Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 870 | 28 February 2025

Light lunch

In this issue...

CLINKS NEWS: final addition of the Health & Justice newsletter

February 2025's edition was the final Clinks' Health and Justice Newsletter we will be mailing to subscribers. However, the health and wellbeing of people in contact with the criminal justice system will remain an area of focus for Clinks as part of our policy work. As such, to help ensure our members remain up to date on the latest health and justice news, we will be introducing a specific section on health and justice to our monthly Policy Briefing. This newsletter is available for free to all Clinks members. We encourage our Health and Justice Newsletter subscribers to sign up to our monthly Policy Briefing for the latest news, sector insights, publications and events. Sign up here

CLINKS NEWS: Katrina Ffrench appointed to the RR3

We are delighted to announce that Katrina Ffrench, Founding Director of UNJUST CIC, has been appointed as the new Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group (RR3) seat holder for organisations led by and focused on racially minoritised people.

Katrina brings a wealth of experience, and a deep commitment to advocating for racially minoritised people in contact with the criminal justice system. Her role will play a vital role in shaping policy discussions and ensuring the voices of specialist organisations are heard at the highest levels.

CLINKS NEWS: experienced Chair sought by MEAM

Making Every Adult Matter (MEAM) was established in 2009 as a coalition of Clinks, Collective Voice, Homeless Link, and Mind. 

MEAM has recently transitioned to a new charity structure and is now the national charity dedicated to transforming services and systems for people facing multiple disadvantage. We work with local areas, policymakers, and people with lived experience to drive meaningful, lasting change.

With the new charity structure, MEAM is seeking a dynamic and experienced Chair to lead our board through this exciting new chapter. This is a unique opportunity to help shape MEAM’s future, champion our vital work at a national and local level and support our dedicated team to create lasting impact. Find out more and register your interest here

CLINKS NEWS: government consultation on Supported Housing regulation

The UK Government has launched a consultation on the regulation of supported housing, aiming to strengthen oversight and improve standards for individuals in supported accommodation. This consultation seeks views from housing providers, local authorities, voluntary organisations, and residents on proposed measures to ensure high-quality support, supervision, and care.

Key focus areas include:

  • Defining care, support, and supervision in housing benefit regulations.
  • Establishing minimum standards for supported housing providers.
  • Improving accountability and oversight.

Deadline for responses [26 March]. Have your say by responding to the Supported Housing consultation.

CLINKS NEWS: Health and Wellbeing Alliance impact report

As a member of the VCSE Health and Wellbeing Alliance, we are delighted to share the recently published Impact report which shows how the Alliance has successfully brought together a coalition of over 18 VCSE organisations and consortia, with unparalleled networks among communities who face the biggest health inequalities, to successfully support the development of inclusive health and care policy, commissioning and service design.

Read the report to find out more about the successes and impact of the Alliance, illustrated through a range of Alliance projects, influencing successes and testimonies, and visit the VCSE Health and Wellbeing Alliance Resource library for a full list of publications to date.

CLINKS NEWS: Joint Enterprise - call for evidence

The Parliamentary Joint Enterprise Commission has launched a call for evidence to examine the impact of joint enterprise laws on those convicted under the doctrine. The commission, chaired by MPs and legal experts, seeks testimonies from individuals, families, legal professionals, and advocacy groups to assess how joint enterprise is applied and its consequences. Key areas of focus include:

  • The fairness of joint enterprise convictions.
  • The disproportionate impact on young people and ethnic minorities.
  • The need for legal reform.

The commission is urging those affected to contribute their experiences to help shape policy recommendations. To find out more, including how to submit evidence, read this insightful article by Inside Time: Parliamentary Commission on Joint Enterprise calls for evidence

CLINKS NEWS: Evidence Library - working with young adults in the CJS

In this latest addition to our Evidence Library, Gemma Buckland, Transition to Adulthood Alliance (T2A), looks at what we understand about the development of the brain in young adulthood; the implications for young adults involved in criminal behaviour; the impact of trauma and adverse childhood experiences on the maturation process; the 'age-crime curve' and the evidence about growing out of crime; and the implications for best practice working with young adults. Read the review here

MEMBER FOCUS: 180 Programme 

The 180 Programme works with adults, young people and families who are facing disadvantage, isolation and who have lived an unsettled way of life, through CrossFit, therapeutic support , community activities, and an opportunity to explore Christian Faith. 
 
Services are offered in HMP Lancaster and at the HQ in the community. These services include crossfit (sport) group workouts, small group work, individual sessions and family events. Opportunities to explore faith in small groups or as an individual is offered. The sessions are underpinned by a trauma informed approach and CBT principles. Find out more

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: caught up in crime

Own Merit CIC has been been included in the latest episode of the Caught up in Crime podcast. Tom Clarke interviews Own Merit residents as well as the founders, covering how people leaving prison can be housed safely and affordably. finding an abundance of hope, collaboration and mutual respect. Listen to episode 6, Hand of Fate

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Employment 4 ALL jobs site

Employment 4 ALL CIC have supported over 5000 people into employment and have recently launched a new jobsite www.e4ajobs.com with a Hiring Manager Portal which encourages Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in workplaces, to support more employers to employ those with experience of a wide range of disadvantages and barriers to employment.

The new site offers practical careers advice to Jobseekers, advice to Jobseekers on how to transform the world of work. We have partnered with training providers to deliver pre-employment training, for employers who request help to upskill candidates to be apply to be employed in their roles.

Clinks members who feel Employment 4 ALL CIC could help their organisation, or service users, please reach out to Janine Alcantara at janine@employment4all.co.uk

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Almost Home, an exhibition

Koestler Arts and Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art are pleased to present Almost Home, an exhibition [until 11 May, 
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead, Wednesday – Sunday, 10.00 - 18.00] showcasing artwork, music and writing made in criminal justice settings in the North East of England. Every piece in the exhibition was made by someone in a prison, young offender institution or secure hospital, or under supervision in the community, and entered into the 2024 Koestler Awards for arts in criminal justice and was co-curated by six women serving sentences at HM Prison & Young Offender Institution Low Newton.

The exhibition selection reflects the women’s shared standpoint, looking outwards and forwards towards freedom and home, while honouring the diversity of experience within the group and among exhibited artists. Many of the works depict movement, transition, and journeys of various kinds – some turbulent, but all hopeful.

Some of the artworks on display will be available to purchase through the Koestler Arts website. There will also be opportunities for visitors to write feedback on their favourite pieces in the exhibition, which will be sent directly to the exhibited artists. Find out more 

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: the impact of peer-led support

A recent report published in the British Journal of Community Justice highlights the transformative impact of Recoop's over 50's Peer-Led Buddy Support Service. The article; The Recoop Over 50’s Peer-Led Buddy Support Service: ‘Radical Help’ as ‘Mutual Aid’ in the Criminal Justice System?, is authored by Dave Nicholson and Helen Codd from the University of Central Lancashire.

It looks at how traditional welfare models are failing to meet the needs of people in prison, especially older individuals, and highlights the power of human connection and peer support. The Buddy Support Programme plays a key role in this, making a meaningful impact on the lives of both the supported client and the Buddy. Read the article and report here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Society Matters upcoming training

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: become an expert in advising ex-offenders

Clinks members are on the frontline of mentoring socially excluded people, many of whom will have criminal record. It won't always be obvious who has a conviction and the specialist support they can access when identified. If you're new to the Criminal Justice Sector or want a refresher, join our upcoming course [11 March, 09:15-10:00, online, free] on how to best Identify, Support and Advocate for those who deserve another chance. Register here

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: Trauma Informed Leadership Programme

Applications are now open for One Small Thing's Trauma Informed Team Leadership Programme 2025! The programme provides an opportunity to explore the theory and concepts of trauma informed team leadership and provides an opportunity to receive support from peers. The programme explores:

  • What is trauma informed team leadership?
  • How to create psychological safety and why it’s important in leading a team
  • An introduction to Humble Inquiry and how it can support trauma informed leadership

The Programme consists of an in-person training day in Oxford [Wednesday 23 April] and six online Action Learning Sets [May-October] providing a unique opportunity to collaborate with peers to solve challenges faced when leading a team. The cost is [£800+VAT per person]. Find out more and register here

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: Skills Builder Impact Academy

The Skills Builder Impact Academy 2025-26 Summer cohort is now open for applications!

Join a group of like-minded organisations in the Criminal Justice System that are enhancing their impact with essential skills [May-July 2025, online, tiered cost based on organisation’s turnover]. A nominated Skills Leader will access training sessions with 1:1 support from the Skills Builder team to:

  • Earn an Impact Level accreditation and be added to the Impact Directory
  • Gain professional development and networking opportunities
  • Strengthen your impact, measure it, and build capacity

Learn about StandOut's journey to Impact Level 4 accreditation for their Pre-release programme.

The Impact Academy is open to all organisations and is subsidised by Skills Builder's partners and funders so that we may offer it based on your organisation’s turnover. The programme pricing is tiered, based on organisational turnover [<£500K - £370; £500K - £1million - £750;  >£1million - £1,100] 

Message the Skills Builder team to find out more and sign up

NON MEMBER'S EVENTS AND TRAINING: UCL Centre for Education and Criminal Justice

The UCL Centre for Education and Criminal Justice is hosting two final online events as part of their Blue-Sky Thinking Seminar Series on the 10th and 17th March. The 'Blue-Sky' seminar series aims to bring together practitioners and academics to consider blue-sky possibilities.

  • How can improving the food served in prison contribute to better public health outcomes? [Monday 10 March, 17:00-18:20]

Join for a virtual seminar featuring contributions from Lucy Vincent, Founder and CEO Food Behind Bars, Professor Kevin Morgan, Cardiff University and Dr Maria Adams, University of Surrey. This seminar will explore the critical question How can improving the food served in prison contribute to better public health? Book here

  • How can coaching help people change their own lives? [17 March, 17:00-18:00]

Join for an insightful discussion on the power of coaching in transforming lives in justice. Featuring contributions from Clare McGregor, Founder Coaching Inside and Out and Dr Sarah Lewis, Director of Penal Reform Solutions and Grow Transform Belong CIC. Book here

FEATURED VACANCY: Young People's Circles Co-ordinator   

Circles South West is seeking suitably qualified person with experience of working with young people with harmful sexual behaviour to join their team as Dorset Young People's Circles Co-ordinator [£32,000-£38,640 Pro Rata, part time]. Working with public protection, social care and education partners, you will coordinate Circles of Support and Accountability, and provide one-to-one interventions for young people, enabling young people to make safe choices; better understand and take responsibility for their behaviour, engage in positive activities, improve social connections, and enhance their self-worth. You will recruit, train and supervise small groups of volunteers and co-deliver training around working with people who have harmed sexually. Flexible working is required Find out more and apply by 7 March here

FEATURED VACANCY: Case Worker 

Change for Good is seeking a self-motivating and outgoing Case Worker to join our team. [£27,000-£30,000, full time, London].  Are you the kind of person who can identify, engage and build relationships with (ex)prisoners who are open to change? The successful candidate will primarily work within HMP Highdown but will be required to travel to locations across London. Providing essential support to men preparing for release and continuing to assist them as they reintegrate into the community. The work will include being a source of information on what prison organisations/services are available to prison leavers and volunteers. Identifying those who can gain from our support, engaging them, assessing needs and risks. Find out more and apply by 17 March here

FEATURED VACANCY: Philanthropy & Development Officer 

Switchback is seeking a passionate and ambitious individual to join their team as a Philanthropy & Development Officer [£30,7840-£33,583, full time, London]. In this role, you will support our Head of Philanthropy & Development (HPD) to put rocket boosters under our Individual Giving and the work that supports it. We seek a go-to person who has an eye for detail and can tailor messaging to different audiences. Someone who has the energy and the motivation to not only value our supporters, but who also enjoys going the extra mile and can make things happen. You will enjoy writing compelling stories and communiques, bringing to life the impact of a donation. Find out more and apply by 17 March here 

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:

Family Support Worker with Phoenix Futures [£24,250, HMP Wayland, Thetford, Norfolk, full time]; Senior Manager, Yorkshire Women's Centres with Together Women Projects [£39,375 - £40,425, Leeds, full time]; Operations Manager with The Growth Company [£55,000, regional role - North West, full time]; Accommodation Adviser with Shelter [£31,133, HMP Lincoln, full time]; Wellbeing Coordinator with Back on Track Manchester [£28,275, Manchester, full time]; Case Worker with Change for Good [£27,000 - £30,000, London, full time]; Reading Strategy Coordinator with Shannon Trust [£28,274, HMP Hewell, Redditch, full time]; Head of Business Development (Interim) with Bounce Back Project [£47,000, London, full time]; HR Systems Coordinator with Imagine Independence [£29,000 - £34,000, Liverpool, full time]; Personal Wellbeing Administrator with St Giles Trust [£22,000, Wrexham, Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, 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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