Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 955 | 23 October 2026

Light lunch

 

In this issue...

 

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!

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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!

Clinks has published its response to the Independent Review of the Prison System’s call for evidence, highlighting the experiences and expertise of voluntary sector organisations working with people in prison and following release.

The response emphasises the importance of involving the voluntary sector in prison reform, strengthening rehabilitation and resettlement support, and ensuring people in custody can access services that meet their individual needs. It also highlights the need for effective partnership working between prisons, probation and voluntary organisations to improve outcomes.

Read our response

Clinks has published a new blog exploring the role of Community Sentence Treatment Requirements (CSTRs) in addressing the underlying causes of offending and providing alternatives to custody.

Drawing on Clinks’ voluntary sector-led manifesto, the blog highlights the importance of improving access to mental health, drug and alcohol treatment in the community. It also explores the role of voluntary sector organisations in delivering personalised, trauma-informed support and the need for stronger partnerships and sustainable investment to make community sentences more effective.

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 report writing workshop with professional writer Nathalie Abi-Ezzi [7 December | 10:00 - 12:00 | online | free]

The workshop will explore practical approaches to report writing, helping participants develop their writing skills and communicate information clearly and effectively.

Book here

We’re delighted to announce Dame Anne Owers, Chair of the Howard League for Penal Reform and former HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, and Martin Jones CBE, HM Chief Inspector of Probation, as keynote speakers at Clinks’ 28th Annual General Meeting [11 November | 11:15 - 12:45 | online | free]

Both speakers will bring their extensive experience and expertise in the criminal justice system to the AGM. We’ll be sharing more details about the topics they’ll be discussing next week.

If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time to secure your place!

Book here

Join Clinks for the next London Area Engagement Criminal Justice Forum [10 December | 10:00 - 11:30 | online]

The forum brings together voluntary sector organisations working across London’s criminal justice system to share experiences, discuss local priorities and connect with others working in the sector.

Book here

Join Clinks for the next South West and South Central Criminal Justice Forum [12 January 2027 | 10:00 - 11:30 | online]

The forum brings together voluntary sector organisations working across the criminal justice system in the South West and South Central regions to share updates, discuss regional priorities and connect with others working in the sector.

Book here

MEMBER FOCUS: Fresh Start Housing

Fresh Start Housing works to support people experiencing homelessness, with a focus on helping single people access accommodation and move towards greater stability and independence.

Through its Helping Single Homeless campaign, the organisation highlights the challenges faced by people without secure housing and the importance of access to suitable accommodation. Its work aims to help individuals rebuild their lives and establish a more secure foundation for the future.

Find out more

Cell Workout has launched its new education prospectus, bringing together its workshop programmes designed to support people in prison and the community.

Drawing on over a decade of experience working in prisons, Cell Workout combines physical activity, journalling and goal-setting to develop life skills, literacy, health and wellbeing, and employability.

The prospectus introduces two programmes: Lifestyle Planning, a one-day workshop focused on building healthy habits and setting achievable goals, and Plan, Review, Continue, a three-part workshop spread over six weeks (3 days in total), helping participants reflect on their progress and plan for the future.

Both programmes offer practical tools and continued support to help people build confidence, develop positive routines and prepare for life after prison.

For enquiries, contact max@cellworkout.com or lj@cellworkout.com

View the new Cell Workout prospectus here

Spark Inside has published an independent evaluation of its coaching skills training pilot for gym staff at HMP Brixton, authored by Professor Rosie Meek.

The training focused on developing staff members’ listening, communication and coaching skills to strengthen relationships with colleagues and people in custody. The evaluation highlights the potential for coaching approaches to improve staff-prisoner relationships, support staff wellbeing and contribute to a more positive prison environment. It also recommends exploring wider delivery across the Prison Service to support staff retention and reduce reoffending.

Read the evaluation

The Academy is hosting a free online seminar exploring the role of Alternative Provision (AP) in supporting children and young people who are educated outside mainstream schools.

The event will examine how AP intersects with youth justice, including the experiences of children and young people who are excluded from mainstream education and the ways in which educational provision can shape their opportunities, identities and pathways through the youth justice system.

The seminar will feature contributions from researchers and practitioners and will provide an opportunity to reflect on the challenges facing children and young people in AP, as well as the wider social, economic and political factors that influence their educational experiences. [3 December | online | free]

Book here

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: New powers proposed for people who refuse to attend sentencing

The Government has announced further measures aimed at people who refuse to attend their sentencing hearings.

Under the proposals, prison governors would be given additional powers to restrict privileges, social visits and time outside cells for those who refuse to attend. The measures build on existing reforms allowing courts to impose additional penalties for refusing to appear at sentencing.

Find out more

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Michelle Jarman-Howe appointed Director General of Prisons

The Government has announced the appointment of Michelle Jarman-Howe as Director General of Prisons.

The appointment places Jarman-Howe in a senior leadership role overseeing prisons within HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS).

Find out more

NON-MEMBERS’ EVENTS OR TRAINING: Women’s Early Testing Learning Session: Supporting Women in the Transition to the Community

The second Women’s Early Testing Learning Session will share emerging insights and learning from work supporting women as they transition from custody into the community [23 November | 11:00 - 12:15 | online | free].

The session will explore the early stages of women’s Through the Gate journeys, focusing on engagement, continuity of support and challenges experienced following release. It will also highlight women’s own experiences and perspectives on what helps them feel supported, connected and able to achieve their goals as they resettle in the community.

Register here

FUNDING: £20,000 available to expand prison reading programme

A grant of £20,000 is available for a one-year project expanding Reading for Redemption, an educational reading programme developed at HMP Frankland.

The programme uses structured reading, reflective discussion and literature-based learning to encourage participation among people in custody who can read but do not regularly engage with existing reading provision. It will also explore potential benefits for wellbeing and positive participation within prison communities. Universities can work with up to four prisons.

Applications close [22 November]. Project mobilisation begins in December, with final reports due in April 2028.

Find out more and apply

FUNDING: £15,000 available for research into reading and rehabilitation

A grant of £15,000 is available for a one-year research project examining Brazil’s Reading for Remission model and its potential relevance to prison education policy in England and Wales.

The project will compare approaches to reading-based sentence remission and explore whether elements of the Brazilian model could inform future development of the Reading for Redemption programme.

Applications close [22 November]. Project mobilisation begins in December, with final reports due in April 2028.

Find out more and apply

PUBLICATION: Performance Tracker 2026: Prisons and probation

The Institute for Government has published its latest Performance Tracker 2026 assessment of prison and probation services in England and Wales.

The analysis examines prison capacity, safety, staffing and the pressures facing probation services. It provides an overview of how services are performing, the challenges affecting their delivery and the wider pressures facing the criminal justice system.

Read the report

PUBLICATION: Updated distance learning for adult prisons policy framework

HM Prison and Probation Service has updated its policy framework on distance learning in adult prisons in England and Wales.

The updated framework sets out guidance and requirements for prison governors and staff to help people in custody access appropriate further and higher education through distance learning. It also clarifies arrangements for courses that are partially or fully self-funded.

The guidance is relevant to organisations supporting education, skills development and learning opportunities in prisons.

Read the updated framework

OPPORTUNITY: Applications open for Cambridge’s MSt in Applied Criminology, Penology and Leadership

The University of Cambridge’s Institute of Criminology is accepting applications for its two-year, part-time Master’s programme in Applied Criminology, Penology and Leadership, starting in April 2027.

Designed for professionals working across the criminal justice system, including prisons, probation, youth justice and the voluntary sector, the course aims to develop research-informed leadership skills while allowing participants to continue working full-time. Teaching takes place through residential study blocks in Cambridge, combining academic research with interactive learning and discussion.

For enquiries, contact mst.administration@crim.cam.ac.uk.

Find out more and apply

Brighton Women’s Centre is seeking a compassionate and organised Prison Link Worker [full time]. You will provide trauma-informed, strengths-based support to women in custody and on release from prison, helping them address challenges around accommodation, social inclusion, mental health, family relationships, domestic and sexual abuse, and other complex needs. Working closely with women, HM Prison and Probation Service partners and community organisations across Sussex, you will deliver pre-release planning and post-release support to help reduce reoffending and improve outcomes. The role requires strong casework skills, an understanding of trauma-informed practice, and the ability to build positive, empowering relationships. Join a supportive organisation committed to helping women break cycles of trauma, disadvantage and abuse. Find out more and apply by 17 November. 

Project Manager - Lived Experience Health Programmes (London) with User Voice [£34998 to £40000, London, Full Time]; Substance Use practitioner with Phoenix Futures [£26298, HMP Belmarsh, Full Time]; Lived Experience Consultant - North West with User Voice [£27000 to £30000, North-West England, Full Time]; CIAG Adviser with Achieve [£27015 to £30612, HMP Nottingham, Full Time]; Prison Employment Adviser with Achieve [£27015 to £30612, HMP Forest Bank, Full Time]; Prison employment Adviser with Achieve [£27015 to £30612, HMP Buckley Hall, Full Time]; Director of People and Organisational Development with St Giles Trust [£80000, Camberwell, London, Full Time]; Family Support Worker with Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact) [£26227, HMP Nottingham, Part Time]; Deputy Service Manager with Social Interest Group [£34400, Romford, Full Time]; Support Coach with Social Interest Group [£28800, RM3, Full Time].

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

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