Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 885 | 13 June 2025

Light lunch

In this issue...

CLINKS NEWS: Race and the Sentencing review - a joint response

In light of the Sentencing Review's lack of focus around race, Clinks, Black Men 4 Change (BM4C), FORWARD, Together Women and the RR3 have published a joint response to this omission. We are now urging the Lord Chancellor to consider recommendations on tackling racial disparities in the criminal justice system and factor them into the Government’s response. Read the joint response here

CLINKS NEWS: Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) History Month - blog

This Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month, Clinks is platforming our members working with the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community in the criminal justice system.

Sam Worrall, Criminal Justice Policy Officer at Friends, Families and Travellers, has written a guest blog for Clinks about the importance of supporting Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people in contact with the criminal justice system. Read the blog here

CLINKS NEWS: Exploring the lives of older people serving life sentences

Clinks is excited to be supporting Dr Marion Vannier and Dr Helen Gair in their work exploring the lives of older people serving life sentences and who are unlikely to be released in their lifetime. The project’s central question is – what does hope mean to those who are the least likely to be released and what are the prison practices in place to maintain hope in such circumstances?

Clinks will be holding a roundtable, in the Autumn, that will explore the research and contribute to its final recommendations. We will provide further details in due course. In the meantime, Marion and Helen have published this article for Penal Reform International, which looks at how hope is imagined, experienced and transformed within the context of life imprisonment.

MEMBER FOCUS: The Cultural Connection

The Cultural Connection operates at the intersection of mental health, community advocacy, and the criminal justice system. The focus is on dismantling systemic barriers through evidence-based, community-driven solutions across three core pillars:

  1. Mental Health Empowerment and Employability: Through "Steps 2 Success," individuals impacted by mental health challenges and systemic barriers are supported, offering holistic employability and wellbeing initiatives in both forensic and community settings.
  2. Community Advocacy and Training: African and Caribbean communities are empowered so they can understand their mental health rights and navigate services effectively, creating sustainable advocacy through targeted training.
  3. Research and Systemic Change: Systemic reform is driven by researching inequalities in mental health and allied sectors, using insights to inform policy and create a more equitable society.

Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBER NEWS: GRT History Month - PSR toolkit

As part of our platforming of members working with the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community in the criminal justice system, we are highlighting a series of resources provided by the Traveller Movement.

Fair Sentencing for Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish Traveller People - is a report which addresses the communities' overrepresentation in prisons, biased pre-sentence reports (PSRs), and lack of cultural understanding among justice professionals. The toolkit calls for standardised, thorough PSRs for protected groups, improved training, better risk assessments, and greater use of community sentences. It offers practical guidance and case studies to support fairer sentencing and reduce reoffending, aiming to challenge stereotypes and promote equity in the criminal justice process. Read the report here

CLINKS MEMBER NEWS: GRT History Month - barriers in accessing purposeful activities in prison

The Traveller Movement’s Available but Not Accessible report explores the barriers Gypsy, Roma and Irish Traveller prisoners face in accessing purposeful activities in prison. Despite high levels of engagement, these activities often fail to meet their specific needs due to cultural misunderstandings, literacy challenges, discrimination, and a lack of tailored support. Many prisoners report feeling unsafe, unsupported, and pressured into unsuitable educational programmes, especially where mandatory literacy standards block access to work. Staff often lack cultural awareness, and prisoners fear being stigmatised.

The study uses quantitative data, staff surveys, and prisoner interviews to highlight systemic issues and calls for reforms including culturally appropriate education, better training for staff, and improved data monitoring to reduce reoffending and support genuine rehabilitation for these overrepresented communities. Read the report here

CLINKS MEMBER NEWS: Unlocking rehabilitation through digital reform 

The Prison Reform Trust’s latest report, Update and Restart: Post-Pandemic Prison Digitisation in England and Wales, highlights the transformative impact that secure digital access can have in our prisons, and sets out clear, evidence-based recommendations to strengthen rehabilitation and resettlement.

Drawing on site visits, international consultation, and expert advice, the report makes the case for the continued expansion of in-cell technology, digitised resettlement services, and controlled internet access for risk-assessed prisoners in open prisons. These developments are already helping to improve family contact, access to education, and mental wellbeing. However, a persistent “digital wall” between prisons and the community still hampers successful reintegration. Read the report here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Discussing the sentencing review

The latest Transform Justice Podcast episode discusses the final report of the Independent Sentencing Review. Penelope and Rob are joined by Rachel Sylvester, political editor of The Observer, to discuss its contents. The report sets out a wide range of recommendations designed to alleviate prison capacity pressures. Listen here 

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: How Youth Justice Services can meet the new victims’ standard

This blog from Why me? shares an overview of their recently held forum for the youth justice sector about meeting the new Victims’ Standard, as set by HM Inspectorate for Probation.  

The forum discussed a number of key topics, including:

  • What is the new standard?
  • Key messages from the Inspectorate
  • What are other people doing to meet the new standard?
  • Key questions on the standard.

Read the blog to find out more about the new victim's standard and what it means for you. WhyMe? will continue to share updates on this topic, and further events for the youth justice sector in their newsletter, you can sign up here.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Dr Jo Farrar CB OBE appointed as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has announced the appointment of Dr Jo Farrar CB OBE as its new Permanent Secretary. Dr Farrar previously served as Second Permanent Secretary at the MoJ and as Chief Executive of HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS).

She began her civil service career at the Home Office, and more recently led NHS Blood and Transplant as Chief Executive Officer. 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Brain Injury Support Services in Wales 

The competition for Brain Injury Support Services in Wales is expected to launch between mid to late June via the Probation Dynamic Framework. 

To be eligible to participate, suppliers must be successfully onboarded to the Probation Dynamic Framework under the appropriate service category, with matching geographical coverage and financial threshold as outlined below: 

  • Competition: Brain Injury Support Services 
  • Contract Term: 12 months initial term, with the option to extend for two additional 12-month periods 
  • Category: Probation DF.07 Emotional Wellbeing 
  • Region: Wales 
  • Financial Threshold: £100k – £1m 

Suppliers will be able to access the opportunity via this Bravo Portal link once it has been published.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Recommissioning of rehabilitative services events

The MoJ is running three events in June for potential lead bidders for the recommissioning of rehabilitative services for men in prison and on probation to present their organisations to the wider market with the aim of building partnerships. 

Each provider has been allocated a 15-minute presentation slot, followed by a five-minute Q&A session. All presentation slide decks will be shared with attendees after the events have concluded for the week.

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Homelessness sector conference

If you work on the frontline of the homelessness sector, you are invited to St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity’s Frontline Network Conference [24 June, 9:30-16:15, online, free] 

The conference supports frontline workers across the UK by spreading best practice, knowledge and skills. It will share perspectives and approaches from different corners of the four nations.

Sign up today to as many sessions as you like - throughout the day, a range of speakers will share their expertise on topics that have been highlighted by people working on the frontlines of homelessness, such as women’s homelessness, supported accommodation work and benefits, migrant homelessness, LGBTQ+ homelessness, youth homelessness, coproduction and worker wellbeing - and more! Register here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: 20 Years of offender health research

Prison and Offender Research in Social Care and Health (PORSCH) is a network of researchers and service practitioners dedicated to enhancing the contribution of research and development to the improvement of the health of those in the criminal justice system. The PORSCH conference 2025 [15 July, Durham University, £80] will celebrate 20 years of research and has a fantastic range of speakers including Durham PCC Joy Allen; Andi Brierley from Leeds Trinity University and Paula Harriot from Unlock as well as a number of facilitated workshops sharing findings from research projects. Find out more about the conference and book your place here

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: AI Project Management

To all working in criminal justice, Breakthrough Social Enterprise has an exciting opportunity. You and your staff can access free training for APM PFQ Level 1 certificate in Project Management, as well further training in AI and Project Management, (delivered in partnership with The Department Of Education & City & Guilds).  

This Accredited training includes two full days of tuition on either [18–19 June or 23–24 June] as well as up to 60 hours of guided learning. Eligibility is for any paid staff on PAYE, in companies with less than 250 employees.

Please view the Project Management Skills Bootcamp prospectus for further detail and complete this enquiry form to register/book a call with the team.

NON-MEMBERS’ EVENT: 50 Years of Performance and Prison

'Taking Stock of The Field: 50 Years of Performance and Prison' will draw on different panel formats, performances, and participatory exercises [17 June, 9:30, University of Manchester, free].

The histories of performance in penal contexts have received little attention. Taking Stock of the Field is a gathering of practitioners, scholars, prison staff, and people with lived experience of the criminal justice system to reflect on the practices and politics of making performance in the criminal justice system over the last 50 years in Britain. In particular the event will focus on:

  • The changing landscape of theatre and criminal justice
  • The relationship between the academy and artistic practice in this field
  • New approaches and orthodoxies in arts and criminal justice
  • Public understandings of performance in carceral contexts
  • The next fifty years of performance in prisons.

Book your ticket here

NON-MEMBERS’ EVENT: Holloway, a documentary film screening

Holloway will be screened on [4 July, 18:00, FACT Liverpool]. The film uses trauma-informed co-creation practices in exploring the real-life stories of six women about the now-closed Holloway prison, where they share deeply personal stories of incarceration, trauma, and transformation. Through their women’s circle, the film explores how failing systems intersect with lived experience, and how sisterhood can create healing and change. HOLLOWAY is a profound, meditative, eye-opening and ultimately inspiring exploration of trauma and the immense human capacity for recovery. 

Directed by BAFTA Breakthrough Daisy-May Hudson and Emmy-nominated Sophie Compton, this deeply moving documentary feature was made via a unique process of a trauma-informed co-creation with six contributors: Aliyah Ali, Mandy Ogunmokun, Sarah Cassidy, Lady Unchained, Gerrah, and Tamar Mujanay.

The film will be followed by a Q&A with Daisy-May Hudson and producer Polly Creed. Find out more and book here

NON-MEMBERS’ EVENT: Routine Enquiry about Childhood Adversity

Due to high demand, the Routine Enquiry about Childhood Adversity seminar is a repeat of the seminar planned for 19 June [10 July, 15:30, online, free].

Featuring Dr Warren Larkin - Founder & Managing Director of Warren Larkin Associates, the event shares how the sentiment of Trauma-Informed Practice has been summed up as the shift away from asking 'What's wrong with you' to asking ‘What's happened to you?’.

Research indicates that routine enquiry about adverse childhood experiences is rare and inconsistent. Asking a help-seeking person about the things that might be contributing to their problems should be a feature of any assessment process. Please note:  

  • You must be a member of the Academy for Social Justice in order to attend an event
  • Membership and services are free and you can join when booking your place on Eventbrite.

Book your place here

RESOURCE: digital platform to recruit volunteers

To help grow volunteer participation and mobilise the next generation of volunteers, Royal Voluntary Service has secured £5 million of funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery to develop a major new digital volunteering platform.

The aim is to inspire the next generation of volunteers by providing seamless access to volunteering roles, and to enable charities to recruit and retain the support they need. It will build on and enhance the vital work already happening at a local and national level by showcasing opportunities from a wide range of charities, large and small.

The platform will be completely free for charities to use. In the first phase, it will be available to registered charities big and small and later on, we will be inviting grassroots community groups and local infrastructure organisations to join the platform.

You can find out more about the platform on the RVS website where you can sign up to attend a short webinar and register to stay up-to-date about the project as it progresses.

FEATURED VACANCY: Advice and Information Officer   

The Prison Reform Trust (PRT) is seeking an experienced individual to join their team as an Advice and Information Officer for a 12-month fixed-term maternity cover. [£36,059 full time, London/Hybrid, 2 days in office]. In this role, you will be involved in providing advice to prisoners and their families via phone, email, and letter, maintaining confidential records, advocating on behalf of individuals, and supporting volunteers. Applicants should have at least two years of experience in advice work, strong communication skills, and knowledge of prison policies and safeguarding. PRT also have a fair and inclusive culture and welcome applications from anyone who may have direct experience of prison Find out more and apply here by 23 June

FEATURED VACANCY: Care Not Custody Senior Practitioner 

Brighton Women’s Centre is seeking a dynamic individual to join their team as a Care Not Custody Senior Practitioner. [£31,523 full time, Brighton]. This project sits within BWC’s Inspire Service, which delivers holistic support for women who are involved in the criminal justice system. Inspire adopts a relational, trauma-informed, asset-based approach.  Inspire supports women to move out of the criminal justice system and improve their access to a range of services. In your role you will assist with the day to day running of this service, line management of caseworkers, supporting a caseload of women and assisting the manager with monitoring and evaluation of the service. Find out more and apply here by 27 June

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:

Advice and Information Officer (12-month contract – maternity cover) with Prison Reform Trust [£36,059, London/Hybrid, full time]; CFO Evolution Support Worker and Activity Facilitator with St Giles Trust [£23,000, HMP Wealstun, full time]; Emergency Department Navigator (Young People) with St Giles Trust [£25,000, Luton & Dunstable and Bedford Hospital, full time]; Digital Engagement Officer with Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria [£39,372–£42,987, Newcastle/Hybrid, full time]; Arts & Learning Strategic Lead with Social Interest Group [£47,000, London, part time]; Intervention Worker – Part-time Out of Hours with Hestia Housing & Support [£14,041, Islington, part time]; Out of Hours Intervention Worker (Criminal justice) with Hestia Housing & Support [£28,082, Lambeth, full time]; Prison Accommodation Adviser (Ref: PAA-253) with St Giles Trust [£23,000, HMP Wealstun, full time]; Violence & Exploitation Support Service (VESS) Project Manager with St Giles Trust [£37,500, Camberwell/London travel, full time]; Substance Use Practitioner x2 with Phoenix Futures [£27,222, London SE28, full time].

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

READS OF THE WEEK:

EXTRA INFORMATION:

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