In this issue...
- CLINKS EVENT: Clinks’ 28th Annual General Meeting
- CLINKS EVENT: London Area Engagement Criminal Justice Forum
- CLINKS EVENT: Learning Together: Families Network Forum
- CLINKS EVENT: The role of local infrastructure organisations in the criminal justice system
- CLINKS EVENT: North East, Yorkshire and Humber Criminal Justice System Forum
- MEMBER FOCUS: Reflections Yorkshire CIC
- CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Alliance for Youth Justice raises concerns about children in custody
- CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: A Band of Brothers to feature on BBC Radio 4
- CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Recoop publishes 2025/26 Annual Report
- CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: MoJ’s Women’s Early Testing Learning Session
- CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Women’s Community Support Services networking sessions
- CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Regional webinars on Women’s Community Support Services
- CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Your Community In Justice webinar
- CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: CCRC information sessions for organisations supporting women and girls
- CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Launch of the Young Adult Probation Hub Toolkit
- CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Probation public protection work remains inconsistent
- CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Specialist rape courts to be rolled out across England and Wales
- FUNDING: £11.4 million for victim services in West Yorkshire
- FUNDING: Grassroots Grants for small community organisations
- FUNDING: Communities Building Economic Change
- FUNDING: Wooden Spoon grants for projects supporting children and young people
- PUBLICATION: Ministry of Justice publishes one-year AI Action Plan update
- OPPORTUNITY: Have your say on probation inspection ratings
- OPPORTUNITY: Could you become a magistrate?
- OPPORTUNITY: Konnect seeks volunteers with lived experience
- OPPORTUNITY: Young Futures, Brighter Lives seeks VCSE organisations
- OPPORTUNITY: Young People’s Sexual Health Survey
- FEATURED VACANCY: Women's Accommodation Support Worker
- CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:
- READS OF THE WEEK:
- EXTRA INFORMATION:
CLINKS EVENT: Clinks’ 28th Annual General Meeting
Join us for Clinks’ 28th Annual General Meeting (AGM), providing an opportunity for members to take part in the business that is vital to our work, including exercising their right to elect Clinks trustees and commenting on our work and priorities for the year ahead. We also have some exciting, guest speakers lined up so make sure to check future editions of Light Lunch for more info! [11 November | 11:15 - 12:45 | online | free]
CLINKS EVENT: London Area Engagement Criminal Justice Forum
Join Clinks for the next London Area Engagement Criminal Justice Forum, bringing together voluntary sector organisations working across the criminal justice system in London [28 September | 10:00 - 11:30 | online | free]
The forum provides an opportunity to connect with other organisations, discuss emerging issues and challenges, share information and help ensure the experiences of the voluntary sector inform Clinks’ work.
CLINKS EVENT: Learning Together: Families Network Forum
Join Clinks’ Families Network for a session exploring the value of shared knowledge, research and lived experience in building better support for children and families affected by the imprisonment of a family member [29 September | 10:00 - 12:00 | online | free]
Professor Kevin Woods and Dr Stephanie Scott will discuss children affected by parental imprisonment, the importance of training prison staff on the impact imprisonment has on families, and new research exploring a whole-system approach to supporting them. The forum is open to Families Network members.
CLINKS EVENT: The role of local infrastructure organisations in the criminal justice system
Due to popular demand, Clinks and the National Association of Voluntary Community Action (NAVCA) are hosting another training session for local infrastructure organisations [18 November | 10:00 - 13:00 | online | free]. The workshop will help participants deepen their understanding of the criminal justice system and explore how they can support local voluntary sector organisations working with people in contact with the criminal justice system and their families.
CLINKS EVENT: North East, Yorkshire and Humber Criminal Justice System Forum
Join Clinks for the North East, Yorkshire and Humber Criminal Justice System Forum [30 September | 10:00 - 11:30 | online | free]. The forum will bring together voluntary sector organisations to hear updates on Clinks’ area engagement and policy work, connect with others and discuss challenges facing organisations delivering criminal justice services.
Commissioning and Partnership Managers from the North East and Yorkshire and Humber Probation Service will also share regional priorities and explore how engagement between HMPPS and the voluntary sector can be strengthened.
MEMBER FOCUS: Reflections Yorkshire CIC
Reflections Yorkshire CIC supports people experiencing addiction and mental health challenges through lived experience-led, non-clinical support. Based in Castleford, its work includes recovery programmes, peer support, supported housing, education and training, employment support and community activities.
Reflections uses lived experience and community participation to help people rebuild their lives, develop independence and reconnect with their communities. Its work also includes support for people affected by offending and contact with the criminal justice system.
CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Alliance for Youth Justice raises concerns about children in custody
The Alliance for Youth Justice has responded to HM Inspectorate of Prisons’ Children in custody 2025-26 findings, warning that children’s rights, safeguarding and welfare are still not being upheld across youth custody. AYJ highlights concerns including violence, time spent locked in cells, access to education and the experiences of children with disabilities and neurodivergence.
AYJ argues that improvements at some establishments do not address wider systemic problems and is calling for a move away from Young Offender Institutions and Secure Training Centres towards smaller, local and child-centred settings.
CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: A Band of Brothers to feature on BBC Radio 4
Clinks member A Band of Brothers is a charity supporting young men through community-based mentoring and positive relationships with older men. Its work particularly supports young men facing challenges including trauma, social exclusion and involvement with the criminal justice system, helping them build confidence, connection and a more positive future.
The organisation will feature on BBC Radio 4’s Turning Point [8 October | 13:45], providing an opportunity to hear more about its work. Listen out for the programme and find out more about A Band of Brothers through its media hub.
CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Recoop publishes 2025/26 Annual Report
Recoop, a national charity dedicated to supporting older people in the justice system, has published its 2025/26 Annual Report, marking its first full year as an independent charity.
During the year, Recoop supported 2,558 people and recorded 385,057 peer-support touch points through its Buddy, Threads Maps and Activity Hub services across prisons in England. The report also highlights its contribution to national policy and practice, including recognition of its peer support and social prescribing approach as positive practice in the Chief Medical Officer’s report on health in prison and probation.
CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: MoJ’s Women’s Early Testing Learning Session
The first in a series of Women’s Early Testing Learning Sessions will share emerging learning from supporting women as they transition from custody into the community. The session will focus on early preparation and release, including identifying pre-release needs, building relationships, coordinating support and helping women overcome practical barriers on release day.
CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Women’s Community Support Services networking sessions
The Probation Sourcing Team is holding a series of online networking and presentation sessions for organisations interested in delivering Community Support Services for women in prison and on probation. The sessions aim to support the development of collaborative supply chains and connect prospective Lead Bidders with Supply Chain Partners ahead of the tender process.
Lead Bidder sessions
Session 1 [6 October | 10:00 - 14:00 | online] Register here
Session 2 [8 October | 10:00 - 14:00 | online] Register here
Supply Chain Partner sessions
Session 1 [13 October | 10:00 - 14:00 | online] Register here
Session 2 [15 October | 10:00 - 14:00 | online] Register here
Session 3 [20 October | 10:00 - 14:00 | online] Register here
Session 4 [22 October | 10:00 - 14:00 | online] Register here
CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Regional webinars on Women’s Community Support Services
The Probation Sourcing Team is holding regional webinars on the recommissioning of Women’s Community Support Services and the future delivery model across probation regions. Regional teams will share local priorities, service requirements, delivery considerations and the indicative procurement timetable, with opportunities to ask questions. These sessions are for market engagement only and do not form part of the procurement process.
Kent, Surrey & Sussex [5 October | 10:00 - 12:00 | online] Register here
South West [5 October | 14:00 - 15:00 | online] Register here
Wales [7 October | 14:00 - 15:30 | online] Register here
South Central [12 October | 10:00 - 11:00 | online] Register here
West Midlands [12 October | 14:00 - 16:00 | online] Register here
East of England [14 October | 10:00 - 12:00 | online] Register here
East Midlands [14 October | 14:00 - 15:00 | online] Register here
Yorkshire & Humber [19 October | 10:00 - 12:00 | online] Register here
North East [19 October | 13:00 - 15:00 | online] Register here
North West [21 October | 09:30 - 11:00 | online] Register here
London [26 October | 14:00 - 16:00 | online] Register here
CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Your Community In Justice webinar
Black Men 4 Change is hosting the first Your Community In Justice webinar, exploring cultural competency, disparity and the experiences of communities affected by the criminal justice system. The first conversation will focus on the experiences of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller men and women, including experiences of oppression and disproportionate imprisonment shared with other minoritised communities [30 September | 18:30 - 20:00 | online]
The series aims to listen to communities most affected by the criminal justice system and ensure their experiences are part of the conversation.
CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: CCRC information sessions for organisations supporting women and girls
The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) is offering free online information sessions for charities and organisations supporting women and girls with criminal convictions. The sessions will explain when and how to signpost people to the CCRC’s free service, with a particular focus on women and girls with convictions who have been affected by grooming gangs.
Sessions will take place [21 October | 11:30 | online | free] and [28 October | 11:30 | online | free]
To register your interest, email outreach@ccrc.gov.uk
CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Launch of the Young Adult Probation Hub Toolkit
The Probation Institute is hosting an online event to launch the Young Adult Probation Hub Toolkit [1 October | 12:30 - 14:00 | online | free]. Developed from the evaluation of the Newham Youth to Adulthood (Y2A) Probation Hub pilot, the toolkit has been adapted for implementation in Yorkshire and the Humber.
The session will explore findings from the Newham evaluation, introduce the new toolkit and look at how the model has been adapted in Yorkshire and the Humber.
To join, email admin@probation-institute.org.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Probation public protection work remains inconsistent
HM Inspectorate of Probation has published national findings from inspections of public protection work across all 12 Probation Service regions, covering 858 cases. Inspectors found committed leadership, improving partnerships and investment in improvement activity, but said public protection work was still not being delivered consistently well enough.
Workforce instability, vetting delays and information-sharing were among the challenges identified. In 54% of inspected cases, critical information was not adequately interrogated, analysed or translated into safeguarding assessment and risk management activity. Information received from children’s services was also insufficient to inform risk assessment in nearly a third of relevant cases. The report highlights pressures on Approved Premises capacity and identifies benefits from the integrated approach to accommodation, resettlement and probation services in Wales.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Specialist rape courts to be rolled out across England and Wales
The government has announced that every Crown Court in England and Wales will have at least one courtroom specially equipped to hear rape and serious sexual offence cases within the next two years. Rape and serious sexual offence trials will also be prioritised and given fixed dates rather than being placed on floating lists.
The specialist courtrooms will include private waiting rooms and entrances for victims, as well as facilities to pre-record evidence and observe sentencing remotely. The government says rape cases took an average of 424 days to complete after reaching the Crown Court in 2025.
FUNDING: £11.4 million for victim services in West Yorkshire
The government has announced £11.4 million for victim services in West Yorkshire over the next two years. Allocated to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the funding will provide therapeutic, emotional and practical support for victims of crime, including specialist domestic abuse and sexual violence services.
The investment forms part of £550 million in government funding over three years to support victims and witnesses through the justice process.
FUNDING: Grassroots Grants for small community organisations
Groundwork, working with Postcode Lottery, is offering unrestricted grants of between £500 and £2,000 to small voluntary and community organisations in England with an annual turnover of no more than £25,000. Funding can support core costs including staff and volunteer expenses, equipment, rent, utilities and training. Priority will be given to organisations supporting marginalised or vulnerable communities and those working in areas of higher deprivation.
The deadline to apply is [30 September]
FUNDING: Communities Building Economic Change
City Bridge Foundation is offering five-year core and flexible grants of between £150,000 and £450,000 to small and medium-sized, community-rooted organisations tackling economic injustice in London. Applicants must have an annual income between £50,000 and £1.5 million and provide frontline support alongside work towards longer-term systemic change.
The fund will support work across three priorities: building shared understanding of the economy, securing the basics everyone needs, and giving communities more power. The deadline to apply is [3 November | 12:00]
FUNDING: Wooden Spoon grants for projects supporting children and young people
Wooden Spoon is offering grants to projects in the UK and Ireland that make a positive difference to children and young people. Projects must directly support children and young people with a cognitive age under 25 who are disadvantaged physically, mentally or socially.
Funding is raised and allocated regionally, so organisations are encouraged to check the available funding in their area before submitting an Expression of Wish.
PUBLICATION: Ministry of Justice publishes one-year AI Action Plan update
The Ministry of Justice has published a one-year update on its AI Action Plan, covering progress in the use of artificial intelligence across courts, tribunals, prisons, probation and other justice services. The update also introduces a new strategic priority focused on identifying and responding to emerging AI risks.
Justice Transcribe has been scaled to all probation service offices, all staff working in Approved Premises and all judges in the First-tier Tribunal Immigration and Asylum Chamber. More than 1.5 million meetings were summarised between 7 October 2025 and 14 September 2026, and the MoJ is exploring its expansion into other areas of the justice system, including courts.
OPPORTUNITY: Have your say on probation inspection ratings
HM Inspectorate of Probation is consulting on the future use of overall one-word ratings across probation, youth justice, Approved Premises and Serious Further Offence inspection reporting. The consultation is considering whether the current approach should be retained, refined or replaced.
Voluntary and community sector organisations and people with lived experience are specifically invited to respond, alongside inspected organisations, criminal justice partners, victims’ groups, academics and members of the public. The consultation closes on [13 December]
OPPORTUNITY: Could you become a magistrate?
A new national campaign is encouraging people from all backgrounds to consider becoming magistrates. ‘You’ve got the makings of a magistrate’ highlights how everyday skills such as fair judgement, empathy, problem-solving and teamwork can prepare people for the role, with no legal background or previous experience required.
The campaign supports the government’s aim to build a 21,000-strong magistracy by 2028/29. Resources are also available for organisations interested in supporting their staff to volunteer as magistrates.
OPPORTUNITY: Konnect seeks volunteers with lived experience
Konnect is recruiting volunteers in Cornwall with lived experience of the criminal justice system, addiction with established sobriety, or mental health challenges. Volunteers will use their experience to provide one-to-one and group support, practical assistance, befriending and mentoring to people with multiple and complex needs.
The programme includes 12 weeks of training, paid expenses and opportunities to develop skills and progress towards paid employment in the support sector. Volunteers should be able to travel across Cornwall and commit to providing ongoing mentoring support.
To find out more about the October 2026 programme, email Nicola@konnect-communities.co.uk.
OPPORTUNITY: Young Futures, Brighter Lives seeks VCSE organisations
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Youth Justice Service is seeking expressions of interest from voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to support Young Futures, Brighter Lives. The early intervention pilot supports children aged 10 to 17 who may be at risk of being drawn into crime or anti-social behaviour and who may otherwise be missed or not prioritised for support.
Organisations are invited to provide services as part of a wider package of support for children and their families.
Find out more and express your interest here
OPPORTUNITY: Young People’s Sexual Health Survey
The Eddystone Trust is inviting young people aged 16 to 24 across the South West to take part in its anonymous Young People’s Sexual Health Survey. The survey explores experiences and views around sexual health, contraception, accessing advice and sexual health services.
The findings will help identify barriers to accessing support and inform how sexual health information and services can be improved. Organisations working with young people are also encouraged to share the survey through their networks.
FEATURED VACANCY: Women's Accommodation Support Worker
Brighton Women’s Centre is seeking a Women’s Accommodation Support Worker (WASW) [£28,672, Full Time West Sussex] to deliver support for women who are homeless or insecurely housed.
The WASW will be expected to support our women only Hubs, offering women access to practical and emotional support as well as advice, information and access to other relevant support services. They will co-produce casework support with the women to agree actions and a support plan that could include signposting, advocacy, and referrals. The WASW will understand the importance of building trust and self-compassion to empower women and reduce barriers to her, engaging with wider BWC and other services. Find out more and apply by 13 October here
CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:
Supported Housing Worker- Bath with Alongside [£26200 to £26200, Bath, Full Time]; Supported Housing Worker- Bath with Alongside [£26200 to £26200, Bath, Full Time]; Supported Housing Worker - Bath - Part-Time with Alongside [£8733 to £8733, Bath, Part Time]; Women's Recovery Keyworker (Female) with The Nelson Trust [£27000, Bristol, Full Time]; Community Connector - Recovery & Aftercare with The Nelson Trust [£27000 to £28500, Gloucestershire, Full Time]; Residential Counsellor (Female) with The Nelson Trust [£29000, Stroud, Full Time]; Female Prison In-Reach Recovery Worker with Change, grow, live (CGL) [£28557 to £32802, Ealing, Full Time]; A&E and Custody Mentor with St Giles Trust [£25547, Home based with regular travel across Birmingham and wider West Midlands, Full Time]; Service Manager with Social Interest Group [£40300, Brighton, Full Time]; Recovery Worker with Change, grow, live (CGL) [£28557 to £32802, HMP Swaleside, Isle of Sheppey, Full Time].
For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here
READS OF THE WEEK:
- Pia Sinha on the pressures facing prisons
- Questions over tagging ahead of October releases
- Government considering stronger use of parenting orders
- From prison and addiction to leading recovery services
EXTRA INFORMATION:
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