is a comprehensive gender-specific assessment tool that provides valuable information to inform effective interventions to prevent women from reoffending and improve health and well-being outcomes. A meta-analysis by University of Birmingham demonstrated gender-responsive interventions are up to 42% more effective in reducing reoffending than gender-neutral ones. A gendered assessment is one of four key components to a gender-responsive approach. WRNA is used by women’s centres under the Effective Women’s Centres (EWC) Partnership, giving a greater, more nuanced understanding of the needs of women in the justice system. Find out more here
Diversion in the West Midlands: A critical case study
The Centre for Crime and Justice Studies has published a new working paper by Tom McNeil, CEO of the JABBS Foundation for Women and Girls. The paper reflects on the key challenges to organisational change and cultural reform in policing, using community rehabilitation initiatives in the West Midlands as a case study. It outlines 11 policy recommendations for implementing a fuller programme of community rehabilitation, aiming to contribute to the thinking around policing and effective alternatives to custody, and in particular the anticipated Police Reform White Paper to be published by the Government later this year. Read the paper here
‘Doing his job for him’: Stop criminalising survivors
New research from Centre for Women’s Justice (CWJ) reveals failings in how the criminal justice system collude with perpetrators of coercive control to criminalise their victims. A report published in July and funded by The City Law School’s centre for justice reform, provides accounts of seven victims of coercive control who were unfairly criminalised because of their own experience of abuse and recommends reforms in law, policy and practice. CWJ’s recommendations include the introduction of an effective defence for victims of coercive control who are coerced into offending, and a joint police and CPS protocol for gathering, passing on and taking account of evidence of coercive control where a suspect in an offence may also be a victim. Read the research here: Stop Criminalising Survivors — Centre for Women's Justice
10 years of Agenda Alliance
2025 marks the ten year anniversary of the Agenda Alliance for Women and Girls, and a decade of striving to make a difference for those at the sharpest end of inequality. Their ten-year impact report details how they've pushed the overlooked and underrepresented needs of women and girls onto the political agenda since their formation. Click here to read more
Double our Impact’ for women in Southwark & Lewisham
Network member, Pecan, has been selected to take part in this year’s Big Give Women and Girls Match Fund. From 8 to 15 October 2025, every online donation made to their Women’s Services will be matched £1 for £1, doubling donor’s impact at no extra cost! This is an amazing opportunity to support 250 women in Southwark and Lewisham, who are trying to rebuild their lives having faced multiple disadvantage: displacement, poverty, domestic violence, mental ill health, addiction, and unsafe housing. Find out more here
Receiving the Clinks women’s network ebulletin
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