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: RR3 SIG on the Successful Implementation of the Sentencing Act
Clinks has begun its work on the Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group (RR3) Special Interest Group (SIG) on the successful implementation of the Sentencing Act. Over the course of June and July, Clinks held a series of roundtable sessions focusing on specific elements that are crucial to the Act’s implementation, including a session focused on Lived Experience, a session with organisations working to support the families of people in the criminal justice system at the Clinks Families Network, a session with organisations working in providing drug and alcohol support with Collective Voice, and a final, broader session on resettlement. Clinks’ policy team is now drafting a series of reports to capture the key findings from these sessions and will be publishing them in due course. Read the group’s Terms of Reference, here.
Clinks news: Sector Views on Changes to the Recall Process (FTR56)
As a part of Clinks’ ongoing engagement with officials at the Ministry of Justice leading on recall policy, we have been surveying the sector on the early impact of the fixed-term recall (FTR56) model, including what you are seeing as the main drivers for recall, where it is or is not working as intended, and any gaps in support during the 56-day period or on re-release that may contribute to re-recall. We have also been gauging the sector’s views on local alternatives to recall and what changes could improve the process overall. Clinks’ policy team has now collated the sector’s reflections and has produced an output for officials which will help shape future policy development surrounding recall. We will publish any outcomes that result from this consultation in due course. For a concise summary of what FTR56 means for prisoners see this article in Inside Time
Clinks news: Partnership with the Worshipful Company of Weavers continues
Clinks has been collaborating with the Weavers Company since 2024, to help them further their aim of reducing the harm caused by imprisonment to women. In May, they announced plans to fund a pilot to demonstrate how early intervention prevents escalation into custody for girls and young women. The NEST (Nurture, Empower, Support, Thrive) programme will launch later this year to provide early, trauma-informed, community-based support for young women aged 14–25, across two sites in Leeds and London, delivered by Clinks members, Advance and Together Women. The Weavers are providing an initial investment of £500,000 and, with support from Clinks, are seeking to raise additional funding to ensure that the pilot will be independently evaluated, provide a blueprint for replication and a practitioner toolkit, and offer opportunities for an alumni network of peer mentors, allowing the model to grow in reach and scale. Find out more about The NEST
Criminal justice news: Independent Review into the Prison System
In July, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) announced that they will be undertaking an independent review of the prison system. The review will focus on tackling persistent challenges including violence, illicit drugs, organised crime, staffing pressures, and the condition of the prison estate. In addition to considering the implications of emerging security threats, including drones and cyber risks, the review will also consider how prisons can strengthen rehabilitation, improve staffing and leadership, and ensure the estate is fit for the future, alongside preventing violence, reducing self-harm, and improving day-to-day conditions. Clinks will be engaging closely with the review, including facilitating a wide range of opportunities for the sector to provide their feedback. We will provide further details on these opportunities in due course. Further details about these opportunities will be shared in due course. Read the terms of reference here
Criminal justice news: Women in the Criminal Justice System: Policy Statement
Published last week, this statement outlines the UK Government’s commitment to improving outcomes for women in or at risk of contact with the criminal justice system and reducing the number entering or returning to custody. It recognises that many women face complex challenges, including trauma, mental health problems and substance misuse, which require a coordinated cross-government response. Clinks welcomes the statement which focuses on prevention, diversion and rehabilitation. Key measures include the previously announced £31.6 million of funding for women’s voluntary and community sector organisations, including the Women’s Diversion Fund; expansion of Intensive Supervision Courts for women from one to six sites; and wider implementation of Prison-Based Social Workers across the women’s prison estate. The announcement of a new Women’s Justice Advisory Group is important, but Clinks believes that system wide change could be achieved by full implementation of the Women’s Justice Board recommendations and a mechanism for investment in specialist women’s services. We know that women’s centres are key to offering appropriate support that can create improved outcomes and with sustainable models, significant improvements could be delivered. Read the statement here
Criminal justice news: Sentencing Act implementation – the Progression Model explained
In June, Lord Timpson signed the Commencement Order giving effect to the new progression model that will be established in September. The new model, which will go live on 2nd September, is one of the core measures within the Sentencing Act. In this blog, Sam Julius, Clinks Director of National Influencing and Networks, explains how the model will see the majority of people serving standard determinate sentences (SDS) released at the 33% point of their sentence. The second third of the sentence will be spent under active supervision by probation, and the final third will be the ‘on licence’ stage where everyone on probation will remain on licence and be at risk of recall if in breach of licence conditions. Releases under the progression model will be implemented in tranches, with ten tranches starting from 2nd September. Read the blog here
Criminal justice news: New Intensive Supervision Courts (ISCs)
In June, the government announced £9 million funding to more than double number of Intensive Supervision Courts (ISC). The model recognises that factors like addiction and trauma can be the root causes of repeat offending. It requires people to engage in treatment and offers support whilst attending regular reviews before the same judge who will engage with them on behaviour changes. The expansion will see the number of these pioneering courts rise from 5 to 11 sites across the country, with a focus on specific cohorts of people, including women. New courts for women will be in Leeds, London, Newcastle and Swansea, joining the previously announced ISC for women in Liverpool, the existing ISC in Birmingham and the women’s Problem-Solving Court in Greater Manchester. Clinks welcomes this additional investment into Intensive Supervision Courts for women, particularly given the vital role our women’s network members play in delivering the wraparound support that sits alongside them. See the announcement here
Commissioning news: Women’s Community Support Services London
London’s co-commissioning partners are hosting a market engagement event for the upcoming Women’s Community Support provision. The session is open to all interested organisations, whether considering bidding as a lead provider or as part of a supply chain. It will introduce the co-commissioning partners, provide a high-level overview of the proposed specification, explain how this aligns with the HMPPS Core Specification, outline key priorities and expectations for delivery in London, and allow for initial questions and engagement. [Monday 28 July 2026 | 10:00 to 11:30 | Online | Free] Register your interest and join here
Clinks networks: Women’s Network Forum
In June, Clinks held an in-person women’s network on health and wellbeing for women in prison, attended by 67 people, at HMP Askham Grange. We were hosted by the brilliant conference team, staffed by women prisoners training in hospitality. We set the scene with short animation highlighting women’s lived experiences. An update was shared on the change being driven in some prisons by implementation of the women’s prisons health and social care review recommendations. Our panel discussed the need for further action on issues including menopause and barriers to care for women from racially minoritised groups. Birth Companions presented an informative session on pregnancy and early motherhood, and Together Women ended the event on a positive note outlining support available for women after release from prison. If you’d like to receive any of the slides from the event, please email jackie.lowthian@clinks.org
Clinks members’ news: funding to raise awareness of the impact of women’s centres
The National Women’s Justice Coalition (NWJC) has received a funding boost of £50,000 from the JABBS Foundation for Women and Girls to deliver a Women’s Centres Awareness Programme. Running from June 2026 to January 2027, the programme will strengthen the coalition’s ability to champion the vital role of Women’s Centres by amplifying evidence of their effectiveness and increasing engagement with key decision-makers at both local and national levels. By bringing together robust evidence, lived experience, and frontline expertise, the initiative aims to demonstrate the value of women’s centres as a proven, gender-responsive alternative to the criminal justice system. Find out more here
Clinks members news: Young Women’s Advisory Network launches
As part of their Young Women’s Justice Project, the Agenda Alliance are currently recruiting for their Young Women’s Advisory Network for young women aged 17-25 with experience of the criminal justice system. The purpose of the Network is to ensure that young women themselves are central to the design and development of the policies and programmes that shape their lives. The Network will meet 6 times over the next year, with renumeration offered through vouchers at £15 an hour. Alongside other opportunities, the Network will be involved in the development of a toolkit for professionals on how to speak to, work with, and support young women in contact with the criminal justice system. Find out more about Young Women's Justice Project If you are working with any young women who have experience of the criminal justice system, and who you think might be interested in joining the Network, please email tara@agendaalliance.org for more information.
Clinks members news: Impact of new Equality Guidance
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) draft Code of Practice was laid before Parliament on 21 May 2026, following the Supreme Court's April 2025 ruling that "sex" in the Equality Act 2010 refers to biological sex. The Code provides practical guidance for organisations across sectors, including healthcare, leisure, hospitality and community services. For women's organisations, it offers a clearer framework for operating single-sex services where restricting access by biological sex is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim, such as supporting women affected by male violence or providing shared refuge accommodation. The Women's Resource Centre (WRC) is seeking feedback on how organisations are responding to the new Code. Whether you are reviewing policies, seeking legal advice or assessing its implications, complete WRC's short survey to help inform sector-wide support and guidance. Find out more and complete the survey
Clinks training: Sentencing Act Webinar – what it means for the voluntary sector?
The Sentencing Act gained Royal Assent in January 2026. It is the biggest reforms in decades, introducing a presumption of suspended sentences for short custodial terms, extending deferred sentencing periods, and updating the purposes and management of sentences. This session [18 August 2026, 10:00 - 11:30, online, free] will provide details of the Sentencing Act and the Progression Model and explain how the different elements of how the Act will be implemented. Find out more and book your place here
Clinks training: Working and volunteering in prisons
Aimed at people who are new to working or volunteering in prisons, this training session [17 September, 10:00 - 13:00, online, from £95] aims 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. It explores ways in which voluntary sector staff can have meaningful and professional engagement with prisons operationally, as well as ensuring safety and responsible ways of working are understood and prioritised. If your organisation has volunteers or staff members who want to increase their understanding of the prison system, find out more and book places here
WRC Training: NBWL Elevate Session - Being Influential Without a Title
This session, hosted by the Women’s Resource Centre (WRC) as part of the Network for Black Women Leaders (NBWL) programme, will offer space to explore how to build credibility, shape conversations, strengthen relationships and communicate with authority, even when you are not the most senior person in the room. It will reframe leadership as behaviour, not position, and offer practical ways to be seen, heard and trusted without waiting for permission or appointment. Founder and UK representative for Synergy DMC, Chantal Potgieter will explore how influence actually works, and how Black women can lead from where they are. [29 September 2026, 11:30, online] Find out more and book your place here
Spotlight on Probation: pregnant women and mothers of infants under the age of two under probation supervision
Pregnant women and mothers of infants under the age of two in contact with the criminal justice system are a small but highly marginalised group, facing complex and acute challenges. For 30 years, Birth Companions has been working to drive better care, equity and justice for women and babies impacted by this system. Over the past decade there has been a welcome focus on pregnant women and mothers in prison, with growing consensus that the imprisonment of this cohort of women is unacceptable. As we look to a future in which Sentencing Act (2026) changes should mean far fewer women sentenced to prison, it is vital that probation services are equipped to address the risks associated with pregnancy and early motherhood, and to recognise and meet the needs of mothers and their children. Currently, they are neither. Read the report here
Policy briefing: Pregnant Women and Mothers on Release from Prison
This policy briefing, published by University of Hertfordshire, is part of the Lost Mothers Project. Published on 16th July, the paper, entitled A National 1001 Days Pathway for Pregnant Women and Mothers on Release from Prison: Closing the Release Gap, makes the case for a fully-funded, co-produced national pathway that ensures coordinated pre-release planning, continuity of care, safe housing, and joined-up support for pregnant women and mothers of babies under two across all areas of the Criminal Justice System (CJS). Currently, too many women are released into homelessness, instability, and fragmented services, leading to avoidable recall to prison, mental health crises and family separation during the critical first 1001 days of life. The research shows the need for consistent, trauma informed support to ensure no mother or baby falls through the gaps during this crucial period. Access the briefing here
Research: Vital role of women’s services in preventing survivors’ unjust criminalisation.
This new research, published by the Centre for Women’s Justice (CWJ) shows how a lack of understanding of domestic abuse by police and prosecutors leads to unjust criminalisation of victims-survivors. The report, 'They don't understand abuse', uses case examples and insights from frontline women's services and survivors to explore failings in the police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) response to victims of domestic abuse who are accused of offending. CWJ are using this research to highlight the important role played by women's specialist services in supporting and advocating for survivors in these cases, and the need for gaps in support to be addressed. Read the report
Research: Young adult women prisoners’ understandings of safety and ‘good’ staff-prisoner relationships
This paper describes the findings of a study of young adult prisoners in HMP Styal. The research examined prisoners’ understandings of (un)safety in prison, as well as their reported experiences of staff-prisoner relationships, through an intersectional lens of age and gender. The study included 24 qualitative 1:1 interviews, as well as co-produced drama workshops with a group of eight young adults, the latter facilitated by network member, Clean Break Theatre Company. Read the paper
Research: Police custody as a gendered space:
The STAR-funded ‘Gendering Police Custody’ project examines how detainee populations differ by gender and whether this affects case outcomes. It analyses intersections between gender, ethnicity, offence type, and arrest or voluntary interview status, while documenting women’s experiences in police custody. The study also investigates how existing laws, policies, and guidance address the needs of diverse women, many of whom have experienced domestic abuse or sexual trauma. Its goal is to identify gaps and recommend changes to support a more gender-responsive approach to policing custody. Led by Professor Layla Skinns at the Centre for Criminological Research, University of Sheffield, the project began with a comprehensive literature review to pinpoint key gaps in research and policy. Further details are available through the 'Gendering Police Custody' research website. The literature review 'Police Custody as a Gendered Space' has been published with a full research report expected later this year.
Research: International examples of community approaches for women
Sarah Smith, Churchill Fellow and Policy Manager at One Small Thing, has published her Churchill Fellowship report, Community Over Custody, highlighting international examples of community-based approaches for women impacted by the justice system. Drawing on conversations with practitioners and women with lived experience from Canada, Germany and Finland, the report highlights how innovative projects are moving away from tired narratives about crime and punishment, focusing instead on what helps people rebuild their lives. These projects offer fresh perspectives and practical ideas for change in the UK, with a focus on the importance of housing, trauma-informed support and strong community safety nets. The learning in the report allows us to see familiar challenges through a new lens, to question our assumptions, and to imagine new possibilities for change. Findings will help drive continued conversations about how we create systems-change to support women in the community. Read the report If you have any questions, or want to learn more, please contact Sarah directly sarahs@onesmallthing.org.uk
Staying Grounded in Leadership for the Long Haul
This blog is published by the Women’s Resource Centre and reflects on what it takes to keep leading when the work is emotionally demanding, under-resourced and rooted in systems that do not always move quickly. The topic was the focus of a recent Network for Black Women Leaders Elevate Session with Mollin Delve, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of P.H.O.E.B.E., the only charity supporting Black and minoritised women and children fleeing domestic abuse in East Anglia. The session explored what it means to sustain purpose-driven leadership over many years. Not just how to start something, but how to protect it, grow it and remain connected to the mission through uncertainty, resistance and change. Read the blog here
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