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.
In this edition...
Clinks news: State of the Sector 2025 now published
We have now published the full State of the Sector 2025 report alongside a financial analysis, both of which are available to read on our website. These publications provide an essential overview of the voluntary sector working in criminal justice, and we hope they will be a valuable resource for members and the wider sector.
Women’s organisations in our focus groups highlighted the multiple complex needs and circumstances faced by many of the women they support, including experiences of poverty, domestic abuse, trauma and children being placed in care. As in previous years, the research found that sustainable funding for this vital work supporting women was increasingly difficult to achieve.
The report recommends an increase the availability of multi-year, unrestricted grant funding to support the sustainability of voluntary organisations and the services that they deliver. Read the State of the Sector 2025 here and Read the Financial Analysis here
Clinks news: Membership Renewals 2026
Clinks’ 2026 membership renewal process is currently underway, and we are still awaiting responses from several 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
Criminal justice news: Women’s Justice Board recommendations for reducing women’s imprisonment
On 16th March, the government published the Women's Justice Board Report with recommendations for reducing women’s imprisonment. They also announced funding amounting to almost £32m for investment in women’s services to tackle drivers into the criminal justice system. The aim is to enable women to receive specialist support to address health, housing and employment support, whilst recognising their needs as victims of crime. Evidence shows that more than two-thirds of women in custody report being victims of domestic abuse, a known factor in women’s criminalisation. The report also recommends greater use of Intensive Supervision Courts which the Government has committed to expanding — including a new site for women in Liverpool, due to open later this year. Read the Board's recommendations for reducing the use of imprisonment for women here and see Clinks response For more information on the funding opportunity see article under the ‘Funding’ heading below.
Criminal justice news: PPO to investigate use of restraints on pregnant women in prison
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has announced a special investigation into the use of restraints on pregnant women in prison during pregnancy-related hospital escorts. The investigation was commissioned by the Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending following allegations that HMPPS policy was breached at one or more women’s prisons. The announcement was made on 30 March 2026. Read the full announcement here
Criminal justice news: probation changes and expanding electronic monitoring
In March, the Government announced a significant expansion in the use of electronic monitoring, in addition to procedural reforms to probation supervision, as part of the implementation of the Sentencing Act. Clinks published a summary of what was included in the changes and a blog analysing the announcements, with a particular focus on the implications for the voluntary sector and for people with lived experience of the criminal justice system. Among other gendered reflections, we highlight how the question of shame and stigma linked to a visible tag needs to be specifically considered for women since societal attitudes to women who are perceived as ‘deviant’ are different from attitudes to men. Research into gendered experiences of shame and its impact on mental health should be considered. Find out more about the reforms here and get Clinks analysis of the impact here
Criminal justice news: Female Offender Dashboard: Update
On Thursday 12 March, the MoJ published an update to the Female Offender Strategy Dashboard which presents the key metrics identified in the Female Offender Strategy Delivery Plan (published by the previous government) via a web-based data visualisation tool. Access the dashboard here
Criminal justice news: A thematic inspection - What helps women cope in prison?
On Friday 13 March, HMPPS and the Probation Service published the HMPPS action plan, and 12-month update, in response to HMIP inspection on what helps women cope in prison. Access the action plan and the original inspection report here
Commissioning news: Women’s Community Support Services
The probation sourcing team at the Ministry of Justice has begun the process of market engagement for the commissioning of future Community Support Services for women. These will replace what are currently called Community Rehabilitation Services. A number of market engagement events have been held with more planned, including some with a co-commissioning focus. The near-final specification should be published in November. Clinks and members have warmly welcomed the communication and information-sharing and are pleased to see that the proposed delivery model for women has been informed by consultation with the women’s sector. Look out for further information soon.
Clinks networks: Women’s Network Forum
Clinks held a special women’s network forum on 9th March to mark International Women’s Day. 81 people took part in an inspiring online celebration of some of the incredible women working in our sector. We heard from a range of truly magnificent speakers all of whom are making huge contributions to improving outcomes for women affected by the criminal justice system. They shared how they had overcome barriers to ensure that their lived and learned experience was used to powerful effect in our member organisations and within HMPPS. The event was an uplifting experience and speakers were warmly received. Our next network forum, on the theme of health and wellbeing for women in prison, will be held in- person at HMP Askham Grange on 16th June. Save the date and look out for more details soon. Learn about Clinks work on women and find out more about the network here
Clinks members’ news: collaboration with police to improve practice for women
The Centre for Justice Innovation (CJI) has published an evidence and practice briefing on ‘Improving collaboration between police forces and women’s centres’. The briefing explores how partnerships between police and women’s centres can effectively work in practice, and how challenges and differing expectations and approaches to working with women can be overcome. It outlines strategies to bolster effective collaboration and partnership working to improve outcomes for women in contact with the justice system. Read the briefing
Clinks members’ news: 30 years of building change for pregnant women
Birth Companions is celebrating its 30th anniversary, marking 30 years of standing alongside pregnant women and mothers in prisons, in the community, and in the family courts. Birth Companions was founded in 1996 in response to undercover footage showing a woman from Holloway Prison handcuffed to prison officers whilst in labour at the Whittington Hospital. Since then, they have grown into a national charity, with specialist support services, achieving many milestones, including publishing the Birth Charter for women in prison, building a Lived Experience Programme, and establishing the Birth Companions Institute. Find out more about Birth Companions’ 30th anniversary
Conference: Trauma-Informed Justice for Women: Possibilities and Pitfalls
This once day conference, hosted by the University of Greenwich, will explore the potential and challenges of trauma-informed frameworks within justice systems. Co-sponsored by the British Society of Criminology and the Centre for Communities and Social Justice, the event [21 May | In-person | London] brings together scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to critically examine trauma-informed approaches to justice for women. Participants will reflect on what trauma-informed justice can achieve, where it may fall short, and how these approaches might be developed more critically and effectively. Find out more and book your place here
Acquired Brain Injury and Domestic Abuse
Prisoners’ Advice Service (PAS) is hosting an event to discuss the recent report “Acquired Brain Injury: An Invisible Consequence of Domestic Abuse for Women in The Justice System.” Report authors Dr Hope Kent and Professor Stan Gilmour will be joined by Dr Annmarie Burns, Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist at brain injury charity Brainkind, to explore the report’s implications. Refreshments will be served before and after the discussion. The event will take place on [18 June, London, Free]. To reserve your place, email list@prisonersadvice.org.uk
Supporting people who may have been wrongly convicted: Free training
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
Developing Trauma-informed Policies
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
WRC Training: Leadership Re-Imagined: Driving Equity, Impact, Growth and Innovation
This training programme by Women’s Resource Centre (WRC) provides tools, techniques and theory on a transformative leadership style for aspiring leaders interested in building healthy, inclusive and prosperous work environments, and who want to raise their confidence in their own leadership. [14 & 15 May | in person | £599] All sessions are delivered in a safe and participatory environment. The training is for anyone interested in strengthening their ability to lead with confidence and compassion, creating results, and initiating change, while fostering a work environment of belonging, transparency, and accountability. Find out more and book your place here You can also see details of other leadership courses on the website.
Stronger Together: National Women’s Justice Coalition’s first impact report
The National Women’s Justice Coalition (NWJC) has published its first impact report, Stronger Together – Four Years of the National Women’s Justice Coalition, showcasing what is possible when specialist women’s organisations unite behind a shared mission. The report highlights the coalition’s key achievements since its formation in 2021, including shaping national policy reforms, evidencing sector-wide funding challenges, amplifying lived experience leadership in influencing spaces, and strengthening the collective voice of specialist women’s services. Together, these efforts demonstrate both the vital role women’s organisations play and the power of coordinated action across the sector. Clinks is proud to continue supporting the NWJC through the development of the Women’s Services Map and the engagement of NWJC members in Clinks’ Women’s Forum. We have published a blog that explores what the report reveals about the value of coalition approaches, including how shared evidence, coordinated advocacy and lived experience leadership can support more effective engagement with policy and commissioning. Read the blog here, and read the full NWJC impact report here
Implementing community interventions – new report
HM Prison and Probation Service have published a new report exploring the factors that help, and hinder, the implementation of interventions within the community. The report finds that local probation culture, travel and location barriers, and wider organisational change can all affect delivery, recommending that interventions should be adapted to community settings rather than replicated directly from custodial settings. Read the report here
Free resource for people in prison
The Prison Phoenix Trust is making this new resource available now to support Mental Health Awareness Week 11-17 May 2026. The free Give It 10 pack provides people in prison with a resource to try yoga and meditation for just 10 minutes a day for 7 days. The pack - free for anyone living or working in prison - can be used by individuals or a group. It includes printed illustrated yoga sequences, a poster, safety tips and a calendar to track progress. It can be ordered from The Prison Phoenix Trust here
Women’s Forever Fund
The Women’s Forever Fund campaign is a bold new initiative to create a permanent ethical endowment fund for women’s organisations in the UK. The Forever Fund is designed to deliver long-term social impact, ensuring that women’s organisations have the financial stability to drive change in communities nationwide. Launched in January, the campaign is now live and seeks to achieve an initial government contribution of £50 million, drawn from the Dormant Assets Scheme, from which the women’s sector has never previously benefited. Corporate partners and philanthropists have indicated they will match-fund if the government commits first, unlocking long-term, blended investment and establishing stable, future-facing funding for vital women’s services. Find out more and support the campaign here
MoJ Women’s Diversion Fund
On Monday 16 March, the MoJ announced that thousands more vulnerable women trapped in a revolving door of criminalisation will receive drug, employment and housing support as part of £31.6 million funding boost. This investment will offer grant funding so that women’s community organisations can provide tailored services to help divert women from the criminal justice system and reduce the use of prisons. A market engagement session covering the upcoming grants competition for the new Women’s Diversion Fund is being held from [10.00 to 11.30 | Tuesday the 12th of May]. To attend the event and apply for funding, you will need to register using the MoJ Jaggaer procurement portal Register Now using reference PQQ_570 to search for the opportunity. If you do not already have access to the portal, contact 0845 0100 132 or email esourcing@justice.gov.uk. The deadline for submitting requests for an invitation to the event is [15:00 | Wednesday 6th May].
Solidarity Fund
The National Lottery Community Fund is open for applications to its Solidarity Fund, which supports organisations working to address the underlying causes of poverty, discrimination and disadvantage. Grants of £1 million to £5 million are available for between five and ten years and can be used flexibly to cover both running costs and project work. Applications should be led by and accountable to people with direct experience of inequality, and priority will be given to projects that tackle the deeper causes of inequality, strengthen communities, and share learning that can improve wider policies and systems. There is no deadline; decisions are made quarterly. Find out more and apply here
Sir Halley Steward Trust: Main Grants Programme
The Sir Halley Stewart Trust’s Main Grants Programme is open for applications [until 29 June 2026]. Grants of £5,000 to £60,000 are available over one to three years for service-delivery charitable organisations with an annual income of up to £3 million. The Trust is keen to support organisations that champion human rights, tackle inequality, and improve the wellbeing of people and communities facing disadvantage, and welcomes proposals for practical on-the-ground projects or work focused on the practical impact of research findings. Find out more and apply here
Receiving the Clinks women’s network ebulletin
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