Clinks Health and Justice Newsletter | December 2024

Welcome to the December 2024 edition of the Clinks Health and Justice Newsletter!

We warmly welcome submissions and contributions to the Health and Justice Newsletter from our members. If you would like to submit something for inclusion in this newsletter, please use this form.

This will be the last issue of Clinks Health and Justice Newsletter for 2024. Submissions received between now and the new year will be published on 25 February 2025. We wish everyone the best for the festive season.

This month:

Our Health and Justice Work: an update from our Clinks Annual Conference earlier this month.
Latest News: including the Lord Chancellor’s statement on the 10-year Prison Capacity Strategy, the Sentencing Review, the Autumn Budget, the Mental Health Bill, and the latest justice statistics.
Sector Insights: lots of recent publications from across the sector including the HM Inspectorate of Prisons report on the experiences of children in custody, HMPPS first annual report on the IPP sentence, and a report from the Race Equality Foundation on social prescribing and health inequalities in racially minoritised communities.
Get Involved: a number of consultations, including from the Justice Select Committee and the Home Affairs Committee.

Thank you to those who joined us this month for the Clinks annual conference and AGM 2024: Connecting for Change, it was fantastic to see so many of you in person and we hope that you enjoyed the day as much as we did.

As part of the programme Pavan Dhaliwal, Chief Executive of Clinks member Revolving Doors chaired a workshop on the theme of “connecting health with wellbeing - exploring the impact of social prescribing in reducing health inequalities in criminal justice." On the panel were three members of the Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group (RR3) - Paul Grainge (Older people seat), Vicki Markiewicz (Substance misuse seat) and Matina Marougka (Mental health seat), who shared their perspectives of social prescribing before a vibrant discussion in the room. We look forward to sharing more takeaways from the event in 2025.

Lord Chancellor’s Statement on 10-Year Prison Capacity Strategy

The Lord Chancellor, Shabana Mahmood, outlined the UK’s 10-Year Prison Capacity Strategy and Annual Statement on 11 December 2024. The plan aims to address severe capacity shortfalls, with the goal to deliver 14,000 new prison places by 2031. The strategy emphasises investment in new facilities and upgrading existing infrastructure. The Annual Statement provides updates on progress and transparency in implementation.

The Independent Sentencing Review

On 21 October, the Government announced an independent review into sentencing, following on from its manifesto commitment. This review will be chaired by the former Conservative Lord Chancellor David Gauke. The Review aims to ensure a sustainable criminal justice system and is due to submit its findings to the Government by Spring 2025.

The Review will have three core principles:

Ensuring that "prison sentences punish serious offenders and protect the public" and that there is always space in prison for ‘the most dangerous offenders’
Looking at what more can be done around rehabilitation and keeping the public safe by reducing reoffending
Exploring "tougher punishments outside of prison" to ensure community sentences reduce crime whilst making the best use of public money.

In its announcement, the Government said the Review would look at "tough alternatives" to prison, such as technology that could put people "in a prison outside prison”’ and compelling people to do "hard work" in the community. It will also consider whether more can be done to "tackle prolific offending".

We have been working across the sector to gather evidence that will inform our submission. As part of this work, we held three separate focus groups covering community sentences, long sentences, and innovation. Please fill out our survey before 6 January 2025 or contact Rachel Tynan if you wish to input.

Autumn Budget 2024

On 30 October, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, set out the new Government's first Budget, following the General Election. This set out the budget for the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) for 2025-26, along with the budgets of other government departments. It also set out a number of other measures likely to impact the voluntary sector working in criminal justice. These included:

Increases to employers' National Insurance Contributions (NICs)
Increases to the minimum wage
Inflation-based increases to working age benefits
A change to Universal Credit to reduce the amount a household's payment can be deducted as debt repayments.

Following the Chancellor's announcement about the increases to employers' NICs, NCVO has estimated that this will lead to £1.4 billion of increased costs to the voluntary sector each year. With charities already being in challenging financial situations, something we have seen for many years in our own State of the Sector research, NCVO have said this decision to increase NICs for the sector "and not create an exemption, will be another major strain on their limited resources".

As such, together with ACEVO, NCVO have co-ordinated an open letter calling for urgent action to be taken on this planned change, for the voluntary sector. This was signed by 7,361 voluntary organisations.

Mental Health Bill

On Monday 25 November, the House of Lords debated the Mental Health Bill at second reading. Key issues included improving patient rights, safeguarding vulnerable individuals, and ensuring that treatment is appropriate and effective. Amongst other provisions, this Bill seems to remove police stations and prisons as defined places of safety, to ensure that people experiencing mental health crisis or with severe mental health needs are supported in an appropriate setting; and it introduces a new 28-day time limit for transfers from prison and other places of detention to hospital for people in the criminal justice system or immigration detention with severe mental health needs.

Offender Equalities Annual Report

His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) has published its Offender Equalities Annual Report for 2023-2024, offering key insights into equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the prison and probation systems in England and Wales. The report presents detailed data on the protected characteristics of individuals in the criminal justice system, highlighting disparities and areas for improvement. As of 31 March 2024, males comprised 95.9% of the total prison population, while females accounted for 4.1%. The female prison population increased by 9.7% over the year, rising from 3,315 to 3,635, while the male population grew by 3.9%, from 81,057 to 84,234. Black or Black British prisoners constituted 12.9% of the remand population and 12.1% of the sentenced population.

Latest Quarterly Criminal Justice Statistics

The MoJ published statistics covering people in the criminal justice system, safety in custody and the children and young people’s secure estate (CYPSE), and proven reoffending.

There were 86,966 people in prison on 30 September 2024. There were 317 deaths in custody in the year to September 2024, a 4% increase from last year. The number of self-harm incidents in prison rose 19% in the year to June 2024, with the rate of self-harm incidents per 1,000 people decreasing 7% in female establishments and increasing 20% in male establishments. The annualised rate of self-harm per 100 children in the CYPSE increased by 61% in the quarter to June 2024 compared to the same quarter last year, standing at 560.9 incidents per 100 children and young people per year. The proven reoffending rate for the October to December 2022 cohort was 26.4%.

Education, skills, and work: peer mentoring in men’s prisons

The MoJ has published research examining what contributes to effective education, skills development, and work-related peer mentoring in men’s prisons across England. The study explores the perspectives of those involved in peer mentoring, including mentors, mentees, and prison staff, highlighting the potential of these programs to support rehabilitation and improve outcomes. Peer mentoring was found to foster a sense of purpose, build confidence, and enhance employability for both mentors and mentees. The findings underline the value of peer mentoring as a tool for personal development and rehabilitation in prisons.

Health

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has released a comprehensive roadmap aimed at fostering an enabling environment to achieve more equitable health security outcomes. This initiative aligns with UKHSA’s mission to safeguard the health of every individual in every community. The document outlines strategies to address health disparities, enhance inclusivity in health policies, and build resilient systems to protect vulnerable populations. By prioritising equity, the roadmap seeks to ensure that health security efforts are accessible and effective for all.

The Department of Health and Social Care has published the final report reviewing the Care Quality Commission (CQC). It includes seven key recommendations aimed at improving CQC's operational effectiveness. These focus on enhancing transparency, streamlining assessment processes, and addressing workforce challenges. The report emphasises the need for robust governance and improved stakeholder engagement to ensure the CQC delivers on its mission to uphold care standards.

The Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) has published the 2023/24 Community Life Survey, offering key insights into civic engagement, social action, and community dynamics. In relation to Health and Social Well-being, the survey found that disabled adults (14%) were slightly more likely to participate in social action, such as community projects, compared to non-disabled adults (13%). This highlights the role of inclusive initiatives in promoting community involvement among diverse groups.

A joint Home Office and Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) report evaluates the Right Care, Right Person (RCRP) approach, designed to ensure individuals with health and social care needs are supported by appropriately skilled professionals. The evaluation highlights reduced police involvement in health-related incidents and stresses the importance of cross-agency communication. Challenges include capacity constraints in health and social care services. Recommendations aim to enhance implementation effectiveness.

The Race Equality Foundation, supported by the VCSE Health and Wellbeing Alliance, has released a report urging more consistent and rigorous ethnicity data collection in social prescribing. This non-medical intervention connects individuals to community-based support to tackle health inequalities. The report highlights that better data is crucial to understanding and addressing disparities affecting racially minoritised communities. Key findings include evidence of higher engagement rates in areas like Kirklees and Islington, demonstrating the potential of social prescribing to reach underserved groups. However, the lack of standardised data collection practices limits the ability to assess impact and tailor services effectively. The report advocates for culturally competent approaches and improved data systems to enhance equity in health outcomes.

The DCSC has published the terms of reference for a review into the safety of the health and care landscape. The review will map the wide range of organisations influencing quality and safety, with a focus on six key DHSC-overseen bodies that significantly impact safety. It aims to enhance coordination, improve safety standards, and ensure accountability across the sector.

Criminal Justice

The National Audit Office (NAO) has released a critical report on the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), highlighting significant challenges in managing and expanding the prison estate. The report outlines a projected shortfall of 12,400 prison spaces by 2027, with the cost of expansion now estimated to exceed original projections by £4 billion. The delays stem from unrealistic timelines and difficulties in securing planning permissions for new facilities. The NAO emphasised that years of underinvestment have left the prison system in a fragile state, forcing reliance on costly short-term measures like early prisoner releases. These temporary solutions, while addressing immediate overcrowding, pose risks to public safety and operational sustainability. Experts and advocacy groups, including the Prison Reform Trust and the Howard League for Penal Reform, have called for a comprehensive, long-term strategy to address these systemic issues and reduce the demand on the prison system.

The Government is piloting wearable technology and virtual reality interventions to address drug-related deaths. These initiatives include overdose-detecting sensors, VR therapy for addiction triggers, and rapid naloxone delivery systems. Funded by a £12 million program, the pilot aims to enhance treatment outcomes and save lives. If successful, these technologies could be scaled nationwide to tackle drug misuse more effectively.

The MoJ published the annual statistical update on deaths of offenders in the community. From April 2023 to March 2024, there were 1,404 deaths of offenders under the supervision of the Probation Service in England and Wales, a 10% decrease from the previous year. The majority were due to natural causes (44%), followed by self-inflicted deaths (28%). Offenders serving court orders accounted for 54% of deaths, and those on post-release supervision represented 43%.

Prison

The MoJ has published a bulletin that presents prison population projections for England and Wales from October 2024 to March 2029. The resource outlines a projected "steady" population increase, particularly amongst adult males and adult females including those over 50 years old. The projections have been adjusted to reflect the recent impact of SDS40. It also acknowledges uncertainty due to other policy impacts, and therefore includes sub-population estimates alongside the effects of legislation, sentencing activity, and other factors relevant to the prison population.

Independent Monitoring Boards (IMBs) monitor and report on the conditions and treatment of those detained in every prison in England and Wales, as well as every immigration detention facility across the UK. Last week a thematic monitoring report was published highlighting unacceptable conditions assessed in the prison estate. This report provides an overview of the impact of aging buildings and delayed maintenance and repairs on men and women in adult prisons, and children and young people in young offender institutions (YOIs).

HMPPS has released its first annual report on the Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentence, covering the period from 2023 to 2024. The report provides an overview of progress and challenges in managing IPP prisoners and highlights key updates to the refreshed action plan. The annual report outlines efforts to address longstanding issues associated with IPP sentences, including supporting people in prison to progress towards release, enhancing post-release supervision and support for those on licence, addressing the psychological and rehabilitative needs of those serving IPP sentences, and working with the Parole Board to improve decision-making processes. The updated action plan introduces targeted measures aimed at reducing barriers to release and improving outcomes.

The MoJ and HMPPS have published findings from the Prison Estate Conditions Survey Programme (PECSP), conducted from December 2021 to November 2023. This survey assessed the conditions of all publicly owned prisons in England and Wales, providing key insights to inform future maintenance and improvement plans.

Women

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was on 25 November. Staff from Together for Mental Wellbeing who support women in the criminal justice system highlighted key changes that are needed to improve support for survivors of violence. Recommendations include early intervention, trauma-informed approaches, gender-specific services, and holding perpetrators accountable. Improved housing and financial support, alongside culturally competent care, are vital to help women rebuild their lives. Find out more about the day here, including views from staff and how we can improve safety and support for women.

The Criminal Justice Alliance have worked together with the National Black Police Officers Association to produce a joint briefing that examines the treatment of Black and racially minoritised police officers in the Metropolitan Police's misconduct processes. This follows the Casey Review, published in 2023. The briefing highlights that, despite the Metropolitan Police's commitments to reform, systemic racial discrimination persists, with a culture of bullying, exclusion, and a lack of meaningful support within the institution.

Youth Justice

A new report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons highlights alarming trends in the experiences of children aged 12 to 18 held in secure training centres and young offender institutions. The report reveals that a higher number of children in custody now feel unsafe, with 15% reporting concerns - more than double the 7% recorded in 2022-23. This rise in safety fears is accompanied by troubling findings about the conditions and opportunities available to children in these settings. Inspectors found that many children spend most of their time locked in cells, often exceeding 22 hours a day, with limited access to education or meaningful activities. Children who reported feeling unsafe were found to have far poorer outcomes across almost all areas of daily life.

The Youth Justice Board issued a statement in response to the Inspectorate’s report, from its CEO, Steph Roberts-Bibby. Additionally, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons has written to the Chair of the Justice Committee, summarising the key insights from the analysis and urging for greater attention to these critical issues.

A new report from Nacro sheds light on the experiences and perceptions of disadvantaged young people, revealing significant concerns about crime and trust in policing. The findings show that over one in five young people surveyed reported being victims of crime, highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by those in disadvantaged circumstances. Despite their frequent exposure to crime, only 35% of respondents expressed trust in the police, pointing to a critical gap in confidence between young people and law enforcement. Nacro’s report underscores the importance of addressing the factors that contribute to these perceptions and experiences. Strengthening relationships between police and young people, while ensuring support for those affected by crime, are crucial steps to foster trust and community safety.

A joint report by HMI Probation, Ofsted, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services highlights how local partnerships and services respond to children and families affected by serious youth violence. The report identifies significant challenges in ensuring coordinated and empathetic responses to those impacted by such violence. A lack of consistent collaboration and understanding among services often leaves children and parents feeling unsupported during critical moments.

Alongside the report, Ofsted commissioned research from Safer London, a charity dedicated to supporting young people and families. This research found that many affected by serious youth violence reported feeling a lack of empathy from professionals. However, when partnership working was effective, children and families spoke positively about receiving tangible, practical support that made a real difference.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has published a report analysing the long-term effects of Sure Start, a UK early intervention program on youth misbehaviour, crime, and interactions with children’s social care. The study highlights mixed impacts, with potential reductions in certain risky behaviours but limited evidence of consistent benefits across all outcomes. It emphasises the need for tailored, evidence-based approaches to early childhood interventions.

Voluntary sector

The UK Civil Society Almanac 2024, released by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), offers a detailed analysis of the voluntary sector's impact and trends. The report highlights the sector's significant economic contribution, income sources, and financial challenges. It explores workforce demographics, emphasising diversity and representation, and provides insights into volunteering trends and evolving participation.

Inquiries and consultations

HMI Prisons, along with HMI Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate have launched a consultation on their proposed joint inspection programme for 2025 to 2027.

The House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee has initiated an inquiry into prison culture, focusing on governance, leadership, and staffing within the prison system. This inquiry aims to explore how these factors influence the environment, effectiveness, and outcomes of prisons, including the impact on both staff and those in custody. The Committee is particularly interested in identifying challenges and best practices to foster positive cultural change within the prison system. You can submit evidence until 10 January 2025.

The Justice Committee has launched an inquiry into rehabilitation and resettlement, focusing on reducing reoffending and supporting prison leavers. It will examine the effectiveness of current rehabilitation services, barriers to resettlement such as housing and employment, and how agencies collaborate to deliver support. The inquiry also seeks to assess the long-term impact of existing strategies. Written evidence is invited from experts and stakeholders, with submissions closing on 8 January 2024.

Events

Clinks and NPC, supported by Barrow Cadbury Trust, are convening an online roundtable on the environmental crises and the prison system. The roundtable will be held on [16 January 2025, 10.30-12.30pm], for charities working in the criminal justice sector. It will help organisations to: understand how the climate and nature crises will affect people in prison; examine the actions already being taken in policy and practice to mitigate these impacts; take action to ensure further support is available to people in prisons where needed. Conversations will be informed by a newly published research report developed by NPC and supported by Clinks as part of NPC's Everyone's Environment programme. Register here.

The National Association for Social Prescribing (NASP) will host a webinar [21 January 2025, 12:00 - 1:00pm] to share new findings from a year-long research project exploring the potential for greater community involvement in and leadership of social prescribing in England. The research was commissioned by Local Trust and conducted by the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research (CRESR) at Sheffield Hallam University and the National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP). The webinar will explore how community-led social prescribing differs from other models, as well as barriers and enablers to community involvement considering a range of perspectives. Register to attend.

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This regular bulletin provides Clinks members with the latest news for voluntary organisations involved in the health and care of people in the criminal justice system. To submit content please complete this form.

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