Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 905 | 31 October 2025

Light lunch

In this issue...

CLINKS NEWS: Anne Fox to step down as CEO

After ten years of dedicated service, Anne Fox will be stepping down as CEO of Clinks in March 2026. Anne has been a steadfast leader through a decade of change, challenge, and growth for the voluntary sector working in criminal justice. From guiding organisations through the pandemic to influencing national policy, Anne’s impact has been profound. Read our full blog here and read several tributes from sector leaders which highlight Anne’s authenticity, advocacy for lived experience, and support for small, specialist organisations.

CLINKS NEWS: Complete this year's State of the Sector survey

There is still time left to complete this year's State of the Sector survey. There is a now just one week to go [survey closes on 7 November] to ensure that your organisation's voice is heard. 

The information gathered enables us to keep advocating both with and on behalf of the voluntary sector. So please do support the work by filling out the survey!

For help completing the survey, please get in contact with Elizaveta Strelnikova - lisa.strelnikova@clinks.org

CLINKS NEWS: Supporting women - RR3 Seat

Clinks is recruiting a voluntary sector representative to the Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group (RR3), specifically from an organisation which focuses on supporting women in contact with the criminal justice system.

We are looking for a senior leader with extensive knowledge regarding the delivery of services for women, and a subsequent understanding of the challenges faced by organisations in this space. This person must be able to support effective collaboration between the voluntary sector, Ministry of Justice and HMPPS. This is a voluntary role, but appropriate expenses will be reimbursed. The deadline for applications is [26 November, 17:00]. Find out more and apply here

CLINKS NEWS: Evidence Library webinar

Our latest Evidence Library review, Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish Traveller Communities and the Criminal Justice System, written by Grace Preston, Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer at the Traveller Movement, will be published imminently.

In partnership with Russell Webster, we will be hosting a webinar to discuss the latest evidence on the outcomes of Romani (Gypsy), Roma, and Irish Traveller communities across a range of indicators, including health, education, employment, and criminal justice [3 December, 12:00-13:00, online, free].

This session is part of our “A Matter of Fact: What the Evidence Tells Us” series, designed to complement our Evidence Library and provide you the opportunity to ask your questions to contributors. Book your place here

MEMBER FOCUS: Rooted Wisdom

Rooted Wisdom CIC is a trauma-informed organisation dedicated to supporting Black and racially minoritised children, young people, and families impacted by systemic inequality, school exclusion, mental health challenges, and the criminal justice system. 

They deliver group workshops, 1:1 therapy, staff training, and prison-based programmes rooted in psychodynamic, cultural, and identity-affirming approaches. Their work centres on racial trauma, emotional resilience, and neurodivergence. Rooted Wisdom collaborates with schools, prisons, councils, and families to provide early intervention, healing spaces, and long-term systemic change. They also support professionals through reflective spaces and training, empowering them to work compassionately and effectively with those most marginalised. Find out more about Rooted Wisdom CIC

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Remand decisions in the Magistrates' courts

JUSTICE has published a new report on improving remand decisions in the Magistrates' courts in England and Wales. It outlines persistent issues in pre-trial remand decision-making, emphasizing the overuse of custodial remand and its disproportionate impact on vulnerable and racialised groups. 

The report proposes a comprehensive set of reforms, including improved magistrate diversity, structured decision-making tools, enhanced training, and better data collection, to ensure remand is used only as a last resort, and advocates for cultural change, alternatives to custody, and the piloting of specialist remand courts to achieve fairer outcomes.

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Expert Voices on deferred sentencing

One of the measures being introduced in the Sentencing Bill is the extension of the maximum period that a sentence can be deferred from 6 months to 12 months. Sign up to join the Centre for Justice Innovation for their next Expert Voices seminar [11 November, 12.30 - 13.30, online, free] which will explore the creative use of deferred sentencing in the UK and abroad. The Centre will be joined by experts in the field to discuss this:

· Sheriff Shona Gilroy from the Glasgow Female Offenders Court;
· Sergeant Sandy Thompson from West Midlands Police;
· Professor Julian Roberts KC, Co-Executive Director of the Sentencing Academy.

The event will be chaired by the Centre's interim Director, Vicki Mulligan, and will include time for Q&A. Find out more and register here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Changing Tunes annual concert

Changing Tunes is a Bristol-based charity that uses the power of music to help people lead positive lives during and after prison.

The Changing Tunes Annual Concert [15 November, 19:30, The Crypt, Bristol, BS8 2AA, £10 or £5 concession], is a celebration of music, transformation, and hope. Hosted in the beautiful setting of The Crypt at Woodlands Church, this year’s concert showcases powerful performances from people whose lives have been positively impacted by Changing Tunes’ work in prisons and the community.

Expect an evening of live music, real stories, and community spirit, featuring talented musicians who have journeyed from prison to public platforms. The event offers audiences a chance to experience the unifying power of music — breaking down barriers and building bridges between people from all walks of life.

Tickets are available via this Eventbrite link and you can contact info@changingtunes.org.uk or call 0117 9200 151 for more information.

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: "Reintegrate Me" app - launch event

Tailored Futures is an organisation dedicated to supporting people with convictions to access education, training, and employment opportunities.

They are delighted to announce the upcoming launch of their new app, “Reintegrate Me”, designed to bridge the gap between employers and individuals seeking to reintegrate into the workforce. The app aims to make it easier for employers to connect with potential employees and foster more inclusive recruitment opportunities.

You are invited to the launch and networking event [18 November, 17:00 - 19:30, the Africa Centre SE1 0BL, London] which will feature a live demonstration of the app, opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals, and insights into how you can be part of this innovative initiative. Complimentary drinks and finger foods will be provided throughout the evening. Kindly confirm your attendance here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Creating a positive culture

Join fellow Clinks member Palladium as they participate in HMPPS Insights Festival 2025 and discuss the impact of culture in building high-performing teams [19 November, online, free]. The future demands new thinking, new approaches, and new solutions. With a global network operating in over 90 countries, Palladium believes in a better world, and they work to make it possible. Find out more and register for your place. 

NON-MEMBERS’ EVENTS: Motherhood in prison

Open Clasp Theatre Company is sharing an online film screening of "Rupture".

Rupture is a powerful one-woman film co-created with women from HMP Low Newton, drawing on their lived experiences of motherhood in prison. Returning as part of the 16 Days of Activism, Rupture amplifies voices too often left unheard, highlighting the challenges faced by the 60% of women in prison who are mothers (PRiP 2023).

Praised by The Stage as “a sensitive and thoughtful look at being a mother in prison,” the film sparks vital conversations about change and the urgent need to uphold women’s rights.

"Rupture turns the usual narrative on its head. It’s not a story about a victim; it’s a story about a woman finding her power. It challenges every stereotype and makes you sit with the uncomfortable truth of how easily women are judged and how hard they fight to rise again" – Audience member, Belfast screening

Watch the film and find out more or, you can buy Rupture Tickets here 

FUNDING: Training funds for staff

Do you work with people at risk of or experiencing homelessness? Do you need training that your employer can't pay for? You may be eligible to apply to the Frontline Network Training Fund for a grant of [up to £500 for individual training of £1500 for group training]. Find out more here or email frontline@stmartinscharity.org.uk

OPPORTUNITY: The needs of young women in the justice system

Her Insight Collective is conducting research on the specific needs of young women and girls in the criminal justice system.

If you work with, or have previously worked with, young women and girls (aged 14-25) they would love to hear your views! Please access a short survey here.

If you would be willing to take part in a 45-minute interview on this topic, please contact Dr Gemma Birkett, her e-mail is Gemma.Birkett.1@citystgeorges.ac.uk

OPPORTUNITY: Reducing custodial remand of children - a survey

What are the barriers to reducing use of custodial remands for children? What good practice already exists to promote greater use of community alternatives? Transform Justice has launched a short online survey to hear from youth justice practitioners about why children are being remanded, what blocks greater use of bail and RLAA, and what good practice already exists.

The survey is aimed at youth justice service staff and defence lawyers who represent children facing remand, but is open to anyone working in the courts with children facing remand. The findings will inform a series of regional events for youth justice practitioners and stakeholders next year, a good practice guide, and Transform Justice's policy advocacy over the next three years. Share your experiences by [17 November]. Please share your views and insight here 

FEATURED VACANCY: Project Manager- Lived Experience Programmes 

User voice is seeking an experienced individual to join their team as a Project Manager [£33,000 - £40,000 Full-time, London]. This is a leadership role within User Voice’s London team, managing two of our new flagship programmes focused on mentoring, volunteering, and community engagement for people with convictions. The Project Manager will lead the planning, delivery, and evaluation of these initiatives, ensuring they meet strategic objectives and deliver meaningful impact for participants and stakeholders. This role is ideal for someone with lived experience of the criminal justice system who is ready to take the next step in their career or is already leading complex projects and managing teams and partnerships.[Find out more and apply by 21 November here]. 

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:

Chief Executive – Clinks with Clinks [£90,000, flexible within England and Wales, full time]; Criminal Justice Keyworkers – Newport Gwent with The Nelson Trust [£25,000 – £27,000, Newport Gwent, full time]; Service Manager – Justice Services with The Growth Company [£42,000, Blackpool & Blackburn, full time]; RISE Practitioner with The Nelson Trust [£25,000 – £27,000, Bridgwater, full time]; Prison Facilitator – HMP The Mount with Shannon Trust [£28,274, HMP The Mount, part time]; Volunteer Committee Member with The Nelson Trust [voluntary, South West, part time]; Prison Facilitator – HMP Ford with Shannon Trust [£28,274, HMP Ford, part time]; Women’s seat holder – RR3 Leadership Board with Clinks [voluntary, London, part time]; Prison Facilitator – Bank Staff with Shannon Trust [£28,274, West Midlands (various sites), part time]; Criminal Justice Support Worker – Women’s Centre with Salford Foundation [£24,000, Salford, full time].

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

READS OF THE WEEK:

EXTRA INFORMATION:

About Clinks Light Lunch

This edition of Light Lunch has been sent to the inbox of 8,321 people working (or with an interest) in the criminal justice system of England and Wales.
If you would like to include something in a future edition of Light Lunch, use our submission form.
Get involved Become a Member | Follow Clinks on Twitter
Contact us www.clinks.org | info@clinks.org | 020 4502 6774
Click here to manage your subscriptions. For assistance, email info@clinks.org
Registered office: 82A James Carter Road, Mildenhall, Suffolk, IP28 7DE 
Registered charity: 1074546 | Company limited by guarantee in England & Wales: 3562176
© Clinks, 2025

Clinks logo