Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 925 | 27 March 2026

Light lunch

 

 

 

In this issue...

 

 

There is still time to register for the State of the Sector 2025 launch webinar [31 March | 10:00 - 11:30 | online | free]. The session will share key findings from this year’s research, including insights into the challenges facing the voluntary sector, examples of positive practice, and recommendations for change. The webinar will include contributions from Clinks, NCVO, and speakers from across the sector. Book here

Clinks’ 2026 membership renewal process is currently underway, and we are still awaiting responses from a number of organisations. Whether you are planning to renew or otherwise, a quick response helps us keep our records accurate and ensures we can continue to support the sector effectively. It only takes a few minutes to let us know either way. Find out more here

CLINKS NEWS: Probation Post Newsletter

Clinks has published the latest South West and South Central Probation Post newsletter, bringing together updates, news, and information relevant to voluntary sector organisations working with probation across the region. The newsletter highlights key developments, opportunities, and local activity to support organisations delivering services in the criminal justice system. Read here

Clinks has published a blog analysing recent government announcements on the expansion of electronic monitoring and reforms to probation supervision. The blog explores the potential implications for the voluntary sector and people in contact with the criminal justice system, including the importance of addressing underlying needs alongside monitoring. Read here

NATIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE ARTS ALLIANCE NEWS: Anne Peaker Lecture 2026

The National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance hosted the 2026 Anne Peaker Lecture at BBC Broadcasting House, bringing together the sector to reflect on the role of arts in the criminal justice system. This year’s lecture, delivered by Professor Shadd Maruna, explored why sustained access to creativity is essential, particularly for people in contact with the justice system. The event highlighted how arts-based approaches can support identity, connection, and positive change, alongside contributions from partners across the sector.

Clinks is hosting an online session with HMPPS on the recently published Risk Assessed Access for Personnel with Lived Experience of the Criminal Justice System Policy Framework [21 April | 14:00 | online | free]. The session will provide an overview of the framework, including the Lived Experience Appointment Pathway and how vetting decisions are made in practice. It will explore what this means for organisations working with people with lived experience, with time for discussion and an opportunity to ask questions. Find out more and book here

MEMBER FOCUS: Silk Futures CIC

Silk Futures is a social enterprise supporting young people affected by exploitation and involvement in the criminal justice system. They use music and creative programmes, alongside mentoring and therapeutic support, to help young people build confidence, develop skills, and move towards positive futures. Their work focuses on early intervention and long-term support to reduce harm and improve outcomes. Find out more here

HMPPS, in partnership with Open Clasp Theatre Company, is hosting an online screening of Rupture followed by a panel discussion exploring the impact of maternal imprisonment [20 April | 11:00 - 13:00 | online | free]. The session will bring together academics, practitioners, and policy professionals to reflect on themes of motherhood, separation, and resilience, and to consider how services can better respond to the needs of women and families affected. The event will also include an audience Q&A, offering an opportunity to engage directly with speakers. Book here

The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) is offering a free online information session for charities and volunteer groups supporting people with convictions [29 April | 11:30 | online | free]. The session will explain how the CCRC investigates potential miscarriages of justice, particularly in cases from magistrates’ and youth courts, and how organisations can support people who may have been wrongly convicted or sentenced. It will also provide an opportunity to ask questions and better understand when to signpost to the CCRC. Get in touch to register here

One Small Thing is running a half-day online training session to support organisations to review and develop trauma-informed policies. The session will help participants understand what is already in place, identify gaps, and consider how to embed trauma-informed approaches across their organisation [7 May | 09:30 - 13:00 | online | £95 + VAT]. It will be relevant for those looking to strengthen policy and practice through a trauma-informed lens. Find out more and book here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Government Agreement on Youth Justice 

The UK and Welsh Governments have published a new agreement setting out how they will work together on youth justice and probation. The agreement outlines shared responsibilities, priorities, and ways of working to support more coordinated delivery across services in Wales. It will be of interest to organisations working with children, young people, and people on probation. Read here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Preventing the Drivers of Youth Custody 

The Ministry of Justice has published a speech outlining approaches to preventing the drivers of youth custody. It highlights the importance of early intervention, partnership working, and addressing the underlying factors that lead children and young people into the justice system. The speech also sets out the government’s focus on reducing the number of young people entering custody and improving outcomes. Read here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Concerns Raised in Probation Inspection 

HM Inspectorate of Probation has reported concerns following a public protection inspection of probation services in the East of England region. The inspection highlights issues in managing risk and protecting the public, alongside areas for improvement in service delivery. Read more here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill

The government has published amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill ahead of committee stage, including a letter outlining changes for Lords Third Reading. The updates set out proposed revisions to the legislation and provide further detail on the government’s approach as the Bill progresses through Parliament. Read here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Courts and Tribunals Bill

The Courts and Tribunals Bill is currently at committee stage in the House of Commons. The Bill sets out proposals to reform aspects of the courts and tribunal system, and its progress will be of interest to organisations working across the criminal justice system. Follow its progress here

NON-MEMBERS’ EVENTS OR TRAINING: Youth Justice Leadership Conference

A two-day participatory leadership conference will bring together youth justice managers, desistance practitioners, and youth and community workers to explore how to safeguard young people from racism, radicalisation, and extremism. The event will focus on addressing exclusionary narratives, online harms, and systemic barriers affecting young people, supporting professionals working across youth justice and community settings [7 May - 8 May | 09:00 - 17:00 | Leicester]. Find out more and book here

RESOURCE: Free Yoga and Meditation Pack for Prisons

The Prison Phoenix Trust is offering a free Give It 10 pack to support mental health and wellbeing in prison settings, ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week [11 May - 17 May]. The resource encourages people to take 10 minutes a day over 7 days to try simple yoga and meditation practices that support calm, focus, and grounding. Designed for individuals or groups, the pack includes illustrated sequences, safety guidance, and a practice calendar to help introduce accessible wellbeing activities. Find out more

PUBLICATION: Liminal Legitimacy in Criminal Justice Practice

A new open-access article published in Punishment and Society examines how trust, legitimacy and credibility are constructed in criminal justice practice through the work of lived experience professionals. Drawing on interviews with lived experience professionals and mentees across prison, probation and community settings, the study finds that lived experience professionals occupy a necessary yet precarious position within penal systems, generating relational legitimacy within structures of surveillance and control. The article introduces the concept of “liminal legitimacy” to explain how relational authority is negotiated within disciplinary systems. Read the article here

PUBLICATION: Integrated Offender Management Impact Evaluation Report

The Ministry of Justice has published an evaluation of Integrated Offender Management (IOM), assessing its impact on reducing reoffending and supporting people with complex needs. The report examines how IOM is delivered in practice, including partnership working across agencies, and highlights key findings to inform future development of the approach. Read here

OPPORTUNITY: Care In The Courtroom

Researchers at the University of Oxford are inviting survivors of rape or sexual abuse whose cases were heard at Leeds, Newcastle or Snaresbrook Crown Court to share their experiences as part of the Care in the Courtroom research project. The study explores victims’ and survivors’ views on Specialist Sexual Violence Support courts and trauma-informed approaches, and findings will be used to inform government, courts, lawyers and police. Participants can take part via an anonymous online survey or a short interview, and all personal information will be anonymised. The study runs until the end of May 2026. Find out more here

OPPORTUNITY: Education and Employability Support for Young People

Our Future Tutoring is offering functional skills English and maths provision, alongside mentoring, life skills, and employability support for young people facing barriers to progression. Their services are aimed at those who are NEET, care-experienced, or preparing to move into employment, and include a flexible exam centre for partner organisations. They are looking to connect with organisations supporting young people who may benefit from a smaller, supportive learning environment. Find out more here

OPPORTUNITY: Young People’s Experiences of Parental Involvement

Project CAMEO is seeking to speak with young people aged 11 to 25 who have experience of a parent’s involvement in the criminal justice system, including arrest, court, custody, or resettlement. The research focuses on how young people find out about their parent’s situation and their experiences of support in the lead up to sentencing. Conversations will take place online, with alternative options available where needed, and participants will receive a £25 voucher in recognition of their time. Get in touch here

Prison Facilitator - HMP Leeds with Shannon Trust [£29,264, HMP Leeds, full time]; Property Maintenance Helpdesk Administrator with Nacro [£26,807, Derby, full time]; Reading Strategy Facilitator - HMP Ranby with Shannon Trust [£29,264, HMP Ranby, part time]; Community Employment Adviser with Achieve [£26,485–£30,012, CW1 6YY, full time]; Housing Support Worker – Sunderland with Nacro [£27,807, Sunderland, full time]; Housing Support Worker - Middlesbrough with Nacro [£27,807, Middlesbrough, full time]; Housing Support Worker - Bangor with Nacro [£27,807, Bangor, full time]; Housing Support Worker - Cardiff with Nacro [£27,807, Cardiff, full time]; Housing Support Worker - Wrexham with Nacro [£27,807, Wrexham, full time]; Housing Support Worker - Birmingham with Nacro [£27,807, Birmingham, full time].

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

READS OF THE WEEK:

EXTRA INFORMATION:

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