Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 954 | 16 October 2026

Light lunch

 

In this issue...

 

Black Men 4 Change, working in partnership with Clinks, has launched the first issue of the Black and Global Majority (BGM) Briefing.

The new BGM-led publication brings together news, experiences and perspectives from Black and Global Majority communities working across criminal justice. Launched during Black History Month, the Briefing will continue to develop over the coming months. Sign up to receive regular issues, updates and information about upcoming webinars.

Check out their microsite here

Subscribe here

We’ve got a shiny new Clinks website coming soon, and ahead of the launch we’re moving Light Lunch over to our new mailing system.

If you want to keep getting your weekly helping of criminal justice news, events, funding, opportunities and everything happening across the voluntary sector, make sure you’re signed up to the new Light Lunch mailing list!

Subscribe to our Light Lunch

Save the date for Clinks’ next conference, ‘Justice in Partnership’, taking place on Thursday 4 February 2027 at Birmingham University!

The conference will focus on partnership working and innovative local practice across the voluntary sector, and will include thematic workshops and panel discussions exploring these themes.

We’ll share more information in the coming weeks. Register your interest to be among the first to receive conference updates.

Register your interest here!

As part of our manifesto blog series, we have published a guest blog by David Dunn from Release Mates exploring the challenges people face in the first hours and days after leaving prison.

Drawing on lived experience, the blog highlights why effective resettlement support must begin before release and continue into the community. The blog looks at the practical help people need when leaving prison, and why having someone they trust to turn to can make such a difference.

Read the blog

We have published a new blog reflecting on September’s London Criminal Justice Forum, which brought together voluntary sector organisations and representatives from London Probation.

The blog explores London Probation’s priorities, including implementing the Sentencing Act, recommissioning Women’s Community Services and strengthening local partnerships. Discussions also highlighted opportunities for voluntary organisations to contribute their expertise in areas such as housing, employment, health and supporting women and young adults.

Read the blog

NATIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE ARTS ALLIANCE NEWS: Report Writing Workshop with the Royal Literary Fund

Join the National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance (NCJAA) and Royal Literary Fund for a free report writing workshop led by professional writer Nathalie Abi-Ezzi [7 December | 10:00 - 12:00 | online | free].

Through practical writing exercises and discussion, the workshop will explore how to structure reports, communicate key messages effectively and use storytelling to engage readers. Participants will also develop skills in organising information, editing and proofreading.

The session is open to eligible Clinks members working or volunteering in small specialist organisations within our thematic networks, and independent or freelance arts practitioners.

Book here

Clinks and the National Association of Voluntary Community Action (NAVCA) are delivering a free workshop for local infrastructure support organisations [18 November | 10:00 - 13:00 | online | free].

The session will explore how the criminal justice system works and how local infrastructure organisations can better support voluntary sector organisations working with people affected by the criminal justice system and their families. Topics include prisons, probation, statutory agencies, the Sentencing Act and opportunities for local collaboration.

Places are limited to 20 participants, with a maximum of two per organisation.

Book here

Join Clinks for our 28th Annual General Meeting (AGM) [11 November | 11:15 - 12:45 | online | free].

The AGM is an opportunity for Clinks members to come together, hear updates on our work and priorities, and take part in the organisation’s formal business, including the election of trustees. Members will also have the chance to contribute to discussions about our future direction and how we continue supporting the criminal justice voluntary sector.

Book here

Join Clinks for the next North West Criminal Justice Forum [20 October | 14:00 - 15:30 | online | free].

The forum brings together voluntary sector organisations and wider partners working across the criminal justice system to discuss regional challenges, share experiences and explore opportunities for collaboration. It's also a chance to catch up with others working across the North West.

Book here

MEMBER FOCUS: Corona Kids CIC 

Corona Kids CIC is a social enterprise working to improve the lives of children and young people affected by parental imprisonment.

Based in London and Surrey, the organisation delivers training and community and prison-based projects to help professionals, carers and families better understand the impact of having a parent or close family member in prison. Its work includes trauma-informed training, prison visiting experiences and family support programmes designed to strengthen relationships and ensure children feel heard, understood and supported.

Find out more here 

Together Women is launching NEST, a new early intervention service supporting girls and young women aged 14–25 who are at risk of entering, or are already involved in, the criminal justice system.

Launching in November from Together Women’s refurbished Women’s Centre in Leeds, NEST will provide trauma-informed, personalised support through dedicated Advocates. Each Advocate will offer consistent guidance across areas including housing, education, health, relationships and criminal justice, helping young women access support and avoid further involvement in the justice system.

The service will soon be accepting referrals. For enquiries, contact NEST@togetherwomen.org.

Find out more

Mindful Photography is offering four additional places for one-to-one mindful and therapeutic workshops in North Yorkshire.

The workshops aim to help people build confidence, self-awareness and self-esteem by encouraging them to slow down, connect with their surroundings and practise mindfulness through photography.

Priority will be given to people in Ripon, Boroughbridge, Knaresborough and Harrogate. Organisations supporting individuals who could benefit from the workshops are encouraged to get in touch.

Find out more

Watch the video here

The PORSCH Network is hosting an event exploring how creative and participatory research methods can be used in prisons, probation and other criminal justice settings [3 November | 10:00 - 13:00 | Newcastle | free].

Speakers from Durham University, Newcastle University, Night-Light Theatre CIC, Nepacs and Blue Cabin will share projects involving participatory theatre, storytelling, peer research and creative approaches to engaging people with lived experience. The event will explore how these methods can amplify overlooked voices, strengthen research and improve understanding of people’s experiences of the criminal justice system.

The programme finishes at 12:30, followed by a networking lunch until 13:00.

Book here

ARMHS is hosting an event exploring acute and emergency healthcare use following release from prison, with a focus on evidence for policy and practice [20 October | 10:00 - 13:30 | Edinburgh | free].

Taking place at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, the session will examine healthcare needs after incarceration and consider the implications for improving access to services and support for people returning to the community.

Book here

PLIAS Resettlement is hosting its third DARDR/DVA & Criminal Justice Summit, exploring this year’s theme, The Voice of the Child, Young Person and Service User [27 November | 09:30 - 17:00 | London and online | free, donations welcome].

The summit will bring together professionals, policymakers, practitioners and people with lived experience to discuss domestic abuse, safeguarding, trauma and inequalities within the criminal justice system. Discussions will look at how services can better listen to children, young people and service users, and what needs to change in the way organisations work together.

Book here

Mint House Oxford is hosting a practical CPD workshop exploring how art and design can be incorporated into restorative justice practice [10 November | 10:00 - 12:30 | online | £15–£30].

The interactive session will provide practitioners with an opportunity to explore and practise creative exercises that can be adapted and integrated into their own restorative work. Participants will learn how creative approaches can support their practice and develop new ways of engaging people in restorative processes.

Book here

Breakthrough is offering a free 12-week Future Skills Programme for people interested in developing digital skills and exploring careers in the technology sector, starting [26 October | online and London | free].

No qualifications or previous technology experience are required. The programme particularly welcomes people with experience of the criminal justice system, care leavers, kinship carers, disabled and neurodivergent people, and those who have been out of work for some time.

Alongside digital skills training, participants can access support with confidence, housing and finances. The programme offers flexible attendance, including remote learning and an in-person option in Farringdon, London.

Find out more and apply here

One Small Thing is inviting applications for its Trauma-Informed Management Programme 2027, designed to help managers develop their understanding of trauma-informed approaches to leading and supporting teams.

The programme explores the theory and principles of trauma-informed management, alongside practical ways to apply them in the workplace. It includes an in-person training day in Oxford [3 February 2027] followed by six monthly online Action Learning Sets.

The programme costs £840 per person plus VAT. Applications close [30 October]. For enquiries, contact training@onesmallthing.org.uk.

Find out more and apply here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: New courts to support women and reduce reoffending

Three new Intensive Supervision Courts have opened in West Yorkshire, Merseyside and Northumbria, bringing the total across the country to seven.

The courts aim to address factors contributing to women’s offending, including trauma and addiction, through intensive supervision and support in the community. The approach seeks to tackle underlying needs and help women move away from further involvement in the criminal justice system.

Find out more

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Government responds to Criminal Courts Review

The Government has published its response to Lord Leveson’s Criminal Courts Review, accepting or accepting in principle the overwhelming majority of its 180 recommendations.

Plans include piloting virtual remand hearings in at least four police force areas, supported by £17.4 million in funding. The proposals aim to reduce delays, improve court efficiency and strengthen the delivery of justice for victims and those involved in criminal proceedings.

Read more

The Legal Aid Agency has published an update following its investigation into the 2025 cyberattack.

Further investigations have identified additional information stolen by attackers, including historical data relating to a relatively small number of people supervised by probation services between 2010 and 2017. The update outlines the types of information affected and the measures being taken to strengthen data security.

Read the update

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: HMP Ranby publishes family and significant others strategy

HMP Ranby has published its family and significant others strategy, outlining how the prison supports people in custody to maintain meaningful relationships with family members and other important people in their lives.

The strategy covers family engagement services delivered by the Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT), safeguarding arrangements and how feedback will inform improvements. It provides information for organisations supporting people in prison and their families.

Read the strategy

FUNDING: Funding to develop housing models for at-risk youth 

Commonweal Housing is inviting organisations to propose innovative housing models to improve outcomes for young people who experience significant disadvantage. Funding is available for successful applicants to conduct a feasibility study to explore whether their proposed model could become a future housing pilot. This feasibility funding is the first step, and the intention is to deliver your model in partnership with Commonweal for 5-10 years.

Extended deadline: Applications close on Wednesday 4th November 2026 

Full details can be found here.

FUNDING: Inspire Lambeth Black Communities Health Inequalities Small Grants Fund

Inspire Lambeth is offering five grants of £2,000 to Black-led voluntary, community and faith sector organisations delivering new projects to improve health and wellbeing among Black African and Black Caribbean communities in Lambeth.

Funding can support activities addressing mental health, social isolation, access to health services and healthy lifestyles. Projects must start by 31 March 2027. An online information and Q&A session will take place [19 October | 13:00 - 14:00 | online]. Applications close [1 November | 23:45].

Find out more and apply

OPPORTUNITY: Agenda Alliance seeks views on changing perceptions of women and girls

Agenda Alliance is inviting London-based voluntary sector organisations working with women and girls to take part in a short survey to help shape a new perception-shift campaign.

The campaign forms part of a ten-year project to transform systems and services for women and girls with unmet needs in London. The survey aims to identify the most pressing issues, explore existing narratives and understand whose perceptions need to change to challenge stigma and improve support. 

Have your say here 

SHiFT is seeking a creative and organised individual to join their team as our Digital Media & Events Coordinator [£32,000, full time, flexible working] You will play a key role in telling the story of SHiFT’s work through engaging digital content across social media, video, print and web channels, while also supporting the delivery of events, conferences and Practice launches. The role requires someone with experience creating impactful digital media, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. Join a dynamic organisation committed to breaking cycles of harm and improving outcomes for children and young people. SHiFT is committed to being an anti-racist, anti-oppressive and inclusive employer and welcomes applications from people with diverse backgrounds and lived experience. 

Find out more and apply by 25 October  

Women’s Wellbeing Coach (Ref: WWC-261) with St Giles Trust [£26703, Ipswich, Full Time]; Recovery Worker with Social Interest Group [£28800, CR0 4JQ, Full Time]; Engagement Worker with Social Interest Group [£26200, MK40 2LL, Part Time]; Support Mentor with Social Interest Group [£28800, W10 6RF, Full Time]; Relief Recovery Worker with Social Interest Group [£12000, BN3 2TJ, Part Time]; Prison Employment Adviser with Achieve [£27015 to £30612, HMP Styal, Full Time]; Through the Gate Worker with Phoenix Futures [£26292, N7 8TT, Full Time]; Trustee with Prisoners' Education Trust [Voluntary, Remote with occasional meetings in London, Part Time]; Chief Executive with Prisoners Abroad [£80000 to £92000, Finsbury Park, Full Time]; Maintenance Operative with Social Interest Group [£28800, ME7 1RJ, Full Time].

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

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