Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 946 | 21 August 2026

Light lunch

 

 

 

In this issue...

 

 

Clinks has published a letter from the Chief Probation Officer outlining the next phase of Sentencing Act implementation and associated changes to probation practice from 1 October 2026. The letter sets out changes to the Progression Model and the Our Future Probation Service programme, including areas that may affect voluntary sector partners.

The Progression Model will introduce a three-part structure for eligible standard determinate sentences, covering custody, supervision in the community, and a final licence stage. Eligible standard determinate sentences will generally have a release point at one third of the sentence, while SDS Plus sentences will generally have a release point at halfway. People convicted of rape and certain child sexual offences are excluded, and releases will be phased between October 2026 and June 2027.

Other changes include a presumption of electronic monitoring in eligible cases, new restriction zones, Supervision Packages linked to assessed risk and need, and a new Probation Requirement replacing the Rehabilitation Activity Requirement for new Community Orders and Suspended Sentence Orders. Changes to pre-release planning and information sharing will also begin in September.

Read the letter here

Read Clinks’ detailed blog here

In an article for Charity Finance, Leanne Jeffery from Clinks examines what the latest State of the Sector data reveals about funding for criminal justice charities. The article highlights that only 25% of organisations report achieving full cost recovery across all commissioned services, while the largest 10% of organisations receive more than 90% of contract income. It also notes that successful trust and foundation applications have fallen sharply, from 43% to 27%. Leanne considers what these trends mean for the sustainability of organisations delivering vital support across the criminal justice system.

Read the article here

Earlier this year, the government published prison-by-prison transparency data covering the amount of planned core education hours between April 2025 and March 2027. However, this data is not enough. In partnership with RR3 Seat Holder for Education Jon Collins (Chief Executive of the Prisoners’ Education Trust), Clinks is inviting voluntary sector organisations to share their experiences of accessing prison education data and identify where important information is missing or difficult to obtain. Clinks will use the feedback to work directly with HMPPS and the MoJ to inform how data outputs and future data-gathering activities are designed and shared. The deadline for responses is Monday 28 September. 
 
Fill in the form, here

Clinks, in partnership with the National Association of Voluntary Community Action, is hosting a free workshop for local infrastructure support organisations. The session will strengthen understanding of the criminal justice system and how it affects local voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations and communities. It will cover the Sentencing Act, police, prisons, probation, local and regional structures, and the role of voluntary organisations in supporting people in contact with the criminal justice system and their families. This additional session has been added because the earlier session is fully booked. Places are limited to 20 participants, with a maximum of two places per organisation.

[Wednesday 18 November 2026 | 10:00 to 13:00 | Online | Free]

Register here

Clinks is hosting a three-hour online training session for voluntary sector staff and volunteers who are new to working in criminal justice, or would like to build their understanding of the system. The workshop will cover the national context, criminal justice terminology, the journey from arrest to conviction, prisons, probation, local and regional structures, inspectorates, and the role of the voluntary sector. Places are limited to 20 participants. A small number of free places are available for volunteers and specialist organisations.

[Thursday 15 October 2026 | 09:30 to 12:30 | Online | £75 members / £150 non-members]

Find out more and book here

Clinks is inviting voluntary and community sector organisations, alongside wider partners, to its South West and South Central Area Engagement Criminal Justice Forum. The forum provides a space to share experiences, discuss challenges, exchange practical ideas, offer peer support, and explore opportunities for new partnerships. Organisations are also welcome to showcase their work at future forums.

[Tuesday 13 October 2026 | 10:00 to 11:30 | Online | Free]

Register here

The Ministry of Justice has launched a consultation exploring options to introduce independent statutory regulation of probation practitioners. Clinks is preparing a collective voluntary sector response and is hosting a roundtable to gather views. The session will cover potential registration requirements, ongoing professional development, professional standards and ethics, fitness to practise processes, and the potential for a protected title.

[Wednesday 16 September 2026 | 10:00 to 11:30 | Online | Free]

Register here

Clinks has re-established its Small Organisations Network following the appointment of new Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group small organisation seat holders, Patsy Joyce and Dion Lee. This first meeting is open to Clinks members and non-members as a one-off taster session. Attendees will hear from Patsy and Dion, connect with other small organisations, and take part in the first session of a new mentorship pilot series. Matt Randle, Justice Director at Catch22, will explore the main governance barriers to securing statutory funding, what commissioners and prime providers look for, and how organisations can become more funding-ready.

[Monday 14 September 2026 | 15:30 to 16:45 | Online | Free]

Register here

Clinks is hosting the launch webinar for a new evidence review by Dr Sophie King-Hill of the University of Birmingham, exploring the relationship between masculinity and the criminal justice system. The review considers how ideas about masculinity can influence harmful behaviour, vulnerability, mental health, and engagement with support. It also examines the impact of online spaces, including the manosphere, and the role of gender-informed and trauma-informed approaches in prevention, rehabilitation, and improving outcomes.

[Monday 14 September 2026 | 11:00 to 12:00 | Online | Free]

Register here

Clinks is inviting voluntary organisations working in the criminal justice system in the Midlands to join its Area Engagement Criminal Justice Forum. The forum brings together people and organisations from across the criminal justice system to share experiences, hear about policy developments, exchange ideas, and discuss challenges. Members and partners are also welcome to showcase their work at future forums.

[Wednesday 26 August 2026 | 10:00 to 11:30 | Online | Free]

Register here

Clinks is hosting an evidence-gathering roundtable to support the voluntary sector to contribute to the Independent Review of the Prison System, led by Amber Rudd. The review is seeking views on the most significant risks facing prisons and opportunities to improve outcomes over the next 5 to 15 years. Discussions will draw on frontline, service user, and lived experience insight, alongside available data, and will inform a shared voluntary sector submission to the review.

[Monday 24 August 2026 | 14:00 to 15:30 | Online | Free]

Register here

MEMBER FOCUS: The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is open to young people aged 14 to 24, supporting them to build personalised programmes towards Bronze, Silver, or Gold Awards. Delivered through schools, youth clubs, prisons, hospitals, fostering agencies, and community settings, the programme helps young people develop skills, confidence, and resilience. The DofE also offers targeted programmes and funding opportunities for young people with lived experience of the justice system, including those in custody, serving community sentences, or at risk of offending. It works with HMPPS, prisons, secure settings, Youth Justice Services, and charities to support access and tailored delivery for justice-involved young people.

Find out more about The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award here

This September, state-funded residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation services across England will open their doors as part of Open Houses, a national campaign to improve understanding of residential treatment and increase access to it. Open Houses offers commissioners, clinicians, policymakers, partner organisations, community groups, and anyone with an interest in recovery the opportunity to visit a service, meet the people who live and work there, ask questions, and see recovery in action.

Find an Open House near you and book your visit here

The University of York is working with the James Lind Alliance on a project to identify the research questions that matter most for improving physical and mental health care in prisons. The project team has launched its first survey and is inviting responses from people with lived experience of being in prison with physical or mental health conditions, family members and carers, and professionals who work with people in prison with these conditions. The survey findings will help identify priorities for future research.

Complete the survey here

Find out more about the project here

Read the University of York project page here

Access the easy-read information sheet here

FairChecks, a campaign run by Transform Justice and Unlock, is hosting an online meeting on proposed reforms to the disclosure of childhood criminal records. The Government’s Youth Justice White Paper has outlined possible changes, including shorter rehabilitation periods for childhood offences, a review of specified offences, and whether all child custodial sentences should continue to be disclosed for life. The meeting will explore how the current disclosure system can hold people back, FairChecks’ proposals for reform, and how to build political support for change.

[Wednesday 2 September 2026 | 12:00 to 13:30 | Online | Free]

To attend, RSVP to contact@fairchecks.org.uk

Join Unbarred Press for the launch of Her/their Mighty Pen, a new collection of memoir, poetry, letters, and short stories by women and non-binary people in prison. Published on 3 September, the collection features a foreword by broadcaster and writer Scout Tzofiya Bolton. The online and in-person launches will explore how the collection came about, include readings and a question and answer session with contributing authors, and hear from experts in the field. Attendees will also be invited to create something to share with contributing authors who remain in prison.

[Thursday 10 September 2026 | 18:30 | Online | Free]

[Thursday 24 September 2026 | 19:00 | Clean Break, North London | Free]

Register for the online launch here

Register for the in-person launch here

One Small Thing is launching its Trauma-Informed Management Programme 2027 and is hosting a free live information session for anyone interested in finding out more. One Small Thing works towards a justice system that can recognise, understand, and respond to trauma, and supports organisations to develop their trauma-informed practice and capacity. The session will include a contribution from Jo Gough, Chief Executive of Rise and a 2025 Management Programme participant.

[Thursday 10 September 2026 | 12:00 | Online | Free]

Register for the information session here

Read more about the programme here

For further information, contact training@onesmallthing.org.uk

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Updated Turnaround Programme guidance published

The Ministry of Justice has published updated guidance for the Turnaround Programme, an early intervention offer delivered through Youth Justice Services for children aged 10 to 17 who are at risk of entering the youth justice system. The guidance promotes a voluntary, whole-family, and strengths-based approach for children affected by factors including mental health needs, substance misuse, care experience, victimisation, school absence, exclusion, and unmet learning needs. The programme received a further £46 million in February 2026 to continue until March 2029, and aims to support a further 12,000 children.

Read the guidance here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: First local data on homelessness at prison release to be published

The Ministry of Justice has announced that it will publish a new statistical annex on 1 October 2026 showing the accommodation status of people released from custody by Probation Delivery Unit. The data will include the number of people released with no fixed abode or who are rough sleeping. This will be the first planned local breakdown of homelessness at release and may help providers, commissioners, and local partnerships to understand need and hold services to account.

Read more here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: HMP Five Wells inspection identifies gaps in healthcare, resettlement, and progression

HM Inspectorate of Prisons found that HMP Five Wells had stabilised after a difficult early period, with improved leadership, better staff and prisoner relationships, and a reduction in violence involving younger men. The extensive use of peer workers was highlighted as a positive feature. However, inspectors found high levels of self-harm, insufficient education and work places, weak public protection arrangements, limited places on key behaviour programmes, and inadequate resettlement support despite a rise in releases. People in prison also faced unacceptable waits for healthcare, including GP, dental, mental health, and hospital appointments.

Read the inspection report here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: London Probation Service inspection finds gap between ambition and frontline public protection

HM Inspectorate of Probation has found strong strategic leadership and promising partnership structures in London, but insufficiently consistent frontline public protection practice. The region supervised 37,195 people in custody or the community and had a 33% vacancy rate at probation officer grade, despite improving staffing numbers. Inspectors identified weaknesses in assessment, planning, implementation, and review, alongside long-standing information-sharing problems with the Metropolitan Police. The report makes seven recommendations, including work to build practitioners’ confidence in professional curiosity and challenging conversations, and a national HMPPS approach to information sharing with police and children’s services.

Read the inspection findings here

FUNDING: Commonweal Housing - Call for New Ideas 2026

Social justice charity Commonweal Housing has launched its Call for New Ideas 2026, inviting organisations to propose innovative housing models that could improve outcomes for young people experiencing difficult transitions into adulthood. Successful applicants will receive funding to carry out a feasibility study exploring whether their proposal could become a future housing pilot in partnership with Commonweal. The opportunity is aimed at organisations that understand the challenges young people face and have bold ideas about how housing, alongside appropriate support, could make a lasting difference.

The deadline for applications is Friday 16 October 2026.

Find out more and apply here

FUNDING: Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - Reveal and Respond Programme

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust is offering grants to improve access to tailored mental health and wellbeing support for underrepresented groups within the armed forces community. UK registered charities, community interest companies, and local authorities can apply. Strand 1 offers £20,000 to £40,000 for two-year pilot projects, while Strand 2 offers £150,000 to £300,000 for projects ready to be scaled or strengthened over two to three years. Partnership working between armed forces organisations and specialist organisations is expected.

The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Wednesday 28 October 2026.

Find out more and apply here

FUNDING: Hilden Charitable Fund - Grants for penal affairs and refugee support

The Hilden Charitable Fund offers grants to smaller charities supporting asylum seekers, refugees, and penal affairs. Under its penal affairs funding, the Fund particularly welcomes work delivered in prison that supports people to cope, maintain family relationships, and prepare for resettlement, as well as post-release projects that support positive resettlement. Grants can cover core or project costs and are generally between £5,000 and £7,000 a year for two years, although grants of more than £10,000 a year may be awarded. Eligible organisations must have an annual income below £200,000 and less than 12 months’ spending held in cash reserves.

The deadline for applications is Thursday 27 August 2026.

Find out more and apply here

FUNDING: James Tudor Foundation - Mental Health Grants Programme

The James Tudor Foundation is offering grants of up to £25,000 over 12 months, and occasionally for up to three years, for evidence-based and trauma-informed work addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences. Funding is available to UK registered charities operating regionally or nationally that support children and young people affected by Adverse Childhood Experiences, or parents affected by such experiences, mental illness, or addiction. The programme specifically recognises having a parent in prison as an Adverse Childhood Experience. Eligible charities must have an annual income below £20 million and at least five years of audited or independently examined accounts.

The deadline for applications is Monday 31 August 2026.

Find out more and apply here

The Strategic Legal Fund is offering grants of up to £30,000 for strategic legal work in the UK that promotes and upholds the rights of people seeking asylum, refugees, and migrants. The Fund supports pre-litigation research and development of potential cases, as well as third-party interventions in existing cases. Projects may address areas including access to justice, asylum support, discrimination, housing, human rights, and welfare benefits. The average grant is expected to be around £12,000, with funding available for up to 12 months.

The deadline for applications is Monday 7 September 2026.

Find out more and apply here

FUNDING: Good Place to Live - New Beginnings Fund

Lloyds Bank Foundation is offering unrestricted grants to local organisations working to prevent homelessness at key life transitions, including for people leaving prison, young people leaving care, people leaving abusive relationships, and people moving on from the asylum system after securing the right to remain. Charities, charitable incorporated organisations, and community interest companies in England, Wales, or the Isle of Man can apply. Organisations with an annual income below £100,000 can apply for £100,000 over four years, while organisations with an income between £100,000 and £2 million can apply for £200,000 over four years. The Fund will make between 40 and 50 awards.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Wednesday 9 September 2026.

Find out more, check eligibility, and apply here

PUBLICATION: RJ4All policy briefing responds to the Youth Justice White Paper

Restorative Justice for All has published a policy briefing responding to the Government’s 2026 Youth Justice White Paper, Cutting Youth Crime. Changing Young Lives. The briefing considers proposed reforms including early intervention, diversion through out-of-court resolutions, strengthening youth justice services, multi-agency support, youth sentencing, remand funding, youth custody, mental health support, and the use of preventative analytics and digital tools. It recommends working with young people rather than for them, strengthening restorative justice practice and proactive access to restorative justice at all stages, improving support for girls at risk, and maintaining a consistent child-centred approach.

Read the policy briefing here

OPPORTUNITY: Nominations open for the Advising Londoners Awards

The Advice Services Alliance and University House have opened nominations for the second Advising Londoners Awards. The awards celebrate the work of free legal advice services across London, with eight categories recognising excellence in advice provision. Judges will also select the Bennett Award for an outstanding contribution to the sector. Nominations are free, and finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony on Tuesday 24 November 2026.

The deadline for nominations is Tuesday 22 September 2026.

Find out more and make a nomination here

Trustee - Deputy Safeguarding Lead with ADVANCE (Advocacy and Non-Violence Community Education) [Voluntary, Part Time]; Relief/Bank - Recovery Worker with Social Interest Group [£11, N21 2RH, Part Time]; Deputy Service Manager with Phoenix Futures [£36585, N7 8TT, Full Time]; Operations Officer with The Welcome Directory [£26400, England & Wales, Part Time]; Community Connections Coordinator with South West Community Chaplaincy Limited [£30024, Exeter, Part Time]; Coordinator: Community Perinatal Services with Birth Companions [£33500 to £33493, London, Part Time]; Retail Manager with Margaret Carey Foundation (trading as UpCycle) [£29500, Shipley, Full Time]; Support Coach with Social Interest Group [£28800, RM3, Full Time]; Mental Health Recovery Worker with Social Interest Group [£28800, N21 2RH, Part Time]; Information Advice and Guidance Advisor In Custody with The Growth Company [£28000, HMP Birmingham, Full Time].

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

READS OF THE WEEK:

EXTRA INFORMATION:

About Clinks Light Lunch

This edition of Light Lunch has been sent to the inbox of 8,321 people working (or with an interest) in the criminal justice system of England and Wales.
If you would like to include something in a future edition of Light Lunch, use our submission form.
Get involved Become a Member | Follow Clinks on LinkedIn 
Contact us www.clinks.org | info@clinks.org | 020 4502 6774
Click here to manage your subscriptions. For assistance, email info@clinks.org
Registered office: 82A James Carter Road, Mildenhall, Suffolk, IP28 7DE 
Registered charity: 1074546 | Company limited by guarantee in England & Wales: 3562176
© Clinks, 2026

Clinks logo