About Us
Clinks is a membership body that supports and develops the work that voluntary organisations
(NGOs) undertake within the Criminal Justice system in England and Wales. We believe
that a strong voluntary sector is crucial to reducing offending and building safer
communities.
Clinks:
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advocates for the development and implementation of national strategies to support
voluntary sector activity. Within HM Prison Service this is done via 'HM Prison Service
Voluntary and Community Sector Advisory Group', while with the National Probation
Directorate (NPD) this work is carried out through the 'Partnership CLAN' (Centrally
Led Action Network).
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is a member of the National Offender Management Board. The Director of Clinks, Clive
Martin, has a role on the Board to advocate on behalf of the Voluntary and Community
Sector.
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encourages the development of a supportive information network of voluntary agencies
working in this field. We do this through our quarterly newsletter 'Get Linked' and
our Strategic Partnership Development project with ARO (the Alliance to Reduce Offending).
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supports the development of regional networks of key partner agencies in this field
including HM Prison and Probation Services, Government Offices of the Region and other
appropriate regional and area based organisations.
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contributes towards the creation of 'Voluntary and Community-Based Liaison Forums'
that network HM Prison establishments, community-based groups and others within particular
prison establishments.
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maintains a national database of voluntary and community organisations providing services
to offenders and their families. This is called The Working
with Offenders Directory
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undertakes specific projects that will contribute information and skills to this area
of work. See 'Current Projects' for more information.
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publishes training and other materials related to this area of work. See 'Publications'
for further information.
We work at a national level with HM Prison Service and The National Probation Service.
Additionally, we seek to strengthen and develop partnerships at regional, area and
local levels through our core and project work.
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