Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 314 | 4th October 2013

In this week's edition....

CLINKS RESOURCE: Free one-to-one support to help you evidence your impact

Clinks and NPC’s Improving Your Evidence Evaluation Helpline provides organisations with tailored support to develop an evaluation strategy, advice and guidance on your current approaches and support to develop a theory of change. So far we have worked with a range of organisations and are keen to speak to more. We have also been adding to our library of theories of change, which you can access here. Clinks Member Footprints, a mentoring project that has benefitted from the helpline, told us: “We had our team meeting yesterday, we'd all looked at the draft Theory of Change and the feedback was generally one of awe… it's really quite exciting for us to see what we do and what we achieve in a nutshell” We can offer up to a day of support and it’s free! If you would like to book a slot please contact Jessica.mullen@clinks.org

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: Members merge

The Trustees of Langley House Trust and Kainos Community are pleased to announce the merger of the two organisations as of the 1st October 2013. Both organisations see this as an excellent opportunity to extend their impact and see more men and women live successful, crime-free lives. The complementary portfolios of activity offered by both organisations, and the highly credible results achieved by both in their own right, will result in the development of a comprehensive pathway of support for offenders from inside prison through to successful independence in the community. Read more here

CLINKS MEMBER'S REQUEST: funding appeal for film project with ex-offenders

Creating Role Models in Media Enterprise (C.R.I.M.E) is fundraising for a film project training young ex-offenders in acting and film-production as well as team-work and time management. The film, ‘Some Things’ is about a young girl who becomes caught up in a world of domestic violence, child abuse and bullying. “What happens when you feel betrayed by the very person who is supposed to protect you? What do you do? Who do you turn to? Inspired by true events, this film is about when hope, courage, determination and faith just isn't enough.” Visit the Kickstarter fundraising page here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: update on Disclosure and Barring Service

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has published three guidance documents to clarify issues around workforce for DBS certificate applicants. The guidance is for registered bodies on how to idenitfy the type of workforce that a DBS applicant will be working in. Download them here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: learning from the Work Programme

The Department for Work and Pensions published the third performance statistics from the Work Programme last Thursday, and criminal justice blogger Russell Webster has written a useful article summarising the findings. In his blog post he asks whether the Work Programme is working for offenders released from prison and looks at the Payment by Results model. Useful reading and analysis for anyone interested in Transforming Rehabilitation. Find out more here

FUNDING: for offender rehabilitation charities in London

'Resettlement and Rehabilitation of Offenders' is a City Bridge Trust funding stream for organisations in London. The Trust wants to see more ex-offenders successfully and sustainably resettled in the community and re-offending reduced, and they will fund 'through-the-gate' and on-release work with ex-offenders leaving custody. There's no maximum or minimum amount you can apply for, however a grant from the Trust cannot amount to more than 50% of an organisation's turnover/income in any one year. Find out more here

FUNDING: for small charities in the North East

The Fogo Grassroots Fund gives grants of up to £5,000 to projects which contribute to community development in disadvantaged areas of Tyne & Wear and Northumberland and improve opportunities for people to realise their potential, increase health and wellbeing, reduce isolation and take part in community life. Applications are invited from smaller (income of no more than £60k per annum), volunteer-led organisations and should clearly show how groups/areas facing the greatest disadvantage will be improved or supported. Find out more here

FUNDING: development grants

The Triangle Trust is currently inviting applications for Development Grants from not-for-profit organisations whose sole purpose is to support the rehabilitation of offenders or ex-offenders. The grants provide funds towards organisational core costs to support the development of a solid foundation for the long-term. The Triangle Trust would like to see applicants use these grants to develop sustainable income sources, so that when the grant comes to an end the organisation’s income will not be reduced. Funding is available for up to £40,000 per year for 3 years. The closing date for submissions is 7th November 2013 and all previous applicants to the Trust are welcome to apply. Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: speaking up for women in prison

'Finding our voice: speaking up for women in prison' is a Stretch event [15th October, London, free] to showcase digital stories from their Story Box Project, which provided an authentic and powerful insight into female prisoners and their lives. The evening will be followed by a discussion about the challenges facing female prisoners and voluntary groups trying to help them. To attend email reception@london.iofc.org

CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: educating prisoners

Prisoners Education Trust is inviting you to their annual lecture, 'Educating Prisoners: A litmus test of our society', [22nd October, London, donations welcome] given by Baroness Kennedy, and hosted by Clifford Chance LLP. Baroness Kennedy will examine society's understanding of prisoner education as a right or a privilege, and whether public acceptability is a fair lens through which to view policy in this area. To register for this ticketed event download the flyer

CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: arts events

There are several public events coming up at the Koestler Trust’s UK exhibition at Southbank Centre: Meet the curator, Speech Debelle, on Monday 7th October, 6.30pm (£8) and a discussion of Arts in Secure Mental Health Settings on Tuesday 15th October, 6.30pm (free, ticketed). More info here

CLINKS MEMBER'S TRAINING: resettlement law

Howard League for Penal Reform will be delivering a free seminar on resettlement law [15th November, London] for practitioners working with young people leaving custody. By attending the seminar, practitioners will find out more about the legal principles underlying the provision of resettlement support, and what a practitioner can and should do to support young people upon release from custody. Book your place here

NON-MEMBERS' EVENTS & TRAINING

  • 'Continuing Innovation and Effective Practice in Offender Learning' | 30th October, Manchester, free | Details
  • 'Escaping from prison: What can we do to help?' | 16th October, Bristol, free | Email for details
  • 'Information Workshops on Transforming Rehabilitation' | 7th - 18th October, various locations, free | Details

RESOURCE: disclosing criminal records

Clinks Member Unlock has produced a detailed guide, specifically for people with a criminal record, designed to explain in detail the criminal record checking process, with particular focus on the specific issues that people with a criminal record might face. Read the full press release and download the guidance here

RESOURCE: spotting mental health problems and learning disabilities in court

Clinks Member Prison Reform Trust have worked with partners to produce 'Mental health and learning disabilities in the criminal court', a new resource for magistrates, district judges and court staff. This resource has been produced to assist members of the judiciary as they undertake their duties and responsibilities in court. The materials, including film clips and a number of links to further information, guidance and examples of good practice, are available online here

PUBLICATION: inspections of adult offending work

HM Inspectorate of Probation have published reports for their inspections into adult offending work in Hampshire and Rochdale. The purpose of the inspections is to assess whether the sentence of the court is delivered effectively, and whether work with the individual offender protects the public, reduces the likelihood of reoffending, and provides a high quality service to courts and victims. Download the reports here

PUBLICATION: think tank's research on criminal justice voluntary sector

'The New Probation Landscape - Why the voluntary sector matters if we are going to reduce reoffending' is a new Centre for Social Justice report which sets out the make-up of the voluntary sector working in criminal justice, their strengths and their perspectives on the reforms. Download it here

PUBLICATION: enablers and barriers to wellbeing

Women’s Health and Equality Consortium has produced a briefing on 'Enablers and barriers to wellbeing – experiences of BME women in Manchester', which highlights key issues raised by women in focus groups held earlier in the year. Download it here

PUBLICATION: the ethics of sub-contracting to global corporations

Ursula Murray, from Birkbeck University of London, has published 'To what extent is the voluntary sector colonised by neo-liberal thinking?', a paper examining the involvement of the VCSE Sector in the dismantling of the welfare state, the largely silent response of the mainstream Sector leadership towards these changes, and the growing acceptance of VCSE organisations to act as sub-contractors to global corporations. Download it here

PUBLICATION: young adults in custody

'Young Adults in Custody: The Way Forward' is a new report from the Transition to Adulthood Alliance that examines how the needs of young adults are met in custody, finding that in many instances prisons fail to provide sufficient activities, education and levels of safety. Among recommendations included in the report are that young adults be placed near to home, in institutions which provide high-quality activities. Download it here

OPPORTUNITY: PhD scholarship in the employment of prisoners with mental health problems

The Institute of Mental Health (IMH) at the University of Nottingham invites applications from qualified applicants for a funded PhD scholarship concerning the employment of prisoners with mental health problems. Find out more here

CONSULTATION: judicial review reforms

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is holding a consultation on a package of reforms governing the process of judicial review. "The measures aim to tackle the burden that the growth in unmeritorious judicial reviews has placed on stretched public services whilst protecting access to justice and the rule of law." MoJ seeks to engage as widely as possible during the consultation and welcomes VCSE Sector responses. The eight week consultation closes on 1st November; take part here

AWARDS: reducing stigma for prisoners' families

The Marsh Media Award for Reducing Stigma for Prisoners’ Families is a collaborative project between Action for Prisoners’ Families and the Marsh Christian Trust to recognise individual(s) who have worked with or in the media to help to reduce the stigma that prisoners’ families face. The prize is £1,000. The closing date for nominations is 10th October 2013. To nominate an individual or group of volunteers download the entry form here

CLINKS MEMBERS' VACANCIES

Vacancies this week include: an Innovations Project Officer with Homeless Link [London], a Volunteer Co-ordinator with Pact [Hastings], 2 x Team Leaders and a 2 x Mentoring Co-ordinators with Spurgeons [flexible with national travel], 4 x Trainers with Nacro [Ipswich and Lowestoft], a Project Worker with Langley House Trust [Rochester], a Hostel Support Assistant at Foundation [Scarborough] and a CEO at the Feltham Community Chaplaincy Trust [Feltham]. For more information about these vacancies and more, click here.

TIPS OF THE WEEK

  • Tip of the week I: October is 'free wills month' - free wills to those aged 55 and over in around 30 towns & cities across the UK. Details
  • Tip of the week II: Get one day's unlimited off-peak day travel from any station on the London Midland route for £15. Details
  • Tip of the week III: Stay 4 nights in the Algarve for £169 per person. Price includes flights, four nights' accommodation, an upgrade to a sea view room, a free bottle of wine and daily breakfast and dinner. Details

EXTRA INFORMATION

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