Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 887 | 27 June 2025

Light lunch

In this issue...

CLINKS NEWS: Shape the future relationship between the VCSE sector and health bodies

NHS England, the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are seeking input from voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to help shape the future of how they work with the sector.

This is an opportunity to share your experiences of engaging with DHSC, NHS England and UKHSA. Your feedback will help inform future thinking.

If your organisation has worked with any of these bodies, or would like to, we encourage you to complete the short form below:

👉 https://forms.office.com/e/fm9WT0QUd4

The deadline to respond is Thursday 23:45 on 4 July.

If you have any questions, please contact: Leanne.jeffery@clinks.org

CLINKS NEWS: GRT History Month - Policing by consent

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 2018 study, based on FOI responses from 45 UK police forces and interviews, reveals a deep mistrust between GRT communities and the police. It highlights that GRT ethnicity is often seen as a risk factor, enforcement outweighs engagement, and unconscious bias and racism are prevalent; many respondents also reported derogatory language and over-policing.

The report urges a root-and-branch review of institutional bias, improved community-based policing, bias-aware training, fair disciplinary measures, and nationally endorsed “negotiated stopping” policies. Read the report here

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: Small Charity Week - guest blogs

This Small Charity Week we are platforming a number of Clinks members. Small charities play a huge role in the voluntary sector, providing vital services tailored to the communities they support. We want to say a big thank you to all small charities working in the criminal justice system and our members!

We have a number of guest blogs for you to check out:

It's Not Your Birthday But...(INYBB) - Creativity as Care – Arts Programmes in Criminal Justice 
INYBB writes for Clinks about their work using art as a creative health tool within the criminal justice system. 

Unlock and the long shadow of the criminal record 
Unlock writes for Clinks about the impact of their work and their focus on ensuring that a past conviction does not become a lifelong barrier to rebuilding one’s life.

Trailblazers – Mentoring That Inspires New Futures 
Trailblazers Mentoring writes for Clinks about the impact of their crucial work in supporting people in contact with the criminal justice system to rebuild their lives. 

Fresh Start Future Enterprises - John's Story
Fresh Start Future Enterprises shared this video with us as a case study on the impact of their work. Meet John – a man who’s faced addiction, probation, and loss, yet chose a different path. Through resilience, support, and faith, he’s now building a new life with purpose. 

Beyond the Sentence: Why Long-Term Prisoners Need Healing, Not Just Resettlement
The Reasons Why Foundation writes for Clinks about their work in healing those who have served long sentences post-release.

See the rest of this week's edition below for more from our small charity members.

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS - Small Charity Week - Storybook Dads

Check out this video from Storybook Dads, a national charity that helps families to stay connected in a beautifully simple and unique way.

Storybook Dads record imprisoned parents reading a children’s story which is digitally edited and enhanced. The children are comforted by these stories as they can play it whenever they are missing their absent parent. And imprisoned parents feel that they are doing something meaningful for their children from behind bars. Nurturing connections between prisoners and their kids while they are separated helps with reintegration back into the family unit upon release. For many families Storybook Dads/Mums can be a lifeline. Watch the video here 

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: Small Charity Week - Unlock Drama

Unlock Drama deliver dynamic rehabilitation projects across prisons and communities, using drama to break cycles, unlock confidence, and inspire lasting personal change. Find out more here

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: Small Charity Week - The New Bridge Foundation

The New Bridge Foundation connects people in prison with trained volunteers, helping reduce isolation and support mental well-being. Through letters and visits, these long-term friendships offer hope, trust, and a vital connection to the outside world—empowering rehabilitation and reintegration.

Find out more via their annual report and 2025 volunteer survey report 

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: Small Charity Week - CASS+

As we continue our platforming of Clinks members this Small Charity Week, we want to point you in the direction of the work CASS+ do. CASS+ provide free, confidential, practical help and emotional support for anyone going through court and into life beyond.

Check out these case studies highlighting the impact of their work:

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: Criminal Justice Alliance Awards 2025

Nominations are now open for the Criminal Justice Alliance (CJA) Awards 2025! The CJA Awards celebrate outstanding individuals, organisations, and media professionals across England and Wales who are transforming the criminal justice system. Now in their eighth year, the awards recognise those creating a fairer and more effective system through innovation, lived experience, journalism, research, and creativity. Categories include Outstanding Individual, Organisation (Small, Medium, Large), Lived Experience (Individual and Organisation), Journalism, Creative Media, Best Film, and Research Excellence. Explore the full criteria and nominate by [Sunday, 13 July 2025]. For more information or press enquiries, contact: media@criminaljusticealliance.org.uk

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Small Charity Week - Finding Rhythms

Join Finding Rhythms for a night of live performances [10 July, 18:30-20:00 | London | free] showcasing the creative works made by participants from their Making Waves music and mentoring programme. Making Waves is their flagship programme which supports young people at risk, and individuals whose lives have been impacted by the criminal justice system, to channel their creativity and share their stories through music.

Expect live performances from a lineup of emerging artists who’ve spent several weeks in their Peckham studio, working one-to-one with a professional music producer. They’ve written, recorded and released original tracks and now they’re sharing them live. Book your tickets here

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: September 2025 Impact Academy - Now recruiting

The Skills Builder Partnership is launching a new CJS-specific cohort of the Skills Builder Impact Academy this September – a structured, supportive programme helping organisations embed essential skills and better demonstrate their impact.

You’ll be in great company: recent participants include StandOut, The Hardman Trust, and Onwards & Upwards, who have all used the Academy to strengthen their impact and work towards Skills Builder Impact Level accreditation. The programme includes:

• Three online sessions (Sept–Nov) with 1:1 support
• Access to 100s of tools to boost delivery and evaluation
• Networking and professional development opportunities

***Exclusive for Clinks members: join for just [£370, subsidised by our partners]***

View the one-pager | Read StandOut’s story | Book a chat 

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: How to Identify, Support and Advocate

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 July, 09:15-10:05, free, online] on how to best Identify, Support and Advocate for those who deserve another chance. Find out more and book here

CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: Small Charity Week - Finding Rhythms

Join Finding Rhythms for a night of live performances [10 July, 18:30-20:00, London, free] showcasing the creative works made by participants from their Making Waves music and mentoring programme. Making Waves is their flagship programme which supports young people at risk, and individuals whose lives have been impacted by the criminal justice system, to channel their creativity and share their stories through music.

Expect live performances from a lineup of emerging artists who’ve spent several weeks in their Peckham studio, working one-to-one with a professional music producer. They’ve written, recorded and released original tracks and now they’re sharing them live. Book your tickets here

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: Mindful Photography

Mindful Photography is a community interest company using mindful and therapeutic photography techniques to support wellbeing. The primary audience is for people facing barriers to accessing support services and would like to access informal mindfulness activities in their community, either online or face-to-face. The following is on offer:

  • Women in York: Ten workshops for women in York. The priority is to engage women who are survivors of domestic abuse and/or are navigating the criminal justice system. To refer a participant, please email rebecca@mindfulphotography.org.uk for an informal chat. The first event is [12 July, 10:30, York Explore Library] Find out more about the workshops here. 
  • Workshops in Eastfield, Scarborough: Free workshops specially tailored for the residents. The next one is aimed at families. Book here 
  • North Yorkshire: Free workshops that support confidence building for men and women over the age of 18 who are not in work and not currently seeking work. Find out more 
  • Online Group: This informal online group is open to all and is for people who are not quite ready for a face-to-face workshop.
  • Online sessions across the UK: for all participants and would love to work with you to find a funding model which works for you.

Please view the Mindful Photography CIC website or email rebecca@mindfulphotography.org.uk for more information. 

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: Criminal record disclosure training

For the past 25 years, Unlock has been helping individuals and those working with them to better understand the complexities of the criminal record disclosure regime.

If you are an organisation supporting clients into education, employment, volunteering, or getting onto a housing list, there’s every chance they will be asked to disclose unspent or unprotected cautions or convictions.

Unlock's one-day 'Advising with Conviction' workshop [18 July, 10:00-16:00, online, £180-£200] provides an in-depth look at the legal framework surrounding disclosure and the 'what, when and how' to disclose. Throughout the session they will look at specific examples and scenarios, with lots of opportunity for questions and discussions, and a chance to get advice on issues you face in your work.

Find out more and book your place today.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Application deadline approaching

There are only 2 weeks to submit your application to be part of Insights25 [Applications close on 11 July ].

His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) has already received some great applications to host events, group activities, online and VIP events from across the criminal justice system and HMPPS is grateful to those who have submitted applications.

Insights25 is smaller, and more tightly focused on the strategic aim of empowering, enabling, and looking after people who work across the criminal justice sector and celebrating their important work.

APPLY NOW using this link to be part of the fantastic line-up.

Want to discuss your ideas? Contact the Insights Engagement Team at insights@justice.gov.uk  who are looking forward to hearing from you! 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Regional interactive supplier forums

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is pleased to announce a series of regional supplier forums focused on Men’s Rehabilitation Services, designed to support upcoming commissioning activity. These events will offer providers early insight into forthcoming procurement opportunities, invite valuable input to help shape programmes, and foster robust supply chains that translate policy into meaningful public outcomes.

The MoJ has confirmed a number of the events (all will be virtual, and dates are subject to change).

 In these events the MoJ will:

  • Share information early: on forthcoming procurements (indicative procurement timelines for regions and commercial approach)
  • Create transparent partnerships: Engaging openly with decision-makers and peers.
  • Create local empowerment & national impact: Regional voices drive region‑specific solutions while feeding lessons back into a stronger national model.
  • Connect the market: an opportunity to meet potential partners, SMEs and VCSEs to build robust supply chains.

Register online here - Please indicate if you have any access or tech requirements – the MoJ are committed to an inclusive experience.

If you have any queries ahead of the event, please contact probationsourcingteam@justice.gov.uk

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: British Citizens Abroad Grant (PQQ_517)

HMPPS is issuing a market questionnaire to identify suppliers interested in delivering the British Citizens Abroad Grant 2026 - 2029.

The purpose of the grant is to provide advice and support services for such returnees through the first weeks of their return to the UK; liaising, where appropriate, with relevant criminal justice and other agencies.

For further information and to complete the Questionnaire, please visit the Jaggaer portal link and search for ‘PQQ_517 - Market Engagement Questionnaire – British Citizens Abroad Grant 2026–2029.’

The questionnaire is live from [20 June, 12:00 - 18 July 12:00].

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Miscarriage of Justice support grant (PQQ_482)

The Ministry of Justice is running a Market Engagement Questionnaire to help inform the development of the requirements and identify the next steps in the process to re-let the Strategic Grant for Advice and Support for Those Released from Custody Following a Miscarriage of Justice (PQQ_482).

The PQQ will be published on [7 July, and closes at 10:00 on 28 July]. If you are not registered on Jaggaer, follow this link and find the ‘Click here to register’ icon. Once registered, search for PQQ_482.

Please note: this is not a selection exercise for the recompete of the above Strategic Grant. HMPPS is using this method to reach as many organisations as possible. If you have any questions, e-mail MoJCommercialReset@justice.gov.uk

PUBLICATION: Elevate your impact

The Henry Smith Foundation (Previously named The Henry Smith Charity), has just launched its new strategy ‘Elevate your impact: our 2025-2030 Strategy’. They believe that the right support at the right time can change everything, and so they are focusing their funding on organisations who are helping people through three of life’s toughest transitions. 1) Getting started – supporting families to give their young children a strong start, 2) Building Independence – helping young people move into adulthood with confidence, skills and hope, and 3) Safer Futures – supporting people to rebuild their lives after abuse, displacement or prison. Under Safer Futures, the foundation wants to fund organisations that support people during and after prison. This includes housing, mental health care, family support and mentoring, with a particular focus on young people leaving youth custody.

FEATURED VACANCY: Client Services Executive – Recruitment Consultant 

The Recruitment Junction is seeking an experienced individual to join their team as a Client Services Executive – Recruitment Consultant. [£28,000 - £36,000, Full time, Newcastle upon Tyne]. You will be working in three main areas, which are all vital to our achieving the key positive outcome of sustained meaningful employment for our candidates. These are i) Job finder support: interviewing ex-offenders, one-to-one job coaching to get them into work, ongoing mentoring, ii) ‘New employers’ engagement: expanding our network to generate a regular flow of job opportunities and iii) In-work support for up to one year: helping them sustain in post is a key part of the journey. [Find out more and apply here by 4th July 2025].

FEATURED VACANCY: StandOut Coach 

StandOut is seeking an experienced individual to join their team as a Coach. [£27,500 - £30,000, Full time, London]. You will be working in a London prison alongside a Lead Coach to deliver the StandOut Programme. The programme is delivered in three phases: a 14-day intensive group course in prison, delivered over four weeks, five times a year. This is followed by one-to-one coaching and holistic support in prison and after release. This role would be ideal for someone with a good understanding of the challenges faced by those caught up in the criminal justice system, gained either by working in prison or through a range of work outside prison. [Find out more and apply here by 7th July 2025].   

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:

Communications Manager with Spark Inside [£37,850, hybrid, full time]; Justice Case Worker with The Growth Company [£27,500, Liverpool, full time]; StandOut Coach with StandOut [£27,500 – £30,000, London, full time]; Head of Operations, Wales with The Nelson Trust [£45,000 – £50,000, South West Wales, full time]; Community Keyworker – Waltham Cross and Harlow with ADVANCE [£23,000 – £27,000, Waltham Cross, full time]; Community Keyworker – Maternity Cover with ADVANCE [£23,000 – £27,000, Waltham Cross, full time]; Embedded Mentor with St Giles Trust [£25,000 – £28,000, Bedfordshire/Hertfordshire/London, full time]; Women’s Centre Coordinator with ADVANCE [£23,000 – £27,000, Portsmouth, part time]; Community Keyworker with ADVANCE [£23,000 – £27,000, Portsmouth, part time]; Service Administrator with ADVANCE [£24,000 – £26,000, Finsbury Park, full time].

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

READS OF THE WEEK:

EXTRA INFORMATION:

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