Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 929 | 24 April 2026

Light lunch

 

In this issue...

Clinks is pleased to invite organisations to the virtual launch of the Fair Chance Business Alliance (FCBA) event Unite 1K: Changing Business for Good. The campaign aims to mobilise at least 1,000 employers to adopt the Fair Chance Charter, supporting inclusive recruitment for people with convictions. By 2028, the talent pool of individuals with criminal records is expected to reach 10 million, representing one in four working age adults, making fair chance hiring both a social good and an economic necessity for growth, sustainability and bridging skills gaps.

The virtual launch will take place on [28 April | 10:00 - 11:00 | Online via Teams | Free]. RSVP here

Clinks’ 2026 membership renewal process is currently underway, and we are still awaiting responses from a number of organisations. Whether you are planning to renew or otherwise, a quick response helps us keep our records accurate and ensures we can continue to support the sector effectively. It only takes a few minutes to let us know either way. Find out more here

Clinks is working in partnership with the National Association of Voluntary Community Action (NAVCA) to offer free training for staff of local infrastructure organisations. The workshop is designed to deepen understanding of the criminal justice system and explore how local infrastructure organisations can support VCSE organisations operating within it. It will cover an overview of the criminal justice system, the impact of the Sentencing Act, police and court processes, prisons and probation, and the role of the voluntary sector. Places are limited to 20 participants, with a maximum of two per organisation. This training is exclusively for local infrastructure support organisations. The session will take place on [7 May | 09:30 - 12:30 | Online via Microsoft Teams | Free]. Register here

MEMBER FOCUS: Sussex Prisoners’ Families

Sussex Prisoners’ Families (SPF) is a Sussex-based charity that supports families and children affected by imprisonment, advises professionals working with them, and gives young people a voice. Their friendly outreach team provides one-to-one support, connects families to local support groups, and offers practical guidance on visiting prisons, court processes and staying in contact with a loved one inside. They also run a free Prisoners’ Families Helpline and have developed a mobile app to help families access information and support. Find out more about Sussex Prisoners’ Families here

The impact of SPF’s work is best heard in the words of those they have supported. Joni, Director of Business Operations at Clinks, who went to prison with her baby, shares how SPF supported her family during that time, creating a safe space where her family could feel normal and accepted. You can watch Joni’s story here

This Sunday 26 April, SPF supporter Matt is running the 2026 TCS London Marathon to raise funds for the charity’s vital work. If you would like to sponsor Matt, please do, as any amount would be very welcome. Sponsor Matt here

St Giles Trust argues that public opinion is increasingly supportive of a more rehabilitative and less punitive approach to youth justice, and that the system needs to catch up with public sentiment to effectively support young people. Drawing on recent research into public attitudes, the piece makes the case for investment in early intervention, community-based alternatives and support that addresses the root causes of offending behaviour. Read more here

Agenda Alliance discusses the urgent need for sustainable and targeted funding to support the mental health of girls and young women, particularly those facing multiple disadvantages. The piece highlights the significant gaps in provision and the disproportionate impact of poor mental health on girls and young women who are in contact with, or at risk of entering, the criminal justice system, and calls for funders and commissioners to prioritise this group. Read more here

Agenda Alliance highlights the work of their Women’s Advisory Network, showcasing how co-production with women who have lived experience is essential for creating effective and meaningful change. The piece explores how the network has shaped Agenda Alliance’s policy and advocacy work, and reflects on the importance of creating genuine spaces for women’s voices to be heard and acted upon. Read more here 

St Giles Trust has launched a new employability service in Barnsley, designed to support local residents, including those with convictions, to overcome barriers and secure meaningful employment. The service offers tailored, one-to-one support to help people identify their strengths, develop their skills and access job opportunities, as part of St Giles Trust’s wider commitment to providing specialist employment support in communities across England and Wales. Read more here

The Ministry of Justice is hosting a webinar ahead of the launch of the Community Accommodation Service Framework. The session will cover key information on the tender and the structure of the framework, including an overview of each lot and its scope and potential key requirements. Attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions throughout, which will be followed up in an FAQ pack after the event. The session will take place on [27 April | 14:00 | Online via Microsoft Teams | Free]. Register here

View the tender notice here

Revolving Doors is hosting an online fact-finding session for organisations working with people who have been convicted of assaulting an emergency worker. The session is for those concerned about how this offence is being applied in practice and the impact it may be having on people experiencing multiple disadvantage, mental ill health or trauma. Together, participants will share experiences, identify common patterns and gather insights to inform future engagement with policymakers including the CPS and government. The session will take place on [28 April | 12:00 - 13:00 | Online | Free]. RSVP here

MEAM is hosting the National Multiple Disadvantage Summit 2026, bringing together a broad multidisciplinary group working in services, commissioning and policy across homelessness, substance use, mental health, criminal justice and related sectors. This year’s theme is “Learning Curves: The Path to Systems Change”, with the day focused on deepening collaboration, exploring good practice, engaging meaningfully with people with lived experience and strengthening personal networks. The summit will take place on [12 May | 10:00 - 16:30 | Birmingham | £175]. Book here

Offploy are offering a free online course for those who are new to the criminal justice sector, or who would like a refresher on how to identify, support and advocate for people with criminal records. Clinks members are often on the frontline of mentoring socially excluded people, many of whom may have a conviction, and this course will help you to understand the specialist support available to them. The session will take place on [12 May | 09:15 | Online | Free]. Book here

Why me? is collaborating with Professor Tim Chapman on a new set of Restorative Justice training courses that take a fresh approach, focusing on the values and lived experience behind the restorative process. The first course is aimed at practitioners who wish to develop the skills to take on complex and sensitive cases. It runs across a series of dates in May and June, combining online and in-person sessions in Brixton. The sessions will take place on [30 April | 7 May (online) | 18 May | 1 June | 2 June (in-person) | Brixton | £500]. Book here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: ONS Crime Statistics

The Office for National Statistics has published its latest Crime in England and Wales bulletin, covering the year to December 2025. Overall crime (excluding fraud and computer misuse) fell by 4% compared to the previous year, continuing a longer-term downward trend. However, the data shows continued rises in stalking and harassment offences, and knife crime remains a significant concern, particularly for organisations working on violence reduction and with young people. The bulletin provides important context for voluntary sector organisations working on prevention, victim support and community safety, as trends in crime data shape government priorities and commissioning decisions. Read more here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Electronic Monitoring Statistics

The Ministry of Justice has published its latest electronic monitoring statistics for March 2026, showing a record high of over 28,000 people being monitored on any given day. The publication covers location monitoring, alcohol monitoring and home detention curfew, reflecting the government’s recent expansion of tagging. With the government planning to extend electronic monitoring to tens of thousands more people, voluntary organisations working in resettlement and community supervision will need to understand the scale and implications of this growth, including its interaction with housing, employment and support services. Read more here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Prison Leavers in Substance Misuse Treatment 

The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities and the Ministry of Justice have jointly published new statistics on the outcomes of prison leavers in substance misuse treatment within four weeks of release. The data analyses mortality and re-incarceration rates, providing new evidence on the critical importance of continuity of care at the prison gate. The findings are particularly relevant for voluntary organisations delivering substance misuse treatment in prisons and in the community, and can be used to demonstrate impact and make the case for sustained investment in through-the-gate support. Read more here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Six IPP Sentences Quashed by the Court of Appeal

The Criminal Cases Review Commission has announced that six Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences have been quashed by the Court of Appeal following CCRC referrals. The cases highlight the ongoing injustice faced by people still serving IPP sentences years after the sentence was abolished in 2012, with hundreds of people still imprisoned beyond their original tariff. Organisations advocating for people on IPP sentences and their families will want to highlight this development as further evidence of the need for a comprehensive legislative solution to the IPP crisis. Read more here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Death of a 16-year-old boy at Feltham YOI

Article 39 has published a statement following the death of a 16-year-old boy at HMYOI Feltham, calling for an urgent independent review into the safety of children in custody and raising serious concerns about the adequacy of care and oversight. The children’s rights charity has been vocal about the conditions facing children in secure settings and the lack of independent scrutiny. The death raises urgent questions that organisations working in youth justice and with children in custody will want to monitor closely. Read more here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Government Review into Deaths of Care Leavers

The government has announced a new review into the deaths of care leavers, following sustained campaigning by Article 39 and other children’s rights organisations. The review will examine the circumstances of care leavers who have died and consider what systemic changes are needed to prevent further deaths. Given that many people in contact with the criminal justice system have care experience, organisations working at the intersection of children’s services and criminal justice will want to engage with this review and ensure the voices of care-experienced people are heard. Read more here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Evaluation of Serious Violence Reduction Orders

The Centre for Crime and Justice Studies has published analysis of the government’s evaluation of the Serious Violence Reduction Order (SVRO) pilot, which allows police to stop and search individuals without suspicion. The evaluation found limited evidence of effectiveness and raised significant concerns about disproportionate use against Black and mixed-heritage people. As the government considers whether to roll out SVROs nationally, organisations working on racial justice, disproportionality in the criminal justice system and with young people will want to engage closely with the evidence. Read more here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: HMIP reports published 20 April 2026

HM Inspectorate of Prisons published a batch of inspection reports on 20 April, including the report for HMP/YOI Portland. The reports provide detailed findings on the treatment and conditions of people held in these establishments, covering areas such as safety, respect, purposeful activity and rehabilitation. Voluntary organisations delivering services in these prisons will want to review the inspection findings to understand the context in which they are operating and to identify opportunities to strengthen their contribution. Read more here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Improving Inspection Reports - HM Inspectorate of Prisons

HM Inspectorate of Prisons has published a blog setting out how it is improving the clarity, accessibility and impact of its inspection reports. The changes are designed to make it easier for a wider range of audiences, including voluntary sector organisations, to understand and act on inspection findings. Improvements include clearer language, better data presentation and a stronger focus on outcomes for people in prison. Voluntary organisations that use HMIP reports to inform their work, advocacy and commissioning bids will benefit from understanding the changes being made. Read more here

NON-MEMBERS’ EVENTS OR TRAINING: Sentencing - The Future of Incarceration and Rehabilitation 

Manchester Metropolitan University is hosting a free seminar exploring the impacts of the Sentencing Act 2026 and new approaches to imprisonment, rehabilitation and post-release support. The seminar will take place on [7 May | 14:00 - 16:30 | Free]. Book here

NON-MEMBERS’ EVENTS OR TRAINING: Festival launch - A Man Escaped 

Manchester Metropolitan University is launching the 2026 Manchester International Crime and Justice Film Festival with a free screening and panel discussion of the Robert Bresson classic A Man Escaped (1956), taking place on the evening of 7 May following the sentencing seminar above. The screening will take place on [7 May | 17:30 | Free]. Book here

NON-MEMBERS’ EVENTS OR TRAINING: Manchester International Crime and Justice Film Festival 2026

Manchester Metropolitan University is hosting the 2026 Manchester International Crime and Justice Film Festival, a free programme of film screenings and events running from May to June. Full details of this year’s programme are available on their website. View the full programme here

FUNDING: Funding for Small Organisations

The Allen Lane Foundation is offering grants of up to £15,000 for small organisations with an annual income of under £100,000. Their funding covers seven programme areas, including work with young people, offenders and ex-offenders. Within the criminal justice space, the foundation focuses on organisations supporting women who have offended or are in prison for violence against women, as well as those working for systemic change within the criminal justice system. Funded projects have included training in employable skills, literacy, art-based projects, work with the families of people in prison, and a range of other activities. Applications received before early August are likely to be considered at the October Trustees meeting. Apply here

FUNDING: Leathersellers Main Charity Grants Programme

The Leathersellers’ Company Charitable Fund has opened expressions of interest for its Main Charity Grants Programme. The fund supports UK charities and charitable incorporated organisations working to prevent and mitigate the harm of adverse childhood experiences. The programme offers unrestricted, multi-year grants of up to £25,000 per annum for four years. Expressions of interest must be submitted by [30 April 2026 | 17:00]. Apply here

FUNDING: £10 million for Small Youth Organisations

UK Youth and the Pears Foundation have announced a new £10 million fund to support small youth organisations across the UK. The fund offers multi-year, unrestricted funding alongside targeted capacity-building support, with the aim of strengthening the financial resilience of small organisations delivering services to young people. It is open to organisations with an annual turnover of under £500,000 working in eligible areas. The deadline for expressions of interest is 6 May. Apply here

FUNDING: Weavers’ Company Benevolent Fund

The Weavers’ Company’s Benevolent Fund is open for applications from smaller UK registered charities working with young disadvantaged people, particularly young offenders, people in prison, ex-prisoners and young people at risk of becoming involved in criminal activity. Priority is given to smaller organisations offering bespoke and direct services. Local organisations working in a village, estate or small town should normally have an income of less than £100,000, while those working across the UK should have an income of no more than £250,000.

The next application deadline is on [2 July 2026 | 12:00] for the October 2026 meeting. Further deadlines are 12 November 2026 and 11 March 2027. Apply here

FUNDING: Grants for Homelessness Projects

The Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust is offering grants of £5,000 to UK charities with an annual turnover of over £1 million working with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The fund focuses on projects that provide life skills, including food education, healthy living and budgeting, with priority given to people leaving the armed forces, leaving prison or leaving care. The deadline for the second application round of 2026 is [30 April]. Apply here

FUNDING: Triangle Trust 1949 Fund - First Funding Round 2026

The Triangle Trust 1949 Fund has opened its first funding round for 2026, with a continued focus on young women and girls who are already in contact with the criminal justice system or at high risk of involvement. This round is open to projects supporting young women and girls aged 11 to 18, with a September round to follow for projects working with young women aged 17 to 30. The trust wants to fund projects informed by people with lived experience that work towards reducing reoffending or preventing first convictions. Interested applicants should complete a short expression of interest form in the first instance. The closing date for expressions of interest is [20 May]. Apply here

PUBLICATION: Reducing Reoffending: Catch22

Catch22 has published a booklet outlining their approach to reducing reoffending, highlighting their commitment to community connection, co-production and the value of the voluntary sector in supporting people to build lives away from crime. The booklet draws on Catch22’s experience delivering services across education, employment, mentoring and community support, and sets out the principles and practices that underpin their work with people in and leaving the criminal justice system. Read more here

OPPORTUNITY: Global Map of Organisations Working with and for Criminalised Women

Women Beyond Walls, a global collaborative dedicated to combating the mass incarceration and over-criminalisation of women and girls worldwide, is creating the first open-source global map of civil society organisations supporting women who have been arrested, are on trial, are incarcerated or have been released, as well as their children and families. The mapping exercise responds to a need identified in the Forgotten by Funders report and aims to raise visibility, connect organisations, strengthen collaboration, identify gaps and encourage improved funding for this under-recognised field. If your organisation works with or for criminalised women, you are invited to take part. Complete the survey here

Family Service Manager with Social Interest Group [£38000, L9 7LH, full time]; Regional Manager with Julian House [£42205, Southwest, covering Exeter, Somerset and Dorset, full time]; Specialist Mentor (Children and Young People) with St Giles Trust [£28547, Multiple Schools across Telford and Wrekin, full time]; Domestic Abuse House Lead (Female) with The Nelson Trust [£28000 to £30000, Swindon, full time]; Finance Benefit and Debt Advisor with The Growth Company [£27500, Leeds, full time]; CFO Evolution Justice Services Support Worker with The Growth Company [£27500 to £30000, Manchester, full time]; CFO Evolution Justice Services Support Worker with The Growth Company [£27500 to £30000, Blackpool, full time]; CFO Evolution Justice Services Support Worker with The Growth Company [£27500 to £30000, Warrington, full time]; CFO Evolution Justice Service Support Worker with The Growth Company [£27500 to £29999, Barnsley, full time]; Support Mentor with Social Interest Group [£24500, Luton, full time].

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

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EXTRA INFORMATION:

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