Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 934 | 29 May 2026

Light lunch

 

 

In this issue...

 

Clinks is inviting voluntary sector organisations working in the criminal justice system in the South West and South Central to join their next Area Engagement Forum. These online forums bring together people and organisations from across the region to share experiences, swap ideas and tackle challenges together. Whether you want to showcase your organisation’s work, hear how others are navigating similar challenges, or simply connect with peers who understand the realities of working in criminal justice, all are welcome. Clinks members and partners are also welcome to present at the forum. If you would like to do so, contact rachel.austinfrancis@clinks.org. [9 June | 10:00 - 11:30 | Online | Free] Register here

The next Clinks Women’s Network Forum will bring together professionals, practitioners and people with lived experience to explore health and wellbeing for women in prison. The full-day in-person programme will include insights from lived experience on what truly works in supporting women’s health, updates on progress in health and social care in women’s prisons, and a panel discussion covering mental health, substance use, self-harm, recovery and culturally competent care. Sessions will also focus on chronic health conditions and ageing, pregnancy, maternity and midwifery care in prison, and new research on addressing self-harm. This is a free event for members of the Clinks Women’s Network. [16 June | 10:00 - 15:00 | HMP Askham Grange, York | Free | Clinks Women’s Network members only] Register here

The next Clinks Families Network Forum will focus on the untapped potential of family contact in prisons. HM Inspectorate of Prisons will present the findings and recommendations of their recently published Families Thematic Review, Safety, Well-being and Hope, with an opportunity to hear directly from the team and to consider how the findings can help shape future services. There will also be an opportunity to discuss the impact of the Sentencing Act on families. The forum provides support, information and networking opportunities for those supporting families in contact with the criminal justice system, as well as a broader network of agencies, academic institutions and community support services with an interest in the needs of families. Please note that Families Network Forums are only open to network members. [23 June | 10:00 - 12:00 | Online | Free] Register here

Clinks is hosting its South East & East Area Engagement Criminal Justice Forum [30 June | 10:00 - 11:30 | online | free], bringing together voluntary sector organisations working within the criminal justice system across the region. The forum will provide an opportunity to share learning, discuss challenges, strengthen partnerships, and explore collective solutions to improve outcomes for people in contact with the criminal justice system. Book here

MEMBER FOCUS: Read Easy

Read Easy North, East & West Devon is part of Read Easy, an adult literacy charity providing free, confidential one-to-one reading coaching for adults who want to learn to read. Using a supportive phonics-based approach, trained volunteers help people improve their reading skills, build confidence, and gain greater independence in everyday life. Their work supports adults who may have struggled with reading for many years to access learning in a safe and encouraging environment. Find out more here

In England and Wales, children can be remanded to custody before they have been found guilty of any crime. In this episode, hosts Penelope Gibbs and Rob Allen are joined by Angus Jones, HMI Prisons Team Leader for Children and Young People, and Mel Stooks, solicitor, to ask whether too many children are being locked up unnecessarily and at what cost. The discussion is particularly timely given the Youth Justice White Paper’s commitment to reduce custodial remand by 25%. Listen to the podcast here

Spark Inside has released a new short film sharing the story of Donell and coach Jeffrey Wotherspoon, who first met through a Spark Inside workshop in a Young Offender Institution. The film reflects on their journey together and explores how consistent coaching support helped Donell build confidence and create a life he is proud of. Watch here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Too many children face short-term remand

HM Inspectorate of Prisons has reported that too many children are being placed on short-term custodial remand, despite professionals stating that many cases are avoidable. The report highlights poor outcomes for children remanded in custody and calls for action from the Ministry of Justice to address ongoing concerns within the youth justice system. Read here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Foreign national offenders policy framework updated

The Ministry of Justice and HMPPS have updated the policy framework for managing foreign national offenders released on licence or detained under immigration powers. The guidance covers areas including data sharing, accommodation, risk assessments, and licence production, and will be relevant to organisations working across probation, resettlement, and immigration-related support. Read here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Tim De Meyer reappointed to Sentencing Council

The Ministry of Justice has announced the further appointment of Tim De Meyer as the policing member of the Sentencing Council. The appointment will be of interest to organisations following sentencing policy, governance, and the development of sentencing guidelines. Read here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Prisoners - Fathers

In a written parliamentary answer, the Ministry of Justice confirmed that HMPPS works with commissioned services, voluntary and community sector organisations, and academic partners to inform policy and delivery relating to fathers in prison. The response also highlights the role of peer support and partnership working in supporting family relationships and lived experience-led approaches. Read here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Justice in Numbers Pocketbook

The Ministry of Justice has published the latest Justice in Numbers Pocketbook, providing a statistical overview of courts, prisons, probation, and sentencing trends across England and Wales. The publication offers a useful snapshot of wider pressures and trends across the criminal justice system. Read here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Disabled people’s experiences of access to justice

The government has published an evidence review exploring disabled people’s experiences of policing, courts, and prisons across the UK. The review highlights issues relating to inequality, accessibility, vulnerability, and lived experience within the criminal justice system. Read here

The Ministry of Justice and Legal Aid Agency have extended the deadline for the Legal Aid Provider Survey 2026. The survey is seeking evidence on legal aid market capacity and demand, and will be relevant to organisations supporting access to justice and legal representation. Read here

OPPORTUNITY: Common Ground Conference callout

The Culture, Health and Wellbeing Alliance is inviting proposals for workshops, activities, and an artist residency for its Common Ground Conference [7 October - 9 October | Barnsley]. The conference will bring together up to 300 people working across creative health and related sectors, creating space for learning, collaboration, and discussion around systemic change. Read here

Revolving Doors Agency is seeking a well-respected individual, who has active networks in policy, public affairs, and/or business sectors, including philanthropy to join their Board of Trustees. [Voluntary, Part time, London]. In this role you will help drive the success of an increasingly influential charity that is having substantial impact on national policy and on the lives of highly vulnerable people. A passion for our work and an appreciation of the unique insights brought by lived experience are essential. The overall time commitment for the Chair is expected to be around 1 day per month. The position of Chair is voluntary, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. Find out more and apply here by 22nd June 2026

Elizabeth Fry Charity is seeking a passionate, motivated individual to become part of our dedicated team. [Part time, £39,106 - £46,688, Reading]. In this role you will play a vital role in supporting women in the Criminal Justice System to rebuild their lives and move forward with confidence. This is a management role created to support the Charity’s growth and strengthen our leadership team. You will be a visible, supportive presence for staff, particularly during evening hours. Please note: this role is open to female applicants only, as permitted under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010, due to the nature of the work. Find out more and apply here by 26th August 2026 

Project Triage and Data Lead with St Giles Trust [£28547, Home based or working from a local office (Wolverhampton), full time]; Mentor - Women's Justice with The Wise Group [£25664, County Durham, full time]; Mentor - Women's Justice with The Wise Group [£25662, County Durham, full time]; Mentor - Women's Trailblazer with The Wise Group [£25664, County Durham, full time]; Project Lead with Change, grow, live (CGL) [£35220 to £37184, North West, full time]; CQC Registered Manager with The Nelson Trust [£35000 to £40000, Stroud, full time]; Experienced Self Employment Tutor with Entrepreneurs Unlocked CIC [£35000 to £40000, HMP Ashfield, Pucklechurch, Bristol, part time]; Criminal Justice - Resettlement and Support Manager with Elizabeth Fry Charity [£39106 to £46688, Reading, part time]; Prison Facilitator - HMP Elmley with Shannon Trust [£29263, HMP Elmley, part time]; Women's Recovery Coordinator (Female) with The Nelson Trust [£27000, Salisbury, full time].

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

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