Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 867 | 07 February 2025

Light lunch

In this issue...

CLINKS EVENTS: upcoming

Here is a reminder of featured and Clinks events in February:

MEMBER FOCUS: The Corbett Network 

The Corbett Network for Prisoner Re-Integration is a coalition of charities, social enterprises, CICs, non-profit organisations and businesses with a social mission who work with those in prison and after release. These decision-makers are dedicated to reducing re-offending by helping people with convictions find and keep a job. Members also offer mentoring, coaching, training, and on-going support. Find out more about The Corbett Network

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: women's health and justice

One Small Thing is seeking views from practitioners on women's health in the justice system. What are the barriers to women accessing health services, and what needs to be in place to effectively meet the health needs of the women in contact with the justice system?

This survey is for those who work with or support women who may be in contact with, or at risk of contact with the justice system.

Your feedback matters. By submitting a response you have an opportunity to contribute to One Small Thing's research and influencing work, and inform discussions with decision makers that can shape culture change across the justice system. This survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete and will be open until 24 February.

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: Writers Toolbox 2

As you may know, Imagine if Theatre Company's Artistic Director, Chesca Joy, sadly died in May last year. As a legacy to Chesca, we are delighted to announce that we are launching - Writers Toolbox 2, led by Bafta winning TV writer, Mark Catley. 

What is it? Writers' Toolbox 2 is a six-month paid opportunity focusing on writing for stage and screen. Participants will begin working on a new piece of theatre, TV or film and there will be sessions on securing funding to produce their own work and a pitch event to share their writing and make connections with industry professionals.

Who is it for? It is for working-class women with all levels of writing experience who can commit to attending each session (in Leeds) and to doing homework in between the workshops. They are particularly keen to encourage women with experience of the care or criminal justice systems to apply. Participants will be paid to attend the workshops and reasonable expenses will be covered. Deadline for applications is 7 March. Find out more and apply here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Frontline Network Conference contributions

Every year the Frontline Network Conference, by St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity, brings together hundreds of frontline homelessness colleagues for a day of interactive online learning. Sessions are run by a range of speakers from across sectors; experts sharing their knowledge, skills, experience and insights.

If there is a topic or theme that you are passionate about, and feel you could educate colleagues in the sector on, please get in touch. St Martin-in-the-Fields are seeking proposals that are relevant to frontline workers in the homelessness sector. Follow this link to contribute

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: the power of community

The Mint House is hosting Claudia Christen-Schneider who will be speaking on her upcoming book; Trauma-Informed Restorative Dialogues: The Power of Community. The book discusses the integration of trauma-informed practice with restorative justice. [2 April, 12:00 - 13:00, online, variable prices (including free tickets)]. Book here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: join the Women’s Justice Board Partnership Delivery Group

The Government is inviting expressions of interest to join the Partnership Delivery Group (PDG) supporting the newly established Women’s Justice Board. The PDG will bring together senior officials from key government departments and external experts to shape policies and address the distinct challenges faced by women in the criminal justice system.

The PDG will support the Women’s Justice Board by:

  • Developing policies to reduce the number of women in custody and promote community-based alternatives.
  • Addressing the root causes of offending, such as trauma, mental health, and domestic abuse.
  • Strengthening collaboration between voluntary organisations, statutory agencies, and other stakeholders.

This is your opportunity to influence strategies that ensure tailored, gender-specific approaches to improve outcomes for women in the justice system. Applications must be submitted by [23:59, Tuesday 11 February 2025]. Express your interest here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: upcoming market information session

His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) is excited to announce an upcoming market informing session for the recommissioning of rehabilitative services for people in prison and on probation. The session [26 February, 14:00 – 17:00, online, free] will provide a high-level overview for how HMPPS plan to recommission its Commissioned Rehabilitative Services. An indication of the topics HMPPS would like to present during the event inlclude:

An overview of Commissioned Rehabilitative Services; Timescales; Geography/ Lots / Value /Waves; How we are going to procure; High Level Specification; Written Responses / Tender; Service Enablers; Flexibility; Partnership; Evaluation Methodology; Contract Baseline; Paymech, Performance and Contract Levers; Mobilisation; Market Engagement Plan for 2025.

It should be noted that any topics discussed does not commit the authority to sourcing these services in the future and the position may change. Register here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Small Grants Scheme 

HMPPS is piloting a Small Grants Scheme for awarding individual grants (under £10k) to Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations operating and registered in the UK.

Each grant will be competed over two weeks. A variety of grants will be available within selected prisons in the north and northeast, northwest, south central and Wales. The next grants have been advertised (the final grant will be advertised no later than 20 February).

See the opportunities available below. The application process is open from [10 February to 23 February].

  • HMP Berwyn (Sports activities) 
  • HMP Preston (Dog Therapy project) 
  • HMP Preston (Dog Therapy for Complex Needs project) 
  • HMP Bullingdon (Street art workshop) 

Find more and apply here: Home - Find a grant under “HMPPS Small Grants Scheme”.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: market testing event

This event [27 February, 10:00-11:30, online, free] is for HMPPS to explain the information previously shared in the document titled “Early Testing of the Community Links Model for Recommissioning of Rehab Services”. HMPPS will talk you through the key components of the model that they wish to test and the questions that they will be exploring in the Early Testing. There will be an opportunity to ask HMPPS questions. Register for the event here

A further event is planned for [24 April] (invites to follow) to update you on the learning gathered within that period. This will include representatives from the early testing provider organisations and HMPPS contract management teams. A final report will be shared in early June, and a presentation to the market on the report findings will follow this (date TBC).

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: recovery-oriented systems

Join Mike Wheatley, Head of the Drug and Alcohol Group at HMPPS, keynote speaker Professor David Best, Ph.D., and an expert panel of leaders in Prison and Probation Recovery, Health and Justice, and Lived Experience for an insightful discussion on how HMPPS is evolving its approach to addressing drug and alcohol use within the criminal justice system [5 March, 10:00 - 11:30, online, free].

Explore how a Recovery-Oriented System of Care (ROSC) provides a holistic, person-centred, and sustainable framework to tackle substance misuse, empowering individuals to lead meaningful, healthier lives while reducing reoffending and societal harm. Register here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Community Connections pilot report

The HMP Bullingdon Community Connections Pilot Project, initially funded for two-years, from November 2022, was established to address the challenges people face on being released from prison in order to reduce reoffending. A uniformed prison officer was seconded to the project which was designed to connect people with a wide variety of Third Sector groups in the community within Oxfordshire. A report on the pilot has been published and can be read here

NON-MEMBERS’ NEWS: shaping healthier workplaces

Five years after the UK’s first wellbeing research for fundraisers, the Charity Well 2025 study is now live, expanding its focus to all charity professionals. This vital research will provide fresh insights into workplace wellbeing, comparing findings to the 2019 study and helping organisations foster healthier, more supportive environments.

Supported by Fundraising Everywhere, JustGiving, Charity People, Lightful, and media partners Fundraising Magazine and The Saltways, this project aims to drive positive change across the sector.

If you work in the charity sector, share your experiences and help shape the future of workplace wellbeing. Take part here

RESOURCE: Women in Prison archive 

The Women in Prison archive at Bishopsgate Institute is now publicly accessible. 

Discover the rich history of Women in Prison. The newly available archive is a collection of all Women in Prison's work campaigning and supporting women affected by the criminal justice system, from the early work in the 1980s of Founder Chris Tchaikovsky, to the influencing and frontline work of the organisation today.

The archive is available to the public, and the catalogue is available online on Bishopsgate’s website (link below), where you can view the full listing of materials in the archive. To access and explore the materials, simply visit the Institute, [Monday to Friday, from 10:00 - 17:00] and ask to see the archive. You can find out more here

PUBLICATION: New book! Arts in Criminal Justice and Corrections

New book! Arts in Criminal Justice and Corrections: International Perspectives on Methods, Journeys, and Challenges, edited by Amanda Gardner and Laura Caulfield.

This is the first volume to bring together leading figures from three continents to explore key methodological approaches and issues through the lens of the researchers themselves. Methodology chapters alternate with profiles of contributors from myriad backgrounds to highlight the role of researchers in evidencing impact and influencing policy. The book is essential reading for criminologists engaged in prisons, corrections, and desistance research, as well as researchers and practitioners in the arts and rehabilitation. Find out more

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:

Reading Strategy Coordinator with Shannon Trust [£28,274, HMP Oakwood, full time]; Advocate (South London) with Women in Prison [£29,864, London, full time]; Children and Young People’s Liaison and Diversion Keyworker with The Nelson Trust [£24,000, Swindon, full time]; Reconnect Keyworker with The Nelson Trust [£23,000 - £25,000, Falfield, full time]; Remand Keyworker with The Nelson Trust [£23,000 - £25,000, Falfield, Gloucestershire, full time]; SWOP Outreach Keyworker with The Nelson Trust [£23,000 - £24,000, Gloucester, full time]; Women’s Criminal Justice Keyworker with The Nelson Trust [£23,000 - £24,000, Trowbridge, full time]; Arts Coordinator with Koestler Arts [£28,119, East Acton W12 0TX, full time]; Specialist Support Worker with Imagine Independence [£23,619, Padiham, Lancashire, full time]; Communications & Patrons Officer with Koestler Arts [£31,286, London, full 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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