Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 874 | 28 March 2025

Light lunch

In this issue...

CLINKS NEWS: RR3 report - mental health treatment in the community

Clinks, and the RR3's mental health seat holder, Matina Marougka, have written a blog exploring the findings of the RR3’s Special Interest Group on Community Provision's first report.

This report looks at mental health treatment in the community for people in contact with the criminal justice, and was launched this week. 

Developed with a wide range of voluntary sector organisations, the report explores the barriers faced by individuals in the criminal justice system when accessing mental health support and offers practical recommendations to address them.

Key issues identified include:

  • Difficulties securing and navigating funding
  • Inequitable access for racially minoritised people
  • Low uptake of Mental Health Treatment Requirements (MHTRs)

Read the full report here. Get in touch with sam.julius@clinks.org to learn more!

MEMBER FOCUS: UK Acquired Brain Injury Forum (UKABIF)

UKIBF aim to promote better understanding of all aspects of acquired brain injury. They believe all education professionals should have a minimum level of awareness and understanding about Acquired Brain Injury and the educational requirements of children and young people with this condition. Their campaigning function provides the secretariat for the All Party Parliamentary Group for Acquired Brain Injury and have steered the course to develop a report designed to drive change for brain injury survivors. Find out more about UKABIF here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Cell Workout - partnership opportunity

Cell Workout are seeking an individual or organisation to support in the delivery of three workshops in HMP Thameside. Due to the short notice, anybody interested in this opportunity will need to respond by [7 April].

The workshops will start on [15 April] and take place over a 33-day period (flexible on how many days a week), developing life and employment skills for people in HMP Thameside as part of a City & Guilds qualification. The role will focus on observing the assessment process and discussing work with participants.

This is being offered as a volunteer or paid opportunity, requiring someone who is currently enhanced prison security vetted and is permitted to work in prisons, ideally as a keyholder at HMP Thameside.

If you are interested and would like further information, please email Max Davies, Manager, Cell Workout max@cellworkout.com

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Listen to public fears over sentencing reform

A recent article from the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies (CCJS) reflects on the public’s scepticism about proposed sentencing reforms and argues that rather than dismissing these fears, politicians should engage with them thoughtfully.

The piece responds to the current Sentencing Review and the Government’s effort to reduce the prison population. Garside highlights that fear and confusion around crime and punishment are often stoked by media and political narratives. The CCJS calls for a more honest public conversation that balances evidence-based reform with public concerns, ensuring that justice policy is shaped by reason, not fear. Read the article here 

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Frontline worker survey 2025

St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity’s Frontline Worker Survey 2025 is now open! Are you a staff member supporting people experiencing homelessness in the UK? Share your insights and have your voice heard in the survey.

The survey will gather your insights to help inform policy and practice around homelessness. Each year, a report is published to share findings with key decision-makers. Your feedback also shapes the funding, community and resources St Martin’s Charity have for frontline staff, such as a free annual conference and training opportunities.

Complete the Frontline Worker Survey 2025 here [closes on 4 April].

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: Become an expert in advising people with a criminal record 

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 OffPloy's upcoming course [8 April 09:15 - 10:00, online, free] on how to best Identify, Support and Advocate for those who deserve another chance. Register here 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Save the date for Insights25!

The Insights Festival is back [17 - 28 November 2025], bringing together prison, probation, youth services, voluntary sector and wider justice services to learn from insight, data and evidence, share, connect and celebrate the great work we all do.

Insights 25 will continue to offer our award-winning signature mix of exclusive and unique behind the scenes and VIP events. The Festival will be smaller this year, focussing on the strategic aim of empowering, enabling and looking after the people who work across the criminal justice sector and celebrating their important work.

The aim is to open applications for those wishing to host events from around [28 April], so keep an eye out in Light Lunch for future updates and further detail on how you can get involved. Find out more about HMPPS Insights here 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Easier said than done: resolving prisoner requests 

"Easier said than done: resolving prisoner requests" a new review from Charlie Taylor, Chief Inspector of Prisons, warns that the "inability to get things done" inside prisons is fuelling potentially harmful frustration among prisoners. The statement reflects on ongoing issues such as delayed repairs, difficulties accessing healthcare, lack of purposeful activity, and poor communication between staff and those in custody.

Charlie Taylor, HM Chief Inspector, stresses that although some improvements have been made since the pandemic, systemic inefficiencies continue to undermine safety, dignity, and rehabilitation. He warns that this growing sense of frustration could pose risks to both staff and prisoners, calling for urgent action to improve prison regimes and responsiveness. Read the report here 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Fixing the justice system starts with Probation

In a new blog from Demos, researchers argue that any meaningful reform of the justice system must begin by addressing the long-standing issues facing probation. The blog highlights how successive reforms, funding cuts, and a lack of political attention have left the probation service overstretched and undervalued—despite its central role in public safety and rehabilitation.

The authors call for a clear strategy and sustainable investment to rebuild the service and ensure it is equipped to manage rising caseloads and support people effectively on their journey out of crime. Read the full blog

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:

Women’s Accommodation Support Worker with Brighton Women’s Centre [£28,672, Brighton and surrounding areas, part time]; Prison In Reach Volunteers with SSAFA – The Armed Forces Charity [voluntary, various prisons, part time]; Trustee with Back on Track Manchester [voluntary, Manchester, part time]; Specialist Outreach Coach – Northumbria with Changing Lives [£28,000, Newcastle upon Tyne, full time]; Employment Consultant with Beating Time [£35,000, Birmingham, full time]; High Intensity Support Worker with Together Women Projects [£27,443, Leeds, part time]; Women’s Accommodation Criminal Justice Key Worker with Together Women Projects [£27,443, Leeds, full time]; Criminal Justice Key Worker with Together Women Projects [£27,

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

READS OF THE WEEK:

EXTRA INFORMATION:

If you would like to include something in a future edition of Light Lunch, use our submission form. 
We are unable to publish student surveys or research requests. 

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