Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 840 | 19 July 2024

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In this issue... 

CLINKS NEWS: The King’s Speech 2024: what the voluntary sector working in criminal justice need to know

We have summarised the 2024's King's Speech in Clinks blog post written by Specialist Policy Officer, Franklin Barrington. The King’s Speech, written by the Government, sets out the legislation and draft legislation ministers anticipate passing over the next year. Overall, 42 bills and draft bills were announced in the speech, of which five are likely to be of particular interest to the voluntary sector working in criminal justice. 

CLINKS NEWS: Understanding the role and value of a chair: insights from a Clinks Trustee

This week Clinks Policy and Communications Officer, Marianne Mooney has captured reflections from Simon Ruding, Clinks trustee and member of the NCJAA advisory board. In this blog Simon shares his experiences and perspectives on the role Clinks' Chair has within the organisation. Find out more about our Chair recruitment

CLINKS EVENT: London Criminal Justice Forum 

All voluntary organisations working in the London Criminal Justice System are warmly invited to attend the next [30 July, 12:30 - 14:00, online, free] Clinks London Criminal Justice Forum. Our guest speaker will be Sophie Linden, Deputy Mayor of London for Policing and Crime. Sophie will be answering questions about her role; how voluntary organisations can be part of London’s upcoming Police and Crime Plan; and the value of voluntary organisations in criminal justice in London.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Standard Determinate Sentences announcement

A statutory instrument (SI) was laid before Parliament on 17 July to reduce time those sentenced to eligible Standard Determinate Sentences (SDS) serve in prison from 50 to 40% of their sentence.T This will apply to both men and women, and the SI needs to be debated and approved by Parliament before it becomes law.

There will be exceptions – sexual offences, offences most commonly associated with domestic abuse, and violent offences with sentences of 4 years or more.

The measure will be applied to sentences given in the future, and applied to those already in prison who are at or past the 40% point of an eligible sentence when the changes come into force.

The SI will have two recommended commencement dates for two tranches of releases – SDS40 will apply firstly to those serving sentences of under five years (coming into force on 10th September) and then apply to 5 years and more sentences, coming into force for those cases on 22nd October.

MEMBER FOCUS: Mwanzo Project CIC

Mwanzo Project is a Black Led Grassroots Community Interest Company founded in response to the gap in provision for children and young people who are at risk/involved in offending, exploitation and street conflict. 
 
They recognise the racial disproportionality within our Criminal Legal System, the over- criminalisation, institutional and structural racism experienced by Black and racially minoritised young people and are committed to use their expertise and skills to offer bespoke support to those most marginalised by wider society. Find out more

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: responding to the emergency measures

RJ4All share their position on the government's emergency measures addressing the current crisis in the prison system.

In response to the Lord Chancellor's announcement of urgent measures, RJ4All strongly advocate for restorative justice to address crime's root causes and support both harmed and harming parties. The current system is failing, and early prisoner releases alone won't resolve underlying issues. Restorative justice, focusing on healing, conflict resolution, addressing power abuse, and fostering community cohesion, can complement the formal legal system.

More data proving the crisis of the current criminal system, along with strong evidence through building the world's first restorative justice postcode in London, can be found in RJ4All’s recently released Open Letter to the Lord Chancellor.

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: help shape Prisoners Abroad

Call out for people with lived experience of overseas imprisonment - Help shape the future strategy of the charity Prisoners Abroad.

For over 45 years, Prisoners Abroad has worked to protect the health, wellbeing and basic human rights of British citizens detained abroad. Prisoners Abroad is in the process of determining their strategy for the next five years. It's a chance to think about what should be different and what Prisoners Abroad's role should be in making that happen. Prisoners Abroad exists solely for the thousands of British people affected by overseas imprisonment every year, so they want to hear from people with lived experience of overseas imprisonment, as well as families and loved ones – no matter how long ago that was.

As a way of saying thank you, a [£25 Love2Shop voucher] will be given to one randomly selected person. Complete the survey here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: HMP Brixton's Future Skills programme, in partnership with St Giles Trust 

Are you passionate about making a difference? This programme offers an innovative 5-week training course designed to prepare soon-to-be-released individuals for meaningful employment, supporting individuals to excel in roles within the advice and guidance employment sector. Contact St Giles Trust to learn more about partnering with Future Skills at HMP Brixton.

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Time for Change

The Criminal Justice Alliance is launching its latest report Time for Change, [30 July, 11:00 - 12:30, online]. The report summarises insights from six thematic consultations with CJA members, highlighting key criminal justice priorities for the new government. The online launch event will explore the specific policy proposals presented, including the urgent need to rebuild the relationship between civil society and government in order to enact real change. Speakers include Russell Webster, Harriet Wistrich (Centre for Women’s Justice), Abimbola Johnson (ISOB) and Cassia Rowland (Institute for Government). Download the agenda and register here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Networking and summer BBQ

The Traveller Movement invites you to their summer BBQ and networking event [31 July, 15:00 - 20:00, London SW4, free]. This will be an opportunity for you to meet the team, see their offices, find out more about the work the Traveller Movement does and enjoy a burger!

Let's enjoy this nice weather together while we have a chance! Places are limited, so please register here

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: Housing and Homelessness Matters

This engaging course (CPD Accredited) delves deep into the significance of housing [7 August, 10:00 - 16:00, online, £89.00 + Vat]. Seasoned trainers, with vast experience in addressing intricate housing issues on the front lines, are poised to enhance your grasp of the essential aspects of housing matters. Enrol to elevate your expertise in this pivotal domain. What will you learn?

  • Explore obstacles connected with upholding a tenancy and discover effective resolution strategies.
  • Gain an understanding of the legal obligations held by both social and private landlords concerning tenants and neighbours.
  • Familiarise yourself with tenants’ rights pertaining to eviction and learn the appropriate steps to take in case of such an unfortunate circumstance.
  • Navigate the process of questioning housing decisions made by entities such as the Local Authority, immigration, and avoid situations that may lead to intentional homelessness.
  • Uncover valuable insights into homelessness support, rights, and the additional assistance available.

Register for your place here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Get to grips with Universal Credit

This CPD Accredited course is tailor-made to assist organisations engaged in diverse aspects of social welfare in gaining a strong grasp of Universal Credit [13 August, 10:00 - 16:00, online, £89.00 + Vat]. You will embark on a journey through the intricacies of Universal Credit, supported by an expert in welfare benefits. This learning experience combines interactive case studies, practical exercises, quizzes, and invaluable insights to ensure your understanding and preparedness. What will you learn?

  • Comprehend the six Elements of Universal Credit and their associated eligibility criteria.
  • Gain insight into the difficulties, potential pitfalls, and actionable measures involved in the Universal Credit process, encompassing application procedures, sanction avoidance, and managing unforeseen circumstances.
  • Establish a clear understanding of the conditions leading to ‘natural migration’ to Universal Credit from different existing benefits, specifying the eligible benefits and those that do not trigger the transition.

Register for your place here

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:

SOS Caseworker with St Giles Trust [£23,000 - £25,500, Greater Manchester (primarily Tameside and Stockport), full time]; Family Support Partner with One Small Thing [£26,000 - £28,000, Southampton, full time]; Housing and Resettlement Manager with One Small Thing [£37,000 - £42,000, Southampton, full time]; Bounce Back for Kids (BB4K) Support Worker with Alana House, Parents and Children Together [£24,745 - £30,243, Working flexibly from our Reading office, part time]; ED Specialist Caseworker with St Giles Trust [£30,000 - £34,000, Whipps Cross Hospital, London, full time]; x 3 Prison Advocate with ADVANCE [£22,000 - £27,000, Peterborough, full time]; Team Leader - Prisoner Family Services based at The Visitors' Centre at HMP Wayland with Ormiston Families [£29,638, The Visitors' Centre based at HMP Wayland, part time]; SOS+ Project Coordinator Lead with St Giles Trust [£32500, London/Southeast England, full time]; Custody Team Leader with St Giles Trust [£29,500 - £36,000, HMP Peterborough, full time]; Administrator with Women in Prison [£22,712, Hulme, Manchester, part time].

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

READS OF THE WEEK:

EXTRA INFORMATION:

About Clinks Light Lunch

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