Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 916 | 23 January 2026

Light lunch

In this issue...

We’re delighted to announce the appointment of our new CEO, Dr. Summer Alston-Smith, who will take up the role on 16 March. Read more

Our new blog explores a new pilot placing NHS staff within probation appointments. Read here

Join us for Clinks' Annual Conference [28 January | London | from £60]; our biggest event of the year bringing together voluntary organisations working in the criminal justice system from across England and Wales.

This year's theme, Stronger Together: Celebrating Community, Championing Progress, reflects the heart of our sector; the power of collaboration, connection, and shared purpose. Book here

To accompany a new evidence review by Dr Tom McNeil (The JABBS Foundation for Women and Girls), this event [3 February | 12:00 - 13:00 | online | free] will explore what the academic evidence tells us about how voluntary sector organisations can meaningfully influence public opinion on crime and build support for prevention, rehabilitation and justice reform. Book here

MEMBER FOCUS: Rebuilding Futures Alliance

Rebuilding Futures Alliance is a not-for-profit organisation established to create national opportunities for employers, helping place people with low-level past convictions into full-time, meaningful careers at scale. The initiative brings together a powerful alliance of credible charities, each with a strong track record and a national network of experienced providers. Find out more

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Koestler Awards Open

People in prisons, other secure settings and on probation can enter up to five creative works to the 2026 Koestler Awards before the deadline [17 April 2026]. 

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Phoenix Project

Servol have launched the Phoenix Project in the West Midlands, providing specialist supported accommodation for prison leavers with complex mental health needs. The project will ensure people have safe housing on release and tailored support to help them reintegrate and reduce reoffending. Find out more

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Norma Hoyte Retires

After over 21 years of service, Norma Hoyte is retiring from PLIAS Resettlement. Norma was also long-serving trustee of Clinks. Find out more

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: HM Pasties on BBC

HM Pasties featured on the BBC Breakfast sofa to discuss how to set people in prison up for success. Watch here

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: Developing Trauma-Informed Policy

One Small Thing are running a half day online course [26 March | 9:30 - 13:00 | online | £95+VAT]. The training is designed to support participants to look at their organisational existing policies, consider what might be amended from a trauma-informed perspective, and think through the development of new trauma-informed policies. Book here

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: Advising people with convictions

Clinks members are on the frontline of mentoring socially excluded people, many of whom will have a 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 [10 February | 9:15 | online | free] on how to best identify, support and advocate for those who deserve another chance. Book here

CLINKS MEMBER’S TRAINING: Prisoners and Welfare Benefits

Society Matters' CPD-accredited course [5 February | 9:00 - 16:00 | online | £139+VAT] equips professionals with the knowledge and confidence to support prisoners, prison leavers, and their families with welfare benefits and housing. It covers the impact of imprisonment on benefit entitlement, Universal Credit claims, conditionality, and sanctions, as well as practical steps for homelessness prevention and reintegration. Book here

NON-MEMBER'S EVENTS: Re-imagining Probation in the Community

Join Academy for Social Justice, HM Prison and Probation Service for an insightful seminar [4 March | 16:00 - 17:15 | online | free] on Grand Avenues—a bold UK Government initiative announced in 2020 that is redefining probation practice and driving community change.

PUBLICATION: FDAC Eligibility Criteria

The Centre for Justice Innovation has published a new evidence and practice briefing which aims to support FDAC practitioners and local authority colleagues in decision-making about which families are deemed eligible for and should be referred to FDAC. Read here

PUBLICATION: Guide for Earned Settlement Response

Last year, the government announced proposals to reform the immigration system by introducing so-called ‘earned settlement’ criteria. As set out in a joint statement on the proposals, implementation will have a devastating impact on Black and minoritised migrant women. Of particular concern is the likely impact on victim/survivors of violence against women and girls (VAWG) and exploitation, and those criminalised because of their own exploitation. Hibiscus are calling for responses to the Home Office’s Earned Settlement consultation and oppose the proposed changes to immigration rules. Along with Southall Black Sisters, EVAW and LAWRs, they have produced a guide to help organisations with their responses. It is essential that VAWG and criminal justice sectors mobilise in solidarity with migrant victims/survivors. Find out more

FUNDING: HMP Isis Football Project

Grant funding opportunity available at HMP Isis under HMPPS Small Grants Scheme:

Football project – to deliver football training programmes for prisoners who are located on the Peace spur, to provide a course and qualification that incentivises positive behaviour. This should include theoretical and practical football coaching delivered to participants to provide them with a pathway on release. The programme shall consist of an in-custody programme as well as resettlement support post-release. Available funding: £7,500.

Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations operating and registered in the UK are eligible to apply. The application will be open on Find a grant from [26 January 2026 – 9 February 2026 12pm]. Search for “HMPPS Small Grants Scheme” here

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:

Employment Support Worker with Achieve [£26,485–£30,012, Crewe, full time]; People & Organisational Development Officer with St Giles Trust [£25,000–£28,000, UK based (hybrid), full time]; Young Women and Girls Practitioner (1:1) with Abianda [£30,756, Islington (London), full time]; Employment & Training Co-ordinator with The Upper Room [£30,000, West London, part time]; Fundraising Manager with St Giles Trust [£37,500, London (hybrid), full time]; Volunteer Digital and Social Media Volunteer with Margaret Carey Foundation (UpCycle) [Voluntary, UK, part time]; New Partnerships Manager with St Giles Trust [£37,500, London (hybrid), full time] Outreach Worker (Fixed Term – 12 months) with The Nelson Trust [£25,000–£27,000, Gloucester, full time]; Senior Communications Manager with Women in Prison [£48,750, London, full time];Senior Project Worker (WomenMATTA) with Women in Prison [£30,702, Manchester & Trafford, full time]

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

READS OF THE WEEK:

EXTRA INFORMATION:

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