Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 886 | 20 June 2025

Light lunch

In this issue...

CLINKS NEWS: Evidence Library webinar - recording now available

As part of the 'A matter of fact: what the evidence tells us' series, to accompany our Evidence library, we have published the webinar recording for the Working with neurodivergent people in contact with the criminal justice system review. Read the review and watch the webinar here

CLINKS NEWS: Inquiry into boys’ attainment and engagement in education

Clinks has published its response to the Education Committee inquiry into boys’ attainment and engagement in education. Our response collates and highlights evidence and recommendations from voluntary organisations working with people in the criminal justice system. Find out more about the inquiry and read our response here

CLINKS EVENTS: Upcoming events

See below for our upcoming events which still have spots available. Click on the title of the event for further information or to book your place.

Visit the Clinks training and events page

MEMBER FOCUS: Pattern and Push CIC

Pattern + Push is a talent development platform for rappers and singers focussing on positive lyrics. Working with groups either in one-off sessions or over a programme of sessions, authentic professional songwriting and music recording experiences are provided. These sessions are hosted by real industry professionals.

Participants are guided towards positive themes in music, developing lyrics and arrangements before recording their own vocals over music with a professional quality mobile studio.

The aim is to improve mental health, wellbeing and confidence, increase literacy and skills as well as encourage talent development as an alternative to criminal activity. Following writing and recording, participants will receive a professionally mastered CD of their work as well a Positive Lyric Packs to help inspire future song-writing. Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: GRT History Month - Overlooked and Overrepresented: 5 Years On

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

This report highlights the persistent overrepresentation of GRT children in the youth justice system. Despite representing only 0.1% of the general population, GRT children account for up to 15% of those in secure training centres and 8% in young offender institutions. These children report higher rates of health issues and experiences of care and victimisation. While GRT youth show strong engagement with education and vocational training, they face systemic neglect, racism, and inadequate support. The report calls for accurate ethnic monitoring, specialist support services, reduced use of custodial sentences, and a formal inquiry into their overrepresentation to improve outcomes and reduce reoffending. Read the report here

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Roma visibility in the criminal justice system

After sustained advocacy by The Traveller Movement, they are pleased to announce that HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) has officially added White Roma as a recognised ethnic category within the prison system.

This historic change means Roma people in custody will finally be counted, bringing visibility to a community long ignored in official data. This is a crucial step toward equitable treatment and better-informed policymaking. The Traveller Movement are proud to have been at the forefront of this campaign and thank everyone who stood with them in this fight. See the LinkedIn post

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: A new CEO at Recycling Lives

Recycling Lives has welcomed a new Chief Executive, Victoria Blakeman, who brings a wealth of experience, with a background as a prison governor, criminal justice consultant, and leading a food redistribution charity.

Outgoing Chief Executive, Alasdair Jackson OBE, will continue to work with the charity part-time, and is staying on in his roles with criminal justice organisations locally and nationally. Read more here

CLINKS MEMBER NEWS: Investment into specialist small charities

In the Lloyds Bank Foundation's most recent newsletter they shared detail around their investment into specialist small charities. They have just awarded £6.2 million in unrestricted funding to 83 small and local charities across England and Wales. These charities are helping people to rebuild their lives after experiencing homelessness, abuse, persecution and trauma. 55% of these organisations are new to the foundation. The foundation is committed to ensuring small charities have the resources and support they need to continue their vital work transforming lives and addressing inequity. Find out more about the Lloyds Bank Foundation here

News of this funding is very welcome ahead of Small Charity Week [23-30 June]. Keep an eye on Clinks' comms during the week as we celebrate and platform our small organisation members!

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Sentencing Guidelines (Pre-sentence Reports) Act

The Sentencing Guidelines (Pre-sentence Reports) Act has received Royal Assent.

The Sentencing Council previously announced that it was going to introduce new sentencing guidelines on the imposition of sentences, directing sentencers to consider necessary a pre-sentence report (PSR) before sentencing some cohorts of people, including people from an ethnic minority, cultural minority and/or faith minority community, women, people who are pregnant or post-natal, people who are the sole or primary carer for dependent relatives, young adults, and people at risk of their first custodial sentence or a custodial sentence of two years or less.

In a statement, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said: "The new law now prevents sentencing guidelines from singling out specific cohorts for differential treatment based on their personal characteristics, when it comes to ordering pre-sentence reports - maintaining fairness and equality under the law. This Act will not restrict courts from requesting pre-sentence reports on a case-by-case basis, such as for pregnant women or those involving young people, or domestic abuse." Read our statement following the publication of this legislation here, and read the MoJ press release here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: The latest Probation Quarterly 

Issue 36 of Probation Quarterly contains a wealth of articles from contributors with a focus on both an international and local perspective. This issue includes:

  • Global Rehabilitation: Insights from around the world
  • An exploration of key messages from the Rehabilitating Probation Project
  • An examination of how probation practitioners can help transform the lives of people still affected by IPP sentencing.

Download Issue 36 of Probation Quarterly for free here

FUNDING: The Solidarity Fund is now open

The National Lottery Community Fund launched its new Solidarity Fund. This fund will provide long-term core funding to organisations tackling the root causes of poverty, disadvantage and discrimination. They will fund organisations that are working on making a lasting change to the causes of inequality, and your organisation's work must be led by, and accountable to, people with lived experience of the issue's you're trying to change.

You can apply for [between £1m-£5m over 5-10 years]. The National Lottery Community Fund are hosting a webinar about the fund [24 June, 11:00-11:45, online, free]. Register for the webinar here 

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: 10-years of the Angelou Partnership

Advance is proud to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Angelou Partnership this June. The partnership of ten specialist Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) services work together, recognising that each survivor’s experience of abuse will be different, and therefore will need a different approach through specialist intervention.

Join in and mark ten years of this pioneering partnership through a webinar series where partners will share insights, impact, and best practice in ending VAWG. Click the webinar title to book your place for that specific event.

The partnership is especially proud to have been shortlisted for the award for a national Charity Award, in the Social Care, Advice & Support category.

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Do out of court resolutions work for victims?

What do victims want from the criminal justice system? Join Transform Justice [14 July 10:00-11:00, online, free] to discuss new research on victims' experiences.

Do victims see out of court resolutions as a soft touch, or the answer they’ve been looking for? Phil Bowen from the Centre for Justice Innovation, and Emily Spurrell, chair of the Association for Police and Crime Commissioners, will discuss new research on victims' experiences of crime and the criminal justice system, and its implications for how we can give victims the meaningful resolution to crime that they deserve. Register here

PUBLICATION: IMB national annual report

The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) has published its 2024 national annual report, which covers findings from IMBs across prisons, young offender institutions and the immigration detention estate.

Some key findings from the report are:

  • Prisons remained under acute pressure from overcrowding, endemic drug use with the consequential health concerns, debt and violence, and crumbling infrastructure. This led to unsafe and undignified conditions, especially for those with complex needs who often did not receive the care and support required.
  • In YOIs, children endured excessive amounts of time locked in rooms, with rising levels of self-harm and violence, often receiving poor quality education and mental health support. Although the end of holding girls in YOIs was a major milestone.

Read the report here

You can also sign up for notifications of IMB report publications here

OPPORTUNITY: Employment in London after prison - call for evidence

The London Assembly Economy, Culture and Skills Committee has launched an investigation into the employment challenges faced by people with experience within the criminal justice system, focusing on barriers to entering the labour market, the effectiveness of current support, and the impact of factors like age, gender, and ethnicity on employment prospects after prison.

They have launched a call for evidence and are seeking written evidence from the public by [25 July 2025]. Written submissions should be sent to scrutiny@london.gov.uk with ‘Economy, Culture and Skills Committee call for evidence’ as the subject line.

OPPORTUNITY: Recommissioned Rehabilitative Services partnership

PeoplePlus is seeking partners for the MoJ Recommissioned Rehabilitative Services.

The service will be delivered in custody and in the community and will support people to address rehabilitative needs through a combined, person-centered approach, that includes:

  • Building supportive relationships and social networks.
  • Connecting to a range of community-based activities and resources that matter to them. This could include volunteering, sport or constructive leisure activities.
  • Progressing towards recovery from drug or alcohol use and gambling.
  • Achieving and maintain sustainable outcomes in relation to housing, employment and financial management.

Please express your interest by [Monday 14 July] by following this link.

Please note, completing this expression of interest does not constitute any offer and is the first stage in the partner selection process. All queries to partners@peopleplus.co.uk

OPPORTUNITY: Prison Education research study

Tracy Mapp, doctoral researcher and former teacher, is seeking current or recently active (within the last 6 months) English and maths teachers working in adult prisons in England to take part in a new study to Improve Prison Education.

Based at the Tizard Centre, University of Kent, this research explores what works and what doesn’t in delivering basic skills education in prisons. The aim is to improve outcomes for learners and support educators through evidence-based change.

By taking part in a short online survey and interview via Microsoft Teams, you’ll help ensure that the voices of prison educators are heard and valued in shaping future practice.

To get involved contact tmm45@kent.ac.uk or visit this link to find out more

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:

Criminal Justice Group Lead (Plymouth) with The Reader [£22,587, Plymouth, part time]; Business Development Manager – Commissioned Rehabilitative Services with Change Grow Live (CGL) [£52,221–£57,786, National/flexible, full time]; Visits Centre Assistant – 17 hrs with Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact) [£23,810, HMP Birmingham, part time]; Visits Centre Assistant – 34 hrs with Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact) [£23,810, HMP Birmingham, full time]; Family Engagement Manager (Scale 2) with Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact) [£28,875, HMP Birmingham, full time]; Programme Manager (Family & Relationships) with Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact) [£34,650, West Midlands Region, full time]; Family Practitioner – 12hrs with Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact) [£12,775, Birmingham/Wolverhampton, part time]; Case Manager with Achieve [£26,485–£30,012, LA18 4NA, full time]; Outreach Support Worker – Liverpool 25/33 with Imagine Independence [£23,870, Liverpool, full time]; Curriculum and Quality Improvement Officer with The Growth Company [£32,000, North West, full time].

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

READS OF THE WEEK:

EXTRA INFORMATION:

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