Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 914 | 9 January 2026

Light lunch

In this issue...

Clinks is recruiting two Area Engagement Officers [£30,406 FTE* | East of England and South Central/South West] to increase awareness and understanding of the criminal justice voluntary sector operating within these geographical areas. Find out more and apply here [deadline 12 January]

*Please note, we have revised the salary information to correct a clerical error

Ever wondered what's discussed at Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group (RR3) meetings? Take a look at the latest meeting notes to get a flavour. Read here

The Government’s new Freedom from Violence and Abuse Strategy, published in December 2025, acknowledges the scale and severity of violence against women and girls (VAWG), committing to a 50% reduction over the next decade. Our latest blog by Elizaveta Strelnikova explores what the strategy gets right, where the gaps remain, and what must happen next to ensure meaningful change for women and girls. Read here 

NATIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE ARTS ALLIANCE EVENTS: Royal Literacy Fund Workshops

This year the National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance (NCJAA) will be working in partnership with the Royal Literary Fund to deliver free writing development training for individuals and organisations delivering services and projects in the criminal justice system. Book here

  • NCJAA & Royal Literary Fund Workshop: Case Studies [13 January | 10:00 - 12:00 | online | free]  
  • NCJAA & Royal Literary Fund Workshop: Lets Eat Grandma! [5 February | 10:00 - 12:00 | online | free] can be 

Join us for Clinks' Annual Conference [28 January | London | from £60]; our biggest event of the year bringing together voluntary organisations working in the criminal justice system from across England and Wales.

This year's theme, Stronger Together: Celebrating Community, Championing Progress, reflects the heart of our sector; the power of collaboration, connection, and shared purpose. Book here

Our quarterly women’s networking forum [20 January | 10:00 - 12:00 | online | free], 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. Book here

To accompany a new evidence review by Dr Tom McNeil (The JABBS Foundation for Women and Girls), this event [3 February | 12:00 - 13:00 | online | free] will explore what the academic evidence tells us about how voluntary sector organisations can meaningfully influence public opinion on crime and build support for prevention, rehabilitation and justice reform. Book here

MEMBER FOCUS: Bournemouth Above and Beyond Trust

Bournemouth Above and Beyond Trust provide support to the general community through cold-water-sports activities, regeneration of natural habitat projects in the outdoor environment, education, bee-keeping, restoration of boats and traction engines, providing a seafront venue as a safe meeting area, bespoke vocational and academic education and training, links to other support agencies such as NHS-Op Courage, veterans welfare and mental health support. Find out more

From January 2026 RIFT Social Enterprise's accredited self-employment workbook, which was co-created with people in prison and designed to be completed without the need for additional support, will be available in every prison in England and Wales via the Virtual Campus 2 (VC2) system for a small annual licence fee. Find out more

Families bereaved by the Manchester Arena bombing have written to the Prime Minister calling for MI5 to be fully included in the Hillsborough Law, so the duty of candour applies to all public bodies without exception. INQUEST CEO Deborah Coles has reiterated that the law must ensure truth, transparency and accountability across all agencies whose actions affect public safety. Find out more

Advance has highlighted the disproportionate and far-reaching impact of women’s imprisonment, particularly for survivors of domestic abuse. Dali Kaur, Director of Criminal Justice Services at Advance, has emphasised how imprisoning women creates a harmful ripple effect on families and children, with most children of imprisoned mothers removed from their homes and facing long-term trauma and instability. Find out more

Food Matters is launching Sow Cook Thrive, a 6-week outdoor wellbeing course for 18–25 year olds experiencing marginalisation. Find out more

From January 2026, Changing Lives will deliver North Tyneside’s Integrated Domestic Abuse Support Service, supporting adults, children, and young people. In partnership with Acorns and Cranstoun, the service offers refuge, outreach, IDVA support, counselling, group work, and specialist behaviour-change interventions. Find out more

Patrick, Peer Researcher at CASS+ Plymouth Magistrates’ Court, spoke about using his lived experience to support people facing trauma, homelessness, and addiction, and how meaningful support can help them avoid the revolving door of the criminal justice system. Find out more

Genius Within marked Ethnicity Pay Gap Day 2026, a campaign promoting transparency and equality in the workplace. The organisation says participating in the initiative has helped them grow and improve year on year, and they continue to value the focus it brings to organisational transparency. They are currently finalising this year’s report and will share the findings once published. Find out more

Former Longford Trust scholar Alicia completed an employability placement with the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, gaining new skills and confidence in a role she hadn’t imagined. Read here

Society Matters CIC is running an interactive online workshop to help employers recognise and reduce unconscious bias in recruitment, workplace decisions, and everyday interactions. Find out more

The Forgiveness Project is hosting a live session of The Forgiveness Café [31 January | 11:00 – 14:00 | Keele University | donate what you can] in Newcastle-under-Lyme, offering an interactive space to explore the art and psychology of forgiveness with Sandra Barefoot and Dr Masi Noor. Find out more

Step Together are running ‘For My Future’, a 6-week personal development course for young women aged 16–25 who have experienced the criminal justice system [starting 2026 | Bristol | free]. The course helps participants increase confidence, plan their futures, overcome barriers, and connect with other young women, with optional one-to-one support available. The programme is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund. Find out more

The Centre for Justice Innovation is hosting a session on supporting litigants in person in private family law and exploring the CASS+ approach [27 January | 12:30 – 13:30 | online | free]. The event will discuss the challenges faced by unrepresented family court users and highlight how CASS+ provides practical and emotional support, from completing forms to accompanying individuals into hearings. Find out more

Black Country Women’s Aid is celebrating 40 years of providing safety and support with a special International Women’s Day event [7 March | 10:00 – 16:00 | West Bromwich Albion Football Club | £50]. The event will reflect on the organisation’s impact, celebrate progress, and highlight the power of collective action in supporting women and communities. Find out more

Ara – Recovery for All Gambling Service is hosting a lunch and learn session to launch their new university gambling harms toolkit [22 January | 13:00 – 13:30 | online | free]. The session will introduce the toolkit, designed to support universities and student unions in understanding and addressing gambling harms, and will include a Q&A with the creators and Ara staff. Find out more

Creased Puddle is hosting an online webinar with Dr Katie Maras on evidence-based questioning for neurodivergent people [20 January | 12:00 – 13:00 | online | £5]. The session explores how small changes in phrasing, structure, and pace can improve communication, understanding, and outcomes, particularly in justice settings. 10% of ticket sales will be donated to the Criminal Justice Alliance. Find out more

The Probation Institute, in partnership with the International Network for Criminal Justice, is hosting a webinar [10 February | 16:00 – 17:00 | online | free] and follow‑on roundtable [17 March | 16:00 – 17:00 | online | free] on the role of technology and artificial intelligence in rehabilitation. Find out more

WCVA is inviting everyone to join in celebrating Welsh Charities Week, highlighting the work of charities, voluntary organisations, community groups, and volunteers across Wales [9 – 13 February]. The week features events, campaigns, and activities recognising the vital contribution of the sector to communities across the country. Find out more

Homeless Link is hosting the Rough Sleeping Conference 2026, focusing on the new national homelessness strategy and practical ways to prevent rough sleeping and reduce long-term homelessness [23 March | 09:30 – 16:30 | London | from £175] Early bird tickets are limited, so book soon to secure your place. Find out more

The Ministry of Justice has published research on the Pathfinder pilot in Dorset and North Wales family courts, exploring the experiences of children and families. The Centre for Justice Innovation are hosting two Expert Voices events to discuss key findings [4 & 11 March | online | free]. Find out more

Clean Break and Geese Theatre are offering a one-day masterclass for theatre artists and criminal justice professionals to learn how to safely deliver theatre workshops in prisons and community settings [20 January | 10:00 – 16:00 | Manchester | free bursary places available for people with lived experience]. Participants will explore practical exercises, group work, and discussion, gaining insight into best practice and the theory behind the work of these leading organisations. Find out more

Abianda is running a series of online seminars [13 January - 4 February | Online | £80] to help teams increase their understanding of supporting young women and girls affected by criminal exploitation and violence. Find out more

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Simplifying Criminal Records

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy has announced that the government will review the criminal records system to make it clearer and more proportionate, especially for childhood offences. The Ministry of Justice said the aim is to help children who have committed crimes to stop reoffending and turn their lives around, while maintaining public safety. Find additional guidance on FairChecks

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Criminalised for Checking the Weather

New UK laws under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025 make it a criminal offence to look up weather or tide information or refuse assistance while crossing the Channel in dinghies. Critics warn these rules target vulnerable migrants and asylum seekers, increasing risks without deterring crossings. Find out more

NON-MEMBERS’ TRAINING: Impetus Leadership Academy

Impetus is now accepting applications for the 2026 Leadership Academy, a fully funded 9-month programme supporting ethnic minority leaders in the UK youth sector to progress into senior roles in youth education or employment organisations [deadline 11 January]. Participants will take part in masterclasses, coaching, mentoring, and networking, with a mix of online and in-person sessions designed to develop leadership skills and sector expertise. Find out more

NON-MEMBERS’ EVENTS: Digital Inclusion and AI

The Academy for Social Justice is hosting a seminar exploring how to make the Artificial Intelligence age accessible for everyone [3 February | online | free]. The session will discuss practical approaches to digital inclusion and ensure everyone can benefit from AI technologies. Find out more

NON-MEMBERS’ EVENTS: HMPPS SEON Launch

HMPPS Evidence and Insights are hosting a launch event for the inaugural Statement of Operational Evidence Needs (SOEN), aimed at academics, researchers and practitioners interested in evidence that shapes criminal justice policy and practice [24 February | online | free]. Attendees will learn about the SOEN, hear from HMPPS and MoJ speakers including the National Research Committee, and have the chance to ask questions and explore collaboration opportunities. Find out more

FUNDING: Girls and Young Women Local Groups Fund

The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), in partnership with Social Finance, Agenda Alliance and Abianda, has launched the Girls and Young Women Local Groups Fund to support London-based organisations working with women and girls affected by violence and exploitation. Find out more

FUNDING: Probation Grant – Young Adults (West Midlands)

The Ministry of Justice is hosting a market engagement session for a Probation Grant opportunity supporting young adults in the West Midlands. This session will provide an overview of the grant scheme. Grants are available to non-profit organisations only, and successful onboarding to the MOJ grants portal is required to apply. Register here

FUNDING: Digital Media Skills Programme 

London Probation is seeking VCSE organisations to deliver a digital media skills programme for service users in Southwark PDU. The programme will offer hands-on experience in digital media, develop creative skills, support pathways into employment in the creative industries, and promote wellbeing. Find out more

RESOURCE: Rehabilitation in Prison – Reality or Rhetoric?

Transform Justice's latest episode explores rehabilitation in prison, featuring Andi Brierley, Senior Lecturer at Leeds Trinity University, and Andrea Coomber, CEO of the Howard League. Listen here

RESOURCE: Cellmate to CEO

Prison Radio Association presents a new series of Life After Prison: Cellmate to CEO, hosted by PRA alumni Tony Supreme. Drawing on his experience as CEO of Soul Surge Wellness, Tony shares stories of leaders and change makers with prison experience. Listen here

PUBLICATION: Threats to Protest Rights

JUSTICE warns that recent laws give police unprecedented powers to restrict public protest, with the Crime and Policing Bill set to expand them further. They call for the Bill to be paused, powers introduced since 2022 to be reversed, and an independent watchdog to review protest policing annually. Find out more 

OPPORTUNITY: Call for Conference Speakers

Frontline Network is inviting proposals for speakers for their Annual Conference, which brings together homelessness sector professionals from across the UK for a day of learning and reflection. They are looking for frontline workers, specialists, researchers, sector leaders and campaigners to share insights, best practice, and innovative approaches [deadline 20 February]. Find out more

OPPORTUNITY: Volunteering and Asylum

NCVO is gathering evidence from voluntary organisations to inform a sector response to the government’s proposal linking volunteering to faster asylum settlement. They want to hear your perspective on why volunteering works best when freely chosen [deadline 22 January]. Find out more

OPPORTUNITY: 10 x Free Charity Films

Big Picture Charity Films are offering to create ten free broadcast quality films for charities [deadline 31 January]. Apply here 

User Voice is seeking a highly organised individual to join our team. [£40,000, Full time, London]. This is an exciting new leadership role within User Voice’s London team, responsible for delivering two major programmes at the intersection of Health Justice and forensic mental health services. 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 already leading complex projects and managing teams and partnerships. [Find out more and apply here by 30 January 2026]. 

Spark Inside is seeking a can-do, passionate, organised, and optimistic individual to join our team. [£33,437, Full time, East Midlands & South Yorkshire]. This is an exciting on-the-ground position, responsible for building relationships and engaging young people in prison and the community to participate in our life coaching workshops and one-to-one coaching. You will work mainly within prisons in East Midlands & South Yorkshire, as part of a team working nationally, collectively managing and co-ordinating a team of freelance coaches. You will also work in partnership with Youth Offending Services, the National Probation Service in the community, and other organisations as Spark Inside’s partnership work evolves. [Find out more and apply here by 19 January 2026]. 

Advance is seeking two dynamic individuals to join their team. [£38,000 to £48,000, Full time, Thames Valley, Portsmouth & Kent or East of England]. In this role as an experienced senior manager with leadership skills in providing services to women in contact with the criminal justice system, working with partners/funders, manage projects, work to develop and expand our services/partnerships and manage criminal justice managers and others as required. You will ensure, manage and oversee that the services work within the budget, are compliant with financial regulations, policies and procedures, and meet funding and Advance requirements. [Find out more for Thames Valley, Portsmouth & Kent role and apply here by 4 February 2026]. [Find out more for East of England role and apply here by 4 February 2026] 

Community Family Support Worker - West Yorkshire Community Chaplaincy Project [£28,598, HMP Leeds, part time]; Senior Specialist Support Worker - Imagine Independence [£27,789, Burnley, full time]; Independent Monitors in Prisons and Immigration Detention Estate - IMB Secretariat [Voluntary, National, part time]; Wellbeing Coach x2 - NEPACS [£27,261, Durham & Cleveland, full time]; Communications and Campaigns Officer - Birth Companions [£32,250, London, full time]; Service Manager - Imagine Independence [£37,843, Burnley, full time]; Senior Night Mental Health Rehabilitation Worker - Social Interest Group [£28,000, Catford, full time]; Female Support Worker - Imagine Independence [£23,870, Merseyside, full time]; Musician-in-Residence - Changing Tunes [£30,209–£32,918, Lichfield, part time]; Women’s Secure Pathway Enhancement Worker - Brighton Women’s Centre [£27,490, Maidstone, part time].

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

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