The latest views and discussion from Clinks staff and guest writers. We also use blogs to give short updates on our latest projects, as well as briefings on topics of interest to members.

Leaving prison in a pandemic: how services are responding

People who are being released from prison are entering an unrecognisable world. Amanda Sherriff describes how services are responding to their needs.

Advising the government: an update from the chair of the RR3

Anne Fox gives an update on the work of the group and how it has adapted to the changing policy environment of the last few months.

Lucy Frazer MP’s update on the rollout of video calling in prisons

Prisons and Probation Minister Lucy Frazer QC MP gives an update on the rollout of video calling in prisons, what’s involved in setting establishments up with this technology, and what prisoners and their friends and family can expect.

What does recovery look like?

The Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group Covid-19 Special Interest Group has produced a think piece presenting the voluntary sector’s views on the recovery of voluntary services in the criminal justice system after the pandemic.

Three months in: the impact of Covid-19 on services delivered by the criminal justice voluntary sector

With the landscape changing so rapidly, we wanted to see how the sector was still faring and track the impact these changes were having on organisations.

Health and justice: during and beyond the Covid-19 pandemic

Clinks’ Health and Justice Policy and Development Officer Zahra Wynne writes about the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on voluntary organisations working in health and justice.

Covid-19 Response Grants - looking towards recovery

The Covid-19 Response Grants fund has now been open for two months, and we are very excited to have funded 32 brilliant organisations.

£2.5m funding for specialist women’s services

Women’s Network Coordinator, Jackie Lowthian, gives details of the funding announced by the Ministry of Justice for specialist women’s services.

Specialist insurance support during the pandemic

Shirley Greer is a specialist in insurance cover for charities and has provided this guide for Clinks members to address some of the questions you may have about your insurance liabilities during the coronavirus lockdown.

The voluntary sector’s role in probation from June 2021 – what you need to know

Our view on the probation announcements, an overview of the services to be commissioned, and the next steps for our sector.

What's New

Blogs

Homelessness Strategy Blog

This week, the Government published its National Plan for Ending Homelessness, which included welcome recognition of the specific barriers faced by people leaving prison.

Publications

The Young Review - 10 Years On

This briefing reviews the extent to which the Young Review’s (2014) recommendations have been implemented, the factors impeding progress, and identifies where accountability for these failures lies.

Latest on X

Clinks @clinks_tweets · 1 year

The role is for a leader from an organisation focused on racially minoritised people, with expertise in service delivery, policy, advocacy, or related areas in criminal justice. Racial disparities are present at every CJS stage. This role ensures these voices are central in shaping policy to help address and eradicate them. Apply by Mon 18 Nov, 10am. More info: https://www.clinks.org/voluntary-community-sector/vacancies/15566 #CriminalJustice #RR3 #RacialEquity

Events

Clinks Annual Conference 2026

Date

Wednesday 28 January

Location

Conway Hall, London

From

How voluntary sector organisations can influence Public Opinion on Crime: what the evidence tells us

Date

Tuesday 3 February

Location

Online (Microsoft Teams)

From

Free