Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 904 | 24 October 2025

Light lunch

In this issue...

CLINKS NEWS: Annual General Meeting - Save the date

Another one for our members' diaries - Clinks are delighted to invite you to attend our 27th Annual General Meeting (AGM) [10 December, 12:00-13:00, online].

Our AGM allows Clinks to carry out the business that is vital to our work, including as a space for our members to exercise their right to elect our trustees. You can find details of the current trustees on our website here. It is also an opportunity to comment on Clinks’ work and our priorities for the year ahead.

The attendance of our members is vital, so please do save the date and we look forward to seeing you all there! Keep an eye out for Clinks' socials, website updates and future editions of Light Lunch for details and further information.

CLINKS NEWS: The Sentencing Bill - a Clinks briefing

The Sentencing Bill is currently progressing through parliament and was debated in Parliament, this week. Given its landmark changes to the structure of the justice system and the role of the voluntary sector in delivering its services, we have put together a briefing detailing several of its key components, and outlining what Clinks thinks on each point. This briefing has closely followed each stage of the bill, and will be updated regularly based on accepted amendments. Read the Clinks briefing on the Sentencing Bill

CLINKS NEWS: Action For Race Equality 

Join Action for Race Equality (ARE) on [7 November] for an online event exploring ethnic inequalities in the criminal justice system. The session will present new research findings, and host engaging panel discussions and interactive workshops.

The event, hosted by ARE and Clinks, will bring together researchers, practitioners, and community voices to discuss how ethnic disparities persist and accumulate across the justice system, and co-create solutions to address them. The event will include:

  • 10:00 – 11:00 - A Research and Panel Discussion
  • 11:15 - 13:00 - An Interactive workshop

Register, here, for your place. 

MEMBER FOCUS: Grow Transform Belong CIC

Grow Transform Belong CIC (GTB) is a visionary, values-driven Community Interest Company dedicated to transforming lives and systems through relational, evidence-informed practice. Rooted in the principles of growth, GTB seeks to reduce social harm and promote rehabilitation by reimagining correctional culture and empowering people with lived experience, practitioners, and communities alike.

Through innovative initiatives such as the Growth Project and Justice 2.0, GTB fosters inclusive environments in prisons, schools, and communities, focusing on trust, connection, and personal development. Their work is driven by co-production, cultural transformation, and a relentless commitment to social justice. Find out more

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Concern around Clause 35 of the Sentencing Bill

Over 20 charities and experts have come together to express their concerns about Clause 35 of the Sentencing Bill currently going through Parliament.

The Bill would give new powers to Probation practitioners to publish the names and photos of people delivering Unpaid Work requirements as part of a Community Sentence.

In an open letter to the Justice and Education Secretaries, co-ordinated by Pact (Prison Advice and Care Trust), the signatories - including Clinks - call for the clause to be withdrawn. The letter points out that the proposal would do little to foster rehabilitation or reduce reoffending, whilst greatly worsening the stigma faced by the families of people in the criminal justice system. In particular, it would have the potential to expose children with parents in the system to bullying, emotional and psychological harm, and even threats of violence or vigilantism. Find out more

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Reclaiming Resistance, a podcast 

Ahead of Anti-Slavery Day, Hibiscus has published a new six-part podcast. The series shares the experiences of Black and minoritised migrant women affected by trafficking in the criminal justice and immigration systems. It weaves together interviews from legal experts, policy advocates and frontline professionals and features recordings from creative workshop sessions facilitated in our women's centre.

Each episode explores different topics around criminalisation, VAWG, resistance and recovery from the perspectives of the women that they work with and the professionals working alongside them.

This project is a tribute to the strength, creativity and resistance of the Black and minoritised migrant women that Hibiscus works with every day and it is an invitation to hear their stories on their terms. 

You can listen now on the following platforms: YouTube | Spotify | Soundcloud 

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: The forgotten IPP prisoners, a podcast

Episode 52 is the latest Transform Justice Podcast called "Locked in limbo - the forgotten IPP prisoners"

The sentence of imprisonment for public protection was outlawed in 2012, however more than 1,000 people are still serving indefinite sentences in prison. Andrew Morris, former IPP prisoner, and Matthew Parris, journalist, join to discuss why people are still being held under IPP, what impact this sentence has on those who receive it, and what must be done to rid us of the legacy of IPP once and for all. Listen here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Mothers, pregnancy and justice - a call for evidence

Birth Companions, a national charity providing specialist support services to women experiencing disadvantage during pregnancy and early motherhood, are running a call for evidence on services and support for pregnant women and mothers of infants up to the age of two with criminal justice involvement in London.

The call for evidence will inform the co-design of a new service and it is open to any professional or agency working with pregnant women and mothers of infants in London, including: health professionals, social care professionals, voluntary and community sector agencies, and justice professionals.

The call for evidence takes the form of a survey, accessible via this link, and is open until [17 November, 17:00]. If you have any questions about the call for evidence or the co-design process, please contact zahra@birthcompanions.org.uk

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Carers rights - what you need to know.

Join Society Matters for their free webinar covering Carers Rights [18 November, 14:00 - 15:00, online, free].

This will be a great source of information for Welfare advisors, Support workers, Housing officers, Case managers, Health and social care professionals and anyone working with carers or individuals with care needs. Find out more and register here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Domestic Violence and Abuse Summit 2025

The second Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews (DARDR) and Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA) and Criminal Justice Summit will be held on [28 November, Brent Civic Centre, London, 9.30 – 16.30, £30]. The theme for this year is "Mental Health Through an Equitable Lens"

Join leading voices from across health, justice, social care, and community sectors, unpacking the realities of how equity, culture, and intersectionality shape access to mental health support — particularly for those impacted by domestic abuse, relationship dynamics, and systemic inequalities across the criminal justice landscape.

Expect a transformative line-up of experts, including clinicians, policymakers, researchers, and lived-experience advocates who are reshaping how we understand, deliver, and sustain mental health equity across systems.

Find out more about the event and book your place here

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: Access to work

If you're passionate about inclusion and supporting people with disabilities in the workplace, this brand new course by Society Matters CIC is for you [27 October, 14:00 - 15:00, online, £79.00+VAT]. This course is ideal for:

  • HR professionals & line managers
  • Employability advisors & work coaches
  • Apprenticeship providers & educators
  • Disability employment specialists
  • Self-employed individuals & business owners seeking inclusive practice
  • People with disabilities thinking of applying for Access to Work

Find out more and book your place here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Broken Journeys, Broken System

A new thematic report by the Lay Observers reveals that poor transport between custody and court is undermining welfare and access to justice for detained individuals. Key findings include:

  • Delays, inadequate vehicles and long waits impact those being moved.
  • Transport failures can affect case outcomes, wellbeing and fairness of hearings
  • The report calls for clearer standards and accountability in prisoner-journey logistics

Read the full report: Broken Journeys, Broken System

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Building an effective and resilient Probation Service

The National Audit Office has published a report exploring the latest state of the Probation Service. It examines 'why HMPPS has not been able to improve performance of the service to date', as well as assessing what progress has been made in 'transforming' the service and sets out what more needs to be done to achieve its future aims. 

The findings include that: the performance of probation services has worsened since unification; the continued shortage of experienced staff is a major contributing factor to poor performance; and despite recruitment attempts, this has been insufficient in dealing with staffing shortfalls. 

Read more, here. 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Prisoner Family Helpline 2026-2029

The HMPPS Prisoner Family Helpline offers vital support and practical guidance for families affected by imprisonment. From understanding the Criminal Justice System to managing prison visits, coping with stress, and navigating family disruption, the helpline provides emotional and practical assistance. Topics include benefits, financial help, parenting, relationships, and prison procedures.

This is a three-year contract [starting 2 February 2026], with an optional one-year extension to 31st January 2030. The [annual budget is £165,000 (excl. VAT)].

The competition for the 2026–2029 contract goes live on [22 October]. Interested providers can find full details under ITT_9889 on Jaggaer.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Virtual Women’s Community Support

Join the Ministry of Justice’s (MoJ) Commercial and Commissioning Teams for a strategic "Market Engagement" session on Community Support for women in prison and on probation [12 November, 10:00 -13:00, online, free]. This event offers early insight into the commissioning approach, addressing the following topics:

Service Design Intro | Cost Assumptions | Contract Packaging | Contract Duration | Payment Mechanism | Performance Framework | Strategic Partnerships | Flexibility Provisions | Mobilisation Plans | TUPE Considerations | Market Share Cap | Procurement Process

Attendees will have the opportunity to influence women’s service design and engage in live Q&A. Ideal for organisations considering a bid - don’t miss this chance to shape future services.

Register here for your place. Contact probationsourcingteam@justice.gov.uk

PUBLICATION: Preventing the revolving door

The hidden cost of England’s prolific offenders is laid bare in groundbreaking new research by charity Revolving Doors and consultancy Newton.

'Preventing the revolving door' brings together the insights of people with lived experience of the ‘revolving door’ of reoffending with innovative analysis of real public sector data. It reveals new findings about the toll that punishment without rehabilitation and key missed opportunities has on people, public finances and public services. Read the report here

PUBLICATION: Young People’s Experiences with Out of Court Disposals

User Voice has launched a report on "Young People’s Experiences with Out of Court Disposals"

User Voice was commissioned by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation (HMIP) to consult children and young people on their experiences with Out of Court Disposals (OoCD), as part of a thematic inspection.

The report, ANOTHER CHANCE, highlights that 94% of children and young people described their OoCD experience as positive, but many expressed a desire for more tailored support and continuity both during and after the OoCD. We also found that the majority of children and young people were neurodivergent, had experienced significant adversities, and had complex needs.

Learn more about User Voice and their work amplifying the voices of people in the justice system - visit http://www.uservoice.org 

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:

Training Facilitator with Social Interest Group [£30,900, N1 1TY, full time]; Women’s Wellbeing Support Worker – Crosby, Liverpool – 25/55 with Imagine Independence [£23,870, Waterloo (Liverpool), full time]; Community Employment Adviser with Achieve [£26,485 – £30,012, Crewe Probation, full time]; Community Employment Adviser with Achieve [£26,485 – £30,012, Chester Probation, full time]; Head of Programme Management with Beating Time [£38,000 – £42,000, West Midlands/London, full time]; CIAG Service Manager with Achieve [£35,977 – £39,500, HMP Nottingham, full time]; Volunteer and Peer Mentor Coordinator with The Nelson Trust [£27,000 – £29,000, South Wales, full time]; Probation Facilitator – East Midlands Probation with Shannon Trust [£28,274, home based with extensive travel, full time]; Admin Coordinator (Criminal Justice) with Centre for Justice Innovation [£26,500, London, part time]; Practice Officer (Criminal Justice) with Centre for Justice Innovation [£35,000, London, full time].

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

READS OF THE WEEK:

EXTRA INFORMATION:

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