Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 953 | 9 October 2026

Light lunch

 

 

In this issue...

 

 

We’ve got a shiny new Clinks website coming soon, and ahead of the launch we’re moving Light Lunch over to our new mailing system.

If you want to keep getting your weekly helping of criminal justice news, events, funding, opportunities and everything happening across the voluntary sector, make sure you’re signed up to the new Light Lunch mailing list!

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Save the date for Clinks’ next conference, ‘Justice in Partnership’, taking place on Thursday 4 February 2027 at Birmingham University!

The conference will focus on partnership working and innovative local practice across the voluntary sector, and will include thematic workshops and panel discussions exploring these themes.

We’ll share more information in the coming weeks. Register your interest to be among the first to receive conference updates.

Register your interest here!

We’re pleased to welcome Aku Adjei as the new seat holder representing organisations led by and for racially minoritised people on Clinks’ Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group (RR3).

The RR3 brings voluntary sector expertise and experience into national discussions with the Ministry of Justice and HM Prison and Probation Service, helping ensure the sector’s voices are heard in criminal justice policy and decision-making.

Find out more about Aku

Clinks has published a new blog summarising discussions from September’s Third Sector Strategic Partnership Board (TSSPB) meeting, which brings together HMPPS and voluntary sector representatives.

The blog covers how HMPPS can work more effectively with external funders to build capacity in the voluntary sector, alongside wider discussions about collaboration between statutory services and voluntary organisations.

Read the blog

In the latest blog from its manifesto series, Clinks has published a guest blog by Beverley Brooks, Founder of The Recruitment Junction, exploring why finding employment is only one part of successful resettlement for people leaving prison.

Drawing on The Recruitment Junction’s experience of supporting people with convictions into work, the blog highlights the importance of ongoing, personalised support to help people not only secure employment but sustain it. It also explores Clinks’ manifesto recommendation for investment in voluntary sector community employment brokers to support people moving from prison into the community.

Read the blog

Clinks has published a guest blog reflecting on a workshop at the University of Greenwich that brought together representatives from civil society and academia to explore opportunities for greater collaboration.

The blog examines how researchers and voluntary sector organisations can work more effectively together, recognising the different experiences, expertise and perspectives they bring. It highlights the importance of building relationships, sharing knowledge and overcoming barriers to collaboration to strengthen research and practice across the criminal justice sector.

Read the blog

Join Clinks for the next South West and South Central Criminal Justice Forum [13 October | 10:00 - 11:30 | online | free]

The forum brings together voluntary sector organisations and wider partners working across the criminal justice system to share experiences, discuss challenges and opportunities, and connect with others in the region. It provides a space for networking, peer support and strengthening collaboration across the sector.

Book here

Join Clinks for an online training session designed for anyone new to working or volunteering in the criminal justice system, or looking to develop their understanding of how it works [15 October | 09:30 - 12:30 | online | from £75]

The workshop will explore the structure of the criminal justice system, from arrest and sentencing to prisons and probation. It will also cover key agencies, local and regional structures, and the role of the voluntary sector in supporting people affected by the criminal justice system.

Book here

Join Clinks for the next North West Criminal Justice Forum [20 October | 14:00 - 15:30 | online | free]

The forum brings together voluntary sector organisations and wider partners working across the criminal justice system to share experiences, discuss regional challenges and opportunities, and connect with others. It provides a space for networking, peer support and strengthening collaboration across the North West.

Book here

Join Clinks for our 28th Annual General Meeting (AGM) [11 November | 11:15 - 12:45 | online | free]

The AGM provides an opportunity for Clinks members to take part in the organisation’s formal business, including the election of trustees, and hear updates on our work and priorities. Members will also have the opportunity to contribute to discussions about Clinks’ future direction and its work supporting the criminal justice voluntary sector.

Book here

MEMBER FOCUS: Next Chapters (West Yorkshire) CIC

Next Chapters (West Yorkshire) CIC supports men who have been through the criminal justice system, offering group-based and one-to-one support to help them rebuild their lives.

Their work focuses on personal development, tackling social isolation, addiction, community reintegration, restorative volunteering and creative projects. Drawing on psychological and addictions expertise, the team helps people build confidence, develop meaningful connections and find a renewed sense of purpose. They are also developing a lived experience core group to help shape their services.

Prison Reform Trust has published a short film and final evaluation report from its six-year Building Futures programme, which focused on giving people serving long prison sentences a greater voice in decisions affecting their lives.

The film shares experiences of long-term imprisonment, while the evaluation explores the programme’s work on participatory research, policy engagement and involving people in prison in shaping policy and practice.

Watch the film and read the report

Revolving Doors has responded to the Government’s early prison release arrangements, calling for greater investment in community support alongside the expansion of electronic monitoring.

The organisation highlights the importance of stable accommodation, mental health and addiction treatment, and coordinated local services in reducing repeat offending. It argues that investment in prevention and rehabilitation is essential to support people leaving prison and reduce pressure on the criminal justice system.

Read the response

Why me? has published a blog reflecting on an event in Plymouth that brought together senior decision-makers, criminal justice professionals and people with lived experience of Restorative Justice.

The blog explores how sharing lived experience and improving professional understanding can help address barriers to accessing Restorative Justice. It also highlights practical steps to strengthen awareness, improve referrals and encourage greater engagement from criminal justice professionals.

Read the blog

Together for Mental Wellbeing is hosting its annual Henry Hawkins Lecture and Celebration, exploring the importance of listening to and valuing lived experience in mental health [21 October | 15:30 - 19:30 | London].

This year’s theme, When Voices Are Missing: The Cost of Overlooking Lived Experience in Mental Health, will explore the impact of excluding lived experience from mental health policy, service design and delivery. The event will feature keynote speakers, a panel discussion and a lived experience-led exhibition, with a focus on meaningful service user leadership.

Book here

The West Midlands Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner is hosting a Black History Youth Event for young people under 18 [22 October | 10:30 - 14:00 | Birmingham]

Taking place at the Old Library in Digbeth, the event will feature keynote speakers and focus on leadership, positive Black role models and empowerment. Caribbean cuisine will also be provided.

Book here

Join this free webinar exploring Universal Credit conditionality and the different work-related requirements that apply to claimants [15 October | online | free].

The session will explain the main Universal Credit conditionality groups and what they mean in practice, particularly for people balancing employment, health conditions, caring responsibilities or changing circumstances. It will also explore how conditionality links to employment support, including moving towards work and increasing earnings.

Book here

Clean Break is offering £6 tickets for its new play Baby to staff and volunteers working in the criminal justice voluntary sector [13 October | London | £6 with code CLINK6].

Starring Pearl Mackie and written by Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti, this one-woman show explores childhood trauma, poverty, inequality, imprisonment and child separation. Co-produced with Brixton House, the play examines the wider inequalities affecting women and their experiences of the criminal justice system.

Use code CLINK6 when booking tickets for the 13 October performance.

Book here

Join Why me? during Restorative Justice Week for an online event exploring this year’s theme, Rebuilding communities through Restorative Justice [19 November | 14:00 - 15:30 | online | free].

The session will bring together people with lived experience of Restorative Justice and practitioners to explore how restorative approaches can repair harm, rebuild relationships and strengthen communities. Attendees will hear personal experiences of the restorative process, learn how restorative approaches can be used in local communities and hear findings from Why me?’s project exploring how restorative approaches can address hostility within and between interfaith communities.

Book here

Clean Break and Geese Theatre Company are delivering a practical masterclass exploring how theatre can be used in prisons and community settings [22 October | London]

The training will introduce participants to both organisations’ approaches to using drama with people affected by the criminal justice system. Through practical exercises and group activities, participants will explore creative engagement and good practice in criminal justice settings. Limited bursary places are available for people with lived experience.

Find out more 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Domestic abuse perpetrators to be formally identified in court records

New measures came into force on 5 October requiring criminal courts to formally record when domestic abuse was a factor in an offence.

Introduced through the Sentencing Act 2026, the Judicial Finding of Domestic Abuse will be recorded at sentencing and shared across police, prison and probation systems. The Government says this will help agencies identify repeat perpetrators, improve risk management and strengthen protections for victims and survivors.

Find out more

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Government announces changes to criminal courts reforms

The Government has announced changes to its proposed Courts and Tribunals Bill, including dropping plans for some criminal trials to be heard by a judge alone.

Other proposals will be taken forward to address court backlogs, including allowing magistrates to impose longer sentences, retaining judge-only trials for lengthy and complex fraud and financial cases, and giving courts greater control over where cases are heard. The Bill is due to return to Parliament on 13 October.

Find out more

NON-MEMBERS’ EVENTS OR TRAINING: Women’s Community Support Services Market Engagement Event

The Probation Sourcing Team is hosting its next Women’s Community Support Services Market Engagement Event [29 October | 10:00 - 13:00 | online]. Building on previous market engagement, the session will explore key areas organisations will need to consider ahead of the procurement. Topics will include termination rights and exit management, guarantees, the Should Cost Model, contract specification, Intensive Supervision Courts, the PSQ and Central Digital Platform. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and clarify requirements ahead of the procurement.

Register here

PUBLICATION: Criminal Justice Anti-Racism Action Plan for Wales annual report published

HM Prison and Probation Service has published the Criminal Justice Anti-Racism Action Plan for Wales Annual Report 2025 to 2026, outlining progress towards tackling racial inequality across the criminal justice system in Wales.

The report provides updates against the action plan’s seven commitments, highlighting progress made, ongoing challenges and further work needed to deliver change by 2030.

Read the report

PUBLICATION: Criminal Justice Board for Wales publishes annual report

The Criminal Justice Board for Wales has published its annual report for 2025 to 2026, outlining partnership work to improve outcomes for people and communities affected by the criminal justice system.

The report brings together the work of criminal justice partners, including prisons, probation, police, courts, Welsh Government and voluntary sector organisations, and reflects on their collective efforts to improve services and outcomes across Wales.

Read the report

PUBLICATION: Latest weekly prison population figures published

The Ministry of Justice has published its latest weekly prison population figures for England and Wales, with data updated to 5 October 2026.

The figures provide an overview of the prison estate population and are published regularly to support understanding of population levels across the prison system.

View the latest figures

OPPORTUNITY: The BBC wants to hear from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system

The BBC Audiences team is looking for people to take part in paid online research exploring prison, rehabilitation and experiences of the criminal justice system in early 2027.

They are particularly interested in hearing from people who have served custodial sentences, people on probation, family members affected by imprisonment and victims of crime. Participants will take part in two online discussion sessions and complete a short pre-task. The research will not be broadcast or included in BBC content.

Those completing the full project will receive £80 in Amazon vouchers.

Register your interest

OPPORTUNITY: Have your say on plans for a new prison in Lancashire

The Ministry of Justice has launched a consultation seeking feedback from the local community on plans for a new prison in Lancashire.

Following outline planning permission granted in December 2024, the consultation focuses on the proposed prison’s appearance, layout and scale ahead of a further planning application. Local residents can review the plans and submit comments through the Ministry of Justice Consultation Hub or by post.

Have your say

Prison Reform Trust (PRT) is seeking an experienced and compassionate individual to join our team as an Advice and Information Officer [full time, London]. You will provide free, independent and accurate advice to prisoners, their families and people working in prisons, responding to enquiries by telephone, email and letter. The role includes maintaining up-to-date knowledge of prison policies and regulations, advocating on behalf of service users where appropriate, identifying emerging issues, and supporting the development of advice resources. We are looking for someone with experience of advice work, strong communication skills and the ability to work confidently with people facing complex challenges. Prison Reform Trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Find out more and apply by 23rd October 2026 here

Prison Reform Trust (PRT) is seeking an experienced and inspiring individual to join our organisation as Chair of Trustees [voluntary, approximately 4 hours per week, London]. You will provide strategic leadership to the Board, support strong governance, and work closely with the CEO to help deliver the charity’s vision of a just, humane and effective penal system. The role includes chairing Board meetings, overseeing the implementation of the strategic plan, ensuring compliance with legal and charitable obligations, and acting as an ambassador for PRT’s work. We are looking for a committed leader with board-level experience, excellent judgement and a passion for criminal justice reform. Find out more and apply by 18th October 2026 here

Night Support Worker (Female Only) with The Nelson Trust [£25000 to £26500, Stroud, Part Time]; Female Link Worker (Ref: FLM-261) with St Giles Trust [£21362, Norwich, Part Time]; CIAG Adviser with Achieve [£27015 to £30612, DN22 8EU, Full Time]; CIAD Adviser with Achieve [£27015 to £30612, LN6 9HX, Full Time]; Deputy Service Manager with Social Interest Group [£34400, RM3, Full Time]; Support Coach with Social Interest Group [£28800, Romford, Havering, Full Time]; Support Mentor with Social Interest Group [£26200, LU1 2UA, Part Time]; Support Mentor with Social Interest Group [£26200, LU1 2UA, Full Time]; Lawyer with The Howard League for Penal Reform [£50484 to £59663, 75-77 St John Street, London, EC1M 4NN, Full Time]; Head of Quality and Practice with One Small Thing [£50000 to £55000, Southampton, Full Time].

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

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EXTRA INFORMATION:

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