Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 638 | 12th June 2020

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In this week's edition...

CLINKS STATEMENT: changes to probation services

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has announced that the Probation Delivery Partner commissioning has been stopped, and all these services will be brought in under the National Probation Service. The MoJ also announced the launch of the commissioning process for the Dynamic Framework through which resettlement and rehabilitation services will be commissioned. Clinks welcomes the announcement of a unified probation service. We particularly welcome the MoJ’s continued commitment and recognition of the voluntary sector’s role in delivering rehabilitation and resettlement services. Clinks will publish a full briefing on these changes next week and will be running events to support voluntary organisations with the Dynamic Framework commissioning process. Read the MoJ’s announcement here and our full statement here

CLINKS BLOG: dynamic framework launch

Clinks has published a blog on a recently announced stage of the probation reform programme – the qualification for the Dynamic Framework, which has since been launched on 11th June. The blog looks at the materials published by the Ministry of Justice alongside this announcement, and how charities interested in being commissioned under the new probation system from summer 2021 can get involved. The blog outlines what is meant by ‘qualification’ – the process by which organisations apply to be on the framework, what services will be commissioned (including health and wellbeing services), the call-off process, an outline of the market warming materials and how to access them, and what is next for the probation reform programme. Read the full blog here

CLINKS LETTER: BAME-led organisations

Voluntary organisations led by black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people have set out five areas for action that HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) must take in order to address the challenges of BAME-led organisations in the criminal justice system. The paper recommends that HMPPS introduce appropriate safeguarding measures to protect BAME staff and service-users who are at higher risk from Covid-19; ensure the financial sustainability of the BAME sector in the criminal justice system; improve engagement with the BAME sector; embed considerations of disproportionality in the recovery process; and ensure transparency and accountability to reassure both BAME charities and the communities they serve. The Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group (RR3) has given their full support to the paper, in a letter to Dr Jo Farrar, Chief Executive of HMPPS. Read the paper and the supporting letter here

CLINKS BLOG: criminal justice champions

In this blog, Clinks' Area Development Team share personal reflections on how local organisations have responded during the pandemic, and what they’ve been hearing from people attending Clinks’ network meetings. They praise the resilience and agility of the sector that has shone through in this difficult time. Clinks will continue to work alongside local organisations to hear and feedback concerns, advocate for the voluntary sector and spread the word about how organisations have responded to this crisis. In their words, “To everyone that has completed a survey, attended a network forum, asked questions, fed back via the Covid-19 mailbox, talked to our staff and shared your wisdom and advice: Clinks salutes you.” Read the blog here

CLINKS BLOG: how will lockdown lift in prisons and probation?

We’ve published two blogs summarising the key information on Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service’s (HMPPS) plans for how restricted regimes in prisons and probation will be gradually lifted. These summaries are based on HMPPS’s guidance documents - the National framework for prisons and the Probation roadmap to recovery. There are five stages outlined for prisons, ranging from ‘complete lockdown’ (stage five) which includes no time in the open air and no transfers in or out of the establishment, to ‘prepare’ (stage one) where compartmentalisation is no longer required, routine inter-prison transfers are allowed and regimes can operate without social distancing or personal protective equipment. All prisons are currently in stage four, ‘lockdown’. Read more on the national framework for prisons here and the probation roadmap to recovery here

NATIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE ARTS ALLIANCE NEWS: annual meeting

The National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance (NCJAA) invites you to its annual meeting 2020 [23rd June | online | free]. On the three month anniversary of the day the UK went into lockdown, the NCJAA will be asking: What does the arts in criminal justice sector need to survive and thrive through Covid-19 and beyond? The event will reflect on the impact of the crisis and ongoing challenges, as well as celebrating the resilience and innovation that has characterised the arts in criminal justice sector’s response so far. Speakers include Andrea Hadley-Johnson and Dr Martin Glynn from the National Justice Museum, who will speak about the museum’s Constraint Restraint exhibition, and its ‘Letters of Constraint’ project, developed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Book here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: experiences of BAME prisoners and their families

The Zahid Mubarek Trust (ZMT) has launched a joint campaign 'A Record of Our Own' aimed at recording experiences of prisoners, prison leavers and their families from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, including Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people, during Covid-19. Over the next six months the ZMT will be working with its current partners and is looking forward to networking with other organisations to support the campaign. The ZMT will publish a report based on the findings and will feed into ongoing high-profile reviews. Importantly, the campaign will amplify ‘unheard voices’ to inform the decision-making process by the Ministry of Justice and Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service. Find out more about the campaign and share your experiences here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: impact of Covid-19 on BAME voluntary organisations

Voyage Youth is conducting research on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on black, Asian and ethnic minority (BAME) youth charities and community interest companies - many of which are struggling to survive financially during this crisis. Voyage Youth engages young people through centre-based, referral and outreach work in the community. The Voyage Youth team are bringing together other BAME-led youth organisations to explore urgent questions of financial sustainability and the practicalities of carrying out their vital work during the lockdown. They are working together to discuss strategies that reduce their chances of closing down. Read more and contact Voyage Youth to share your experience and get involved here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: young and black campaign

Several organisations and activists including UK Youth, Jermain Jackman, My Life My Say and The Diana Award have come together to launch the #YoungAndBlack campaign. It is a space to share, listen and learn from the experiences of young black people. The campaign was launched in response to heartfelt cries and appeals from young black people across Britain who expressed feeling that they don’t have the opportunity or even the right to share their thoughts and experiences on racism in the UK and beyond. #YoungAndBlack recognises the power of storytelling to create empathy and change. It recognises that being seen and heard is required to achieve justice and knows true system change will only come when we are able to discuss the role race plays in all parts of our society. Get involved here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: pregnant women and new mothers in prison

Birth Companions has published its latest statement on the situation faced by pregnant women and new mothers in the prison system. As the numbers of these women released remains low, despite government commitments, and the pressures of isolation and the lack of family contact grow, Birth Companions has set out a number of key calls on the Ministry of Justice and Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service at this crucial point in the pandemic response. Read the statement here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: flexible services

The Making Every Adult Matter (MEAM) coalition has published a paper examining how homelessness, substance misuse, mental health and criminal justice services have provided more flexible services to people facing multiple disadvantage during Covid-19. The rapid evidence research, undertaken by Cordis Bright over a two week period, finds public services working more flexibly in some cases, including examples of improved access to accommodation for people released from prison and increased partnership working between police and other agencies. The research argues that local areas and national government need to conduct cross-sector leadership to ensure any positive changes can be maintained. MEAM is a coalition of Clinks, Homeless Link, Mind and associate member Collective Voice, and works to improve services for people facing multiple disadvantage. Read the research here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Covid-19 and multiple disadvantage

Revolving Doors Agency has launched a survey on the effects of Covid-19 on people facing multiple disadvantage. The responses to this survey will help Revolving Doors to understand what’s happening to people and their communities, and inform policy and practice as a result. The survey should take about 12 minutes to complete. If you have any questions please contact nathan.dick@revolving-doors.org.uk. Take the survey here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: women with convictions

As part of ongoing research to shape and improve the services it offers, Working Chance is conducting a survey to better understand the needs of women who have criminal convictions. Women with criminal convictions are invited to complete the survey and have the chance to win a £100 Amazon gift voucher. Take the short survey here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: women and girls at risk during Covid-19

Agenda has launched a survey to gather vital evidence about what is happening for women and girls at risk and the services that support them during the pandemic. Information shared through the survey will be presented to the government, funders, decision-makers and the public to help Agenda campaign for ongoing support and to ensure women and girls at risk aren’t left exposed to the very worst consequences of the pandemic. It takes just fifteen minutes to complete. Take part in the survey here 

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Covid-19 prisons project

Prison Reform Trust (PRT) has launched a new Covid-19 prisons project: CAPPTIVE (The Covid Action Prison Project: Tracking Innovation, Valuing Experience). The Covid-19 pandemic has dramatically affected the lives of prisoners, their families and those that work in prison. Widescale lockdown with people held in cells for up to 23 and a half hours a day, as well as the suspension of family visits since March have placed an immense strain on prisoners and their loved ones during this unprecedented time. PRT wants to hear from people in prison, and the people who care about them, about their own experience of the pandemic so far. Find out how you can get involved here

FUNDING: criminal justice and penal reform

AB Charitable Trust gives grants between £10,000 to £20,000 to supports charities working where human dignity is imperilled and where there are opportunities for human dignity to be affirmed. To be eligible, projects should address at least one of the following categories: migrants, refugees and asylum seekers; criminal justice and penal reform; or human rights, particularly access to justice. There is particular interest in charities that seek to address the needs of the most marginalised and neglected groups in society. Find out more and apply before 31st July here

FUNDING: disadvantaged children and young people

The Ironmongers' Company offers support to registered charities in the UK providing opportunities for disadvantaged children and young people, under the age of 25, to fulfil their potential. Grants range from a few hundred pounds up to around £10,000. The average grant awarded is £4,000. Grants are available for projects that will deliver clearly defined, educational benefits and develop learning, motivation and skills. Find out more and apply before 31st July here

FUNDING: loans for charities and social enterprises

The Resilience and Recovery Loan Fund offers loans to charities and social enterprises of £100k-£1.5m, with a loan term of a minimum of one year and a maximum of three years, interest-free and fee-free for the first 12 months (in line with the government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme) and with an interest rate of 6.5% per annum for years two and three. The fund is managed by Social Investment Business initially alongside fund partners Big Issue Invest, Charity Bank, and Social and Sustainable Capital and makes the government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme more easily accessible to charities and social enterprises. To date, the fund has approved loans from nine charities and social enterprises, with a total value of over £2.8m. Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: youth justice

The Youth Justice Legal Centre, from Just For Kids Law, is holding a seminar to launch its Legal Guide and Policy Briefing on Turning 18 in the criminal justice system [24th June, online, free]. Those who commit offences in childhood, but are not proceeded against until they have turned 18, face significant injustice. In order to address the issue, The Youth Justice Legal Centre is publishing a legal guide to help practitioners navigate the different regimes, rules and principles that apply. Join this online seminar to hear a variety of perspectives from leading experts in their fields and to learn more about the issues, which are particularly relevant in light of the Covid-19 crisis. Register here

PUBLICATION: hate crime

The latest issue of The British Journal of Community Justice has been published. This is the first of a two-part special issue which presents contemporary reflections on the findings and recommendations of the MacPherson report. Widely regarded as a watershed in race relations in the UK, the report, also known as the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report, was published over 20 years ago in February 1999. The articles in this issue examine the processes of hate crime – a term which encompasses all crimes motivated and aggravated by prejudice - from the perspectives of victims, victim services, the criminal justice system and perpetrators. Read it here

RESOURCE: Covid-19 secure environments resource kit

Beyond Words has developed resources to empower people to understand health issues and social changes that they might face, due to coronavirus. In secure environments, some residents can struggle to understand written information, either due to learning disabilities, autism, low literacy levels or because they come from a non-English speaking background. As Covid-19 continues to impact people living and working in secure environments, Beyond Words has co-created a specific Covid-19 secure environments resource kit. This is intended for use by prison officers, chaplaincy teams, education staff, peer support workers and healthcare teams to support residents who find pictures more accessible than written words. The resource kit can be downloaded free here

FEATURED VACANCY: Chair

Working Chance is looking for a Chair [voluntary, part time, London] who will bring significant charitable governance experience and be an impactful leader with proven strategic ability. The Chair will be highly credible and able to serve as an effective ambassador bringing strong interpersonal skills along with empathy, diplomacy and humility. Working Chance is particularly interested in individuals who bring knowledge and understanding of the criminal justice system or exposure to the issues relating to women who have faced disadvantage and adversity. Most importantly, Working Chance is seeking an individual who shares the organisation’s passion, ambition and commitment to transform women's lives and tackle stigma. Read more and apply before 29th June here

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES

Vacancies on the jobs board this week include: Women's Out of Court Diversionary Scheme Worker with The Footprints Project [Poole], Trustees with St. Giles Trust [London], Independent Nursing Prescriber - Leeds with Humankind [Leeds], Women's Diversion Advocate with Pecan [London], Casework Coordinator (Prison Resettlement Service) with Julian House [Devon & Cornwall], MIS Co-ordinator with Weston College [HMP Coldingley], Volunteer Distance Learning Tutor with Criminon UK [Home based]. For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here

TIPS OF THE WEEK

  • Tip I: Watch the virtual Download Festival 2020 this weekend. Details
  • Tip II: McAfee Internet Security 2020. £9.99. Details
  • Tip III: Two-person hammock with pillows. Save 47%. Details

EXTRA INFORMATION

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