Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 888 | 04 July 2025

Light lunch

In this issue...

CLINKS NEWS: RR3 seat for Employment – apply now

Clinks is recruiting a voluntary sector representative to the Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group (RR3), specifically from an organisation which focuses on supporting people in contact with the criminal justice system into employment.

We are looking for a senior leader with extensive knowledge regarding the delivery of employment-related services, and a subsequent understanding of the challenges faced by organisations in this space. This person must be able to support effective collaboration between the voluntary sector, Ministry of Justice and HMPPS. This is a voluntary role, but appropriate expenses will be reimbursed. The deadline for applications is [25 August, 17:00]. Find out more and apply here

CLINKS NEWS: The Independent Sentencing Review: Implications for Women

On the 25 June 2025, Clinks' Women's Network held an online meeting with David Gauke, Chair of the Independent Sentencing Review. This was a standalone session for members of the network to hear directly from Mr. Gauke, who took questions and presented findings from the Review with a particular focus on women. Watch the recording here 

CLINKS NEWS: Third sector trends 

Third Sector Trends, by Durham University, is back to see how social, political and economic change has affected voluntary organisations.

Organisations have been completing the study every three years since 2010 and the time has come to take part again. If you’re a new organisation, the study is keen to see what you do, how things are going and what you’re achieving.

Whether you’re big or small – thriving, struggling or just going along as normal – they want to hear from you. It will help to build a picture about how the voluntary sector responds to change and initiates change in society.

This study is open to all VCSE organisations and whatever you do, your view is important.

The study runs right across England and Wales – but its focus is still very local – looking at how the voluntary sector develops and works in areas like yours – whether the interests you serve are focused in a neighbourhood/village – or span national/international boundaries. Complete the survey here

CLINKS EVENT: Writing development training

This year, the National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance (NCJAA) is partnering with the Royal Literary Fund to offer free writing development training for those working in the criminal justice system [8 July, 10:00-12:30, online, free].

This online workshop will cover:

  • How to structure an effective case study
  • Adapting tone and style for different audiences
  • Using storytelling to engage readers
  • Tips for self-editing and proofreading.

Case studies are powerful tools to share learning, showcase impact, and support marketing or research. Find out more and book here

MEMBER FOCUS: Justice Futures CIC

Gemma Buckland, Nina Champion, and Anita Dockley have come together to set up the Community Interest Company (CIC), Justice Futures. Each of them brings more than 20 years of experience of working in the voluntary, academic and parliamentary sectors where they intersect with justice.

Frustrated about how little systemic change had been witnessed, they decided to bring a different approach and new energy to help deliver that change. Justice Futures combines their knowledge, skills, connections and experience with expertise in systems approaches.

The aim is to enliven efforts to bring about transformational changes in our criminal, civil and social justice systems. Find out more about Justice Futures CIC

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: "Wing It" - now available

Recoop’s "Wing It", is a unique, peer-led, prison-specific resource designed to support older people in custody by promoting social connection and cognitive engagement. Packed with a diverse range of activities, including puzzles, games, and more, it offers ample opportunities for mental stimulation. This comprehensive toolkit provides everything needed to facilitate sessions that encourage both social interaction and purposeful activity.

By encouraging purposeful activity, "Wing It" fosters structure and positive daily engagement, both essential for wellbeing and personal growth during custody. Ideal for use in one-to-one or group settings, it promotes routine, cognitive challenge, and social connection.

"Wing It" is available at a special summer rate of [£500 excluding P&P] (usually £650) from 1 July to 31 August. Follow this link to find out more and take advantage of the sale

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

OPPORUNITY: Home Start - online referrals live

Home Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire is very pleased to be able to accept referrals online, making it quicker and safer for you to submit your referrals.

Please use this link to the online referral form or visit the Home Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire webpage, which provides further information about the range of support offered.

You can use the one form to access all the services.

Please do feedback to beckyl@homestartbsg.org.uk if you experience any issues with the new online form, so any wrinkles can be ironed out.

OPPORTUNITY: Consultation on public procurement

The UK government has opened a further consultation on procurement legislation: 'Public Procurement: Growing British industry, jobs and skills - consultation on further reforms to public procurement.' The consultation closes [5 September 2025].

Many of the proposals within the consultation aim to open up more opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs). In particular there is a section and some questions on “people-focused services” which the sector may be interested in, with one of the questions being; “Are there other services delivered to vulnerable citizens (beyond adult and children’s social care) that warrant procurement processes not permitted in the Procurement Act 2023?” Respond to the consultation here

FEATURED VACANCIES: Various roles

At Transform Your Training and the newly launched Taye Foundation, they believe that high-quality, values-led, trauma-informed training can change lives. When someone is equipped with knowledge and confidence, the ripple effect can reach the frontline and transform the experiences of those who need it most.

Right now, is a big moment, they’re expanding, creating new partnerships, and launching a national charity shaped by lived experience. It’s a time of purpose, passion, and possibility.

They’re currently looking for brilliant people to join in four exciting roles:

  • Partnerships & Delivery Lead
  • Systems Optimisation & Integration Consultant
  • Founding Charity Manager – Taye Foundation
  • Administrator – Taye Inhouse Service (Domestic Abuse & Modern Slavery Charity).

Each of these roles is about making a difference - across services, across communities, and in people’s lives.

If you believe that training is a powerful tool for social change, and you’re looking for work that matters, they’d love to hear from you [before 15 July] - Click here to find out more and also find out how to apply

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:

Family Services Volunteer – HMP Elmley, Swaleside, or Standford Hill with Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact) [voluntary, Isle of Sheppey, part time]; Family Worker with Phoenix Futures [£24,637, Liverpool, full time]; Housing Support Worker with Nacro [£26,584, Redcar, full time]; Senior Support Worker with Nacro [£27,740, Birmingham, full time]; Housing Officer with Nacro [£25,584, Lancaster, full time]; Housing Officer with Nacro [£25,584, Liverpool, full time]; Restorative Justice Practitioner with Restorative Justice for All International Institute CIC [£110 – £120 per session, London SE16, part time]; Prison Employment Adviser with Achieve [£26,485–£30,012, Manchester (M1 5AN), full time]; Women’s Secure Pathway Enhancement Workers (x2) with Brighton Women’s Centre [£27,490, Sussex or Kent, part time]; Female Specialist Support Worker 25/34 with Imagine Independence [£23,870, Eccles, full time].

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

READS OF THE WEEK:

EXTRA INFORMATION:

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