Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 897 | 05 September 2025

Light lunch

In this issue...

CLINKS NEWS: The Sentencing Bill

In our latest update, we have set out the key clauses within the Sentencing Bill that was laid before Parliament on 2 September. The update includes extensive detail on the proposed progression model, a presumption for the suspension of short, custodial sentences and reforms to community sentences, as well as information on expected next steps. 

The impact assessment, published alongside the Bill, suggests that the measures will free up approximately 7,500 prison places in 2028, predominantly via the implementation of the progression model, changes to recall, and the presumption against short sentences. Based on a forecasted growth in the prison population, it is still expected that there will be around 2,000 more people in prison by May 2029 compared to current levels. 

CLINKS EVENT: Women's Network Forum

Our quarterly women’s networking forum [9 September, online, free], hosted in partnership with the Agenda Alliance, provides support, information and networking opportunities to those working with women in contact with the criminal justice system. Expect updates on policy, member activity and host speakers on relevant topics, including a presentation from Clinks CEO, Anne Fox, in her role on the Women’s Justice Board. Book here

MEMBER FOCUS: Alternatives to Violence Project 

Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) is an international movement that started in the 1970s in the American prison system. AVP Britain (AVPB) is one of multiple independent branches which operate around the globe. A registered national charity, AVP Britain is committed to a world where everyone has the courage and capacity to manage conflict non-violently. They provide experiential workshops in-person and online, and distance learning courses which give people the necessary skills to navigate conflict non-violently, empowering them to build better relationships. Find out more

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: The growth of electronic monitoring

Russell Webster provided an overview of the latest management information on tagging published by the MoJ on 28 August 2025. There are three main types of devices, Location Monitoring (GPS) devices, Curfew (RF) devices and Alcohol Monitoring (AM) devices; each covered within the blog. Read here

CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: Learnings from prison/detention - a musician's perspective

Irene Taylor Trust and Hear Me Out deliver broadly similar work in connected but very distinct contexts - music projects in the criminal justice system and immigration detention. The webinar [22 September, 14:30 - 16:00, online, free] is an event for practitioners and students, to hear about their learnings from comparing and reflecting on their practice at the front line by visiting and observing each other's work, and discuss how this can support practice development in different contexts. Register for the webinar here

CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: Race in prisons: learning from the past, shaping the future

On the 25th anniversary of the racist murder of Zahid Mubarek by his cellmate in YOI Feltham, the Zahid Mubarek Trust is hosting a conference ‘Race in prisons: learning from the past, shaping the future’ [28 September, 09:00 - 17:00, London, Free - £54.88]. The conference will serve as both a memorial and a participatory call to action to urgently address the continuing racial disparities that are persisting in the prison system decades on from Zahid’s murder. Featuring a keynote address from Lord James Timpson OBE, Minister of State for Prisons, Parole and Probation, as well as senior prison leaders, policymakers, researchers, and people with lived experience, the ZMT will launch a Manifesto on Race Equality in Prisons, alongside a grassroots movement to drive accountability for racial disparities across the prison system. We particularly welcome families of prisoners and people with lived experience of imprisonment to attend. Find out more here

CLINKS' MEMBER'S TRAINING: Trauma Informed Team Management Programme 

Applications are now open for One Small Thing's Trauma Informed Team Management Programme 2026 [January - July 2026, in person and online, £800+ VAT]. On the Programme, participants will explore what it means to manage a team of people in a way that aligns with the core values and principles of trauma-informed practice. The Programme is for managers who have line managerial responsibility for a team who support people who have experienced trauma. The Programme consists of an in-person training day in Oxford (Wednesday 28th January2026) and six online Action Learning Sets (February – July 2026), providing a unique opportunity to collaborate with peers to help solve challenges faced when leading a team. Applications are open until [31 October 2025].

NON-MEMBERS’ EVENTS: Tackling Emerging Drug Trends Locally

Academy for Social Justice, HMPPS are hosting a seminar, 'The Mancunian Way –  Tackling Emerging Drug Trends Locally' [8 October, online, free] to explore how Manchester has developed a bold response to new psychoactive substances & other emerging drug trends. Register here

NON-MEMBERS’ EVENTS OR TRAINING: Digital Market Engagement Event for CRS 

This session [18 September, 10:30 - 13:30, online, free] by the MoJ will provide a high-level overview of the proposed digital solution (case management) that will support the delivery of future Commissioned Rehabilitative Services (CRS). It will offer an opportunity for prospective bidders to engage with the design of the proposed digital solution and provide feedback on the existing Refer and Monitor system.   An agenda and further information will be shared closer to the meeting date. Please note that the event will focus on the functionality overview of the system only and will not cover any technical architecture or infrastructure details at this stage. Find out more here  

FUNDING: Prevention, Rehabilitation & Family Support

The Charles Hayward Foundation’s Social and Criminal Justice Fund is open for applications until the 19 September. They fund projects which help to prevent people entering the criminal justice system, and which support those in contact with the system to rebuild their lives. They only fund projects in the following sub-categories: 1) targeted early intervention programmes reaching vulnerable families; 2) tailored and preventative projects for young people at risk of offending; 3) programmes that combine prison-based and community interventions dealing with rehabilitation, accommodation support, maintaining family ties, mentoring and pathways to employment; 4) schemes offering viable alternatives to custody, in particular for women and young people; 5) programmes that alleviate the consequences of domestic abuse. Organisations can apply for [£15k-25k] over one to three years. Find out more

FUNDING: Forrester Family Trust rehabilitation grant

The Forrester Family Trust support small charities work towards a just and equitable society. Their theme for their grant making this year is ‘the rehabilitation of imprisoned and formally-imprisoned offenders in England and Wales’. Grants [of up to a maximum of £40k] are available to charities with a turnover of less than £5m. They have £600k to distribute. [Deadline – 30 September]. Find out more

PUBLICATION: Problem-Solving Courts for Women

This evidence review provides an in-depth look at women’s problem solving courts (WPSC) which are endorsed by the Sentencing Review as an important component in preventing the unnecessary incarceration of women. Dr Sarah Waite and Dr Alexandria Bradley review the evidence base – to which they are significant contributors – exploring the international context and covering the critical factors for success. View the Evidence Library here

PUBLICATION: Barriers to reintegration for long-term prisoners on release

A new report published by the Prison Reform Trust highlights the need for enhanced support and policy reform to assist individuals on release after serving long-term prison sentences. Based on in depth interviews with 20 people now living in the community who have experienced release from a long-term prison sentence, the report provides rare and detailed insights into their experience. The report calls for comprehensive reforms by HMPPS and partner agencies to address these challenges and makes a number of key recommendations for change. Read here

OPPORTUNITY: Neurodiversity Services in East Midlands

The Ministry of Justice has launched a competition for an organisation to deliver Neurodiversity Services in East Midlands. The deadline for submitting tender responses is [29 September 2025, 11:00am]. To be eligible to submit a bid, suppliers must be successfully onboarded onto the Probation Dynamic Framework, in alignment with the relevant service category, geographical coverage, and financial threshold listed: Probation DF.07: Emotional Wellbeing, or Probation DF.08: Social Inclusion, Financial Threshold: £100k-£1m, Region: East Midlands. Find out more

FEATURED VACANCY: Service Delivery Manager

Spark Inside is seeking a dynamic individual to join their team as a Service Delivery Manager. [Full time, £33,437, East Midlands]. In this role you will be engaging young people in prison and in the community to participate in Spark Inside’s life coaching workshops and one-to-one coaching. Their Service Delivery Manager will need to build and maintain relationships with people at all levels in the criminal justice system including prisoners, prison staff of various levels and commissioners. You will also manage their team of freelance coaches and play a key role in project management and the smooth running of their coaching programmes. Find out more and apply here by 15th September 2025. 

FEATURED VACANCY: Family Support Worker

Ormiston Families is seeking an experienced individual to join their dedicated Family Services Team. [Part time, £13,923, Suffolk]. You will be working within the visitors’ centre at HMP Highpoint, providing effective and efficient running of the Visitor Centre, Tea Bar, Play Area in the Prison Visits Hall, assist on Family Days to ensure prisoners and their families have a valuable visiting experience, helping to maintain positive, healthy and supportive family relationships. You will have experience of dealing with people in a customer service-based role and demonstrate excellent communication and problem-solving skills sometimes under challenging circumstances whilst embracing a non-judgemental and empathetic work ethic. Find out more and apply here by 12th September 2025. 

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:

Head of Partnerships and Development – Abianda [£45,000, London (Hybrid), Full Time]; Central Support Coordinator – St Giles Trust [£29,500–£32,500, Coventry/Norwich/London/Cardiff (with travel), Full Time]; Pantry Volunteer x5 – St Giles Trust [Voluntary, London, Part Time]; Lawyer – The Howard League for Penal Reform [£48,080–£56,822, London, Full Time]; Caseworker – SOS+ – St Giles Trust [£24,000–£28,000, North Yorkshire, Full Time]; Senior Caseworker – St Giles Trust [£30,000, London, Part Time]; Lived Experienced Peer Volunteer – St Giles Trust [Voluntary, West Midlands, Part Time]; Prison Facilitator – Shannon Trust [£28,274, HMP Swaleside (Kent), Part Time]; Community Employment Consultant – Beating Time [£32,000–£34,000, Birmingham, Full Time].

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

READS OF THE WEEK:

EXTRA INFORMATION:

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