Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 957 | 5 November 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, including exciting news about our keynote speaker. Register your interest to be among the first to receive conference updates.

Register your interest here!

Clinks will be taking part in The Restoration Revolution, a four-day event organised by Shift, bringing together organisations, practitioners and people with lived experience to explore new approaches to justice.

Joni Emery, Clinks’ Director of Business Operations and Safeguarding/Lived Experience Lead, will deliver a 10-minute presentation on the lived experience glass ceiling during the lunchtime Big Pitch session in London [19 November].

The wider programme features contributions from over 40 organisations and partners, including workshops, creative activities, exhibitions and discussions, which will contribute to a new Manifesto for Justice.

Explore the programme

Clinks is gathering evidence from voluntary organisations to support government officials exploring how early, local and holistic interventions can improve outcomes for people involved in the criminal justice system.

We’re particularly interested in evidence of effective community-based approaches, including support for women, young adults, prison leavers and people who offend repeatedly, alongside interventions that strengthen community connections.

We want to hear what works, where greater local flexibility could improve outcomes and how different approaches can work together to provide coordinated support.

Share your evidence and insights through our short form, or contact Sam Julius at sam.julius@clinks.org to discuss the work further.

Have your say 

Join us for Clinks’ 28th Annual General Meeting [11 November | 11:15–12:45 | online | free], featuring keynote speakers Dame Anne Owers and Martin Jones CBE.

Dame Anne will share insights from her extensive experience across prisons, inspection and the voluntary sector, including her work leading the review into prison capacity. Martin will explore the pressures facing probation services and opportunities for stronger partnership working with the voluntary sector as the Sentencing Act is implemented.

The session will also include a live Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to put their questions directly to the speakers.

Book here

Join Clinks and Agenda Alliance for our next Women’s Network Forum [8 December | 10:00–12:00 | online | free].

This session will explore how violence, trauma and mental health contribute to the criminalisation of survivors of domestic abuse. We’ll hear findings from new research led by Lucy Russell of Women in Prison and Professor Tammi Walker of Durham University.

We’ll also be joined by Alex Davies-Jones MP, Minister for Victims, Violence Against Women and Girls and International Justice, who will share the government’s priorities for tackling violence against women and girls.

The forum is open to Clinks Women’s Network members and provides an opportunity to connect, share experiences and influence policy discussions.

Book here

MEMBER FOCUS: Greater Manchester Women’s Support Alliance

The Greater Manchester Women’s Support Alliance (GMWSA) brings together nine women’s centres across Greater Manchester’s ten boroughs, working to ensure women can access the support they need.

Through its network of centres, the alliance supports women facing a range of challenges, providing welcoming spaces where they can seek help, build confidence and connect with services in their communities.

GMWSA also works to strengthen partnerships between organisations, helping to improve access to support for women across Greater Manchester.

Find out more about GMWSA and its member centres here

RECOOP has published a new article sharing Colin’s first-hand experience of being a Buddy in prison, supporting people who need help with everyday tasks.

From attending appointments and collecting meals to accessing clothing, Colin reflects on the importance of practical, peer-led support and how shared experiences can help build trust and break down barriers.

The article highlights the value of treating people with dignity and respect, and the difference that peer support can make to daily life in prison.

Read the article 

Clinks member Prison Reform Trust has published the third-phase report from its Child Impact Assessment project, exploring how children can be better supported when a parent is involved in the criminal justice system.

The report reveals that at least 161 children have used Child Impact Assessments to identify their support needs, while 654 professionals have received training.

The findings highlight the importance of listening to children, recognising their individual needs and ensuring their voices are heard in decisions that affect their lives.

Read the report

St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity is hosting a free webinar to explore the findings of its ninth Frontline Worker Survey [10 November | 10:30–12:00 | online | free].

The survey highlights the challenges frontline workers across the UK face when trying to secure accommodation for the people they support, alongside the impact these pressures have on the workforce.

The session will explore the key findings, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A featuring representatives from St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity, Heriot-Watt University and Homeless Link.

Book here

The Welcome Directory is hosting a free webinar exploring the importance of supporting children and families affected by imprisonment [12 November | 19:30–21:00 | online | free, donations welcome].

Part of its Spotlight Webinar series, the session will bring together speakers from HMPPS, Newcastle University, NEPACS and Junction 42 to explore the role of family relationships in resettlement and reducing reoffending.

Drawing on research, professional expertise and lived experience, the discussion will highlight community-based approaches, practical ways to signpost families to support and the importance of challenging stigma.

Book here

The National Women’s Justice Coalition and Centre for Crime and Justice Studies are hosting an event exploring how to prevent the criminalisation of young women and girls [11 November | 13:00–16:00 | London and online].

Launching the year-long Breaking Out of the Justice Loop programme, the event will bring together voices from policy, practice, academia and lived experience to discuss the challenges facing young women and girls, how systems can better support them and who should be accountable for creating change.

The roundtable will take place in London, with an interactive livestream available for those joining remotely.

Register here

Clinks member Changing Tunes is hosting its annual Exeter concert, celebrating the power of music to support people in prison and after release [21 November | 19:00–21:30 | Exeter | £5–£10].

Taking place at the Salvation Army Temple on Friars’ Gate, the evening will feature songs and stories from people Changing Tunes has worked with throughout the year, alongside performances from its Musicians in Residence.

Changing Tunes delivers music programmes at HMP Exeter and HMP Channings Wood, as well as its Second Verse music studio group for people on probation in Exeter.

Book here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: New research examines Universal Credit claims before prison release

The Department for Work and Pensions has published an evaluation exploring whether preparing Universal Credit claims before prison release can help people access financial support sooner.

The tests involved 16 prisons in England and Wales and two in Scotland, with more than 4,000 prison leavers participating.

The findings showed improvements in the speed of claims and advance payments, helping people access financial support more quickly after release. However, the evaluation found no evidence that the overall proportion of prison leavers claiming Universal Credit had increased.

Read the evaluation

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: New report highlights poor living conditions in prisons

HM Inspectorate of Prisons has published a thematic review examining living conditions across the prison estate, drawing on inspections of 40 prisons and surveys completed by more than 6,400 people in custody.

The report identifies widespread concerns about overcrowding, poor sanitation, deteriorating buildings and delays to essential repairs. Inspectors warn that these conditions are affecting prisoners’ wellbeing and undermining efforts to provide safe, decent environments that support rehabilitation.

The findings highlight the need for improvements to living conditions across the prison estate.

Read the report

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: New unpaid work statistics published

The Ministry of Justice has published updated management information on unpaid work, also known as Community Payback, covering April 2022 to June 2026.

The publication provides data on unpaid work starts, delivery, caseloads and terminations, offering an overview of how unpaid work sentences are being delivered across England and Wales.

It also outlines changes introduced by the Sentencing Act 2026, including the removal of the requirement for people to complete their unpaid work hours within 12 months of sentencing.

Read the statistics

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: New physical education and activity framework for prisons

The Ministry of Justice and HMPPS have published a new policy framework setting out mandatory standards for physical education and activity in prisons and young offender institutions.

The framework covers access to safe and inclusive physical activity, staff training, facilities and opportunities for partnership working with community organisations. It also explores how people in custody can be involved in supporting the delivery of physical education and activities.

The framework will come into effect on [1 April 2027], providing updated guidance for establishments and organisations involved in delivering physical activity in custody.

Read the framework

NON-MEMBERS’ EVENTS OR TRAINING: Trauma-informed record keeping through lived experience

Anna Freud is hosting a free Lunch & Learn session with Rebekah Pierre, author, care-experienced consultant, researcher and registered social worker [12 November | 12:00–13:00 | online | free].

Drawing on her lived and professional experience, Rebekah will explore how the language used in professional records can shape decisions, reinforce stigma or promote dignity and understanding.

The session offers an opportunity for professionals working across the criminal justice system to reflect on trauma-informed record keeping and how written records can support more compassionate, person-centred practice.

Register here 

FUNDING: Go! London offers grants of up to £150,000 to support young Londoners

The Go! London Foundation Fund: Focused Round is offering grants of up to £150,000 over 24 months to organisations using sport and physical activity alongside specialist support to improve outcomes for underserved young people in London.

The fund focuses on young people who are care-experienced, LGBTQ+, affected by homelessness or domestic abuse, or have experience of the criminal justice system. Applications are encouraged from specialist organisations with a strong track record of supporting these groups.

An online information session will take place [19 November | 12:00–13:00]. Expressions of interest close [27 November | 17:00].

Find out more and apply

RESOURCE: Prison in the community: Probation in crisis?

A new podcast episode, Prison in the community: Probation in crisis?, explores the growing pressures facing probation services as sentencing reforms are expected to increase the number of people under community supervision.

Hosts Penelope and Rob are joined by former probation officers Su McConnell, an active NAPO member, and Kelly Grehan, Policy Manager at Revolving Doors, to discuss the impact of repeated restructures, staff retention challenges and rising recall rates.

The conversation also examines whether probation services have the resources and capacity to support rehabilitation effectively, and the growing tension between punishment and rehabilitation.

Listen to the episode

PUBLICATION: Novel exploring youth justice nominated for Carnegie Medal

Fife-based author Sara Cullen has been nominated for the 2027 Carnegie Medal for Writing for her novel Blood Red Sky, which explores Scotland’s youth justice system and the experiences of young people in care and custody.

Set in a fictional Scottish young offenders institution, the novel follows 16-year-old Aaron as he navigates life in custody. The book has reached young people in schools and young offenders institutions across the UK, including Scottish prisons and young offenders institutions.

Sara has also visited schools, colleges and custodial settings to encourage conversations about youth justice, inequality and the experiences of young people in custody.

Find out more

PUBLICATION: New report explores what makes early intervention effective

The Centre for Crime and Justice Studies and JABBS Foundation have published a new report examining what makes early help and intervention effective in preventing poverty, homelessness, ill health and future offending.

Drawing on 68 studies, the report identifies 18 characteristics associated with positive outcomes, including collaborative partnerships, trusted relationships, well-supported practitioners and strong organisational foundations.

The findings offer useful insights for voluntary organisations delivering early intervention and support to people at risk of entering the criminal justice system.

Read the report

OPPORTUNITY: Have your say on funding for women and girls in the criminal justice system

The Corston Independent Funders’ Coalition (CIFC) is inviting organisations supporting women and girls at risk of, or already involved in, the criminal justice system to complete a short listening and learning survey.

The coalition wants to build stronger relationships with organisations working across the sector and hear directly from those delivering support to women and girls.

The survey closes [17 November].

Complete the survey

OPPORTUNITY: Have your say on police accountability

The Home Office and Ministry of Justice are inviting evidence as part of an independent review of the police accountability system.

The review will examine systemic issues across the accountability process and consider recommendations for reform. Organisations and individuals with experience of, or an interest in, police accountability are encouraged to share their views and evidence.

This is an opportunity for voluntary organisations working across the criminal justice system to contribute their experiences and perspectives.

Have your say

Administrator with Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas (ICPO) London [£16000, South East London (hybrid working considered), Part Time]; Head of Fundraising and Communications with Changing Tunes [£55000, Bristol with options for hybrid working, Part Time]; Grants Officer with Changing Tunes [£35213, Bristol with options for hybrid working, Part Time]; Evening Driver with The Nelson Trust [£24495, Stroud, Part Time]; GMIRS Wellbeing Service Project Worker with Back on Track [£29759 to £34184, Manchester City Centre, Full Time]; Finance and Resources Administrator with Women in Prison [£28500, Hybrid with 3 days in London office (Kentish Town), Full Time]; Financial Resilience Keyworker (Female Only) with The Nelson Trust [£27000, Somerset, Full Time]; Maintenance Operative with Social Interest Group [£28800, N1 1TY, Full Time]; Substance Use Recovery Worker with Phoenix Futures [£29383, N7 8TT, Full Time]; Programmes Facilitator with Change, grow, live (CGL) [£28557 to £32802, HMP Humber - Brough, Full Time].

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

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EXTRA INFORMATION:

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