News | May 2025

Over the past few weeks, Odd Arts has been using theatre to communicate more powerfully and effectively on both a systemic and personal level within the criminal justice system. On International Human Rights Day we shared our final performance of *INSIDE & OUT* — a legislative theatre piece co-created with men who have experience of the CJS, exploring belonging, safety and justice in our city. Read more about what happened that day and the other work they are undertaking here

NCJAA Members and Network News: FREE Music Programmes from Finding Rhythms Studio

Finding Rhythms Studio (formerly Making Waves) is our flagship one-to-one music-making programme designed for people at risk of offending, including those leaving prison. Over 10 sessions, participants work with a professional producer in our private studio to create, record, and release their own music - building confidence and gaining new skills along the way. Alongside music-making, participants can also gain a King’s Trust qualification, receive mentoring from Trailblazers to support them into employment, as well as join our alumni programme for live performance opportunities, industry masterclasses, and ongoing support. FR Studio is for those who are: Are receiving support in the community for risk factors related to violence or offending, or have recently left prison Are interested in music and want to develop their skills and creativity with support from a professional producer Are keen to benefit from employability support Age 18-35 (with priority spaces for those aged 25 and under) and live in London. Referrals can be made online HERE. Or contact info@finding-rhythms.co.uk for more information.

EVENT: Clinks The role of local infrastructure organisations supporting people and their families in the Criminal Justice System

7 May | 09:30-12:30 | Online | Free

This training is exclusively for local infrastructure support organisations. The recently announced Sentencing Act and the implementation of key measures due to commence in Spring 2026, will result in increased need for and engagement with local VCSE services to support community sentencing. Enabling individuals in contact with the criminal justice system and their families to access needs-led services and opportunities for support in their local areas. The scale and complexity of the criminal justice system can often feel overwhelming and confusing. This workshop is designed to enable local infrastructure voluntary sector staff increase awareness of how the system works and to create space for discussion about how they can support local VCSE organisations operating within it, exploring the challenges and opportunities that exist. Places are limited to a maximum of 20 participants per workshop, with a limit of 2 per individual organisation. More info and booking here

EVENT: Geese Theatre Company Information Session

7 July | 11:00-13:00 | Online | £5

For anyone interested in hearing more about their work, intrigued about the use of theatre in CJS, or researching the role of the arts in custodial and community settings. An informal, 2-hour session, delivered by one of Geese's senior practitioners, with filmed examples of the work and plenty of space for your own questions. More info and booking here

EVENT: No Place Productions Managers to Mentors

19 May or 23 June | 10:00-16:00 | Liverpool | Free

Managers to Mentors is a unique, co-produced, creative programme which equips organisations with the skills, empathy, and practical tools needed to recruit, support, and retain young people who have faced barriers, including care-experienced, neurodiversity, SEND, and experience of the criminal justice system. Developed and delivered by No Place Productions – a theatre and digital arts company with over 12 years experience of delivering creative intervention and training within the criminal justice system. Managers to Mentors is coproduced in direct partnership with young people facing difficulties, using multimedia and live performance with professional actors to place young peoples voices at the heart of the training. It is a free in person event 10.00-4.00pm. Choose from 19th May or 23rd June. Register attendance via Eventbrite. Lunch is provided.

EVENT: Clinks South West & South Central Area Engagement Criminal Justice Forum

9 June | 10:00-11:30 | Online | Free

Connect with voluntary sector partners in your area to share learning and discuss local criminal justice challenges. More info and booking here

TRAINING: Clinks Working and volunteering in prisons training

25 June | Online | From £95

Are you new to working or volunteering in prisons? Do you have volunteers or staff members who want to increase their understanding of the prison system? Join us at this three-hour training session for voluntary sector staff and volunteers in which we aim to raise awareness of the prison environment and provide information on key aspects such as staffing structures and departments, prison procedures and current challenges associated with working in prisons. More info and booking here

VACANCIES

• Fine Cell Work: Volunteer Coordinator Deadline 17 May
• Clinks: Business Administrator Deadline 15 May

Want to post a vacancy?

Clinks members can post job and volunteer vacancies on our Jobs Board for free.

Full instructions for uploading a vacancy can be found here. For assistance, email membership@clinks.org

RESOURCE: Clinks Report State of the Sector 2025

Our 2025 State of the Sector report highlights the unique needs and challenges faced by the voluntary sector working in criminal justice in England and Wales. Drawing on responses to our online survey and our area-based and thematic focus groups, the report examines the context in which the sector operates and its implications, including increased demand for their services, users presenting with more complex needs and vetting difficulties. Despite these difficulties, we highlight examples of good practice and offer detailed recommendations for funders, commissioners, policymakers to: 

·       Secure sustainable funding,

·       Improve commissioning and policy,

·       Strengthen the sector’s capacity to meet increasing need 

Download the full report here, where you will also find the accompanying Financial Analysis.