This blog has been written by three leaders of small specialist arts organisations that work in prisons in England and Wales. It shares their perspectives on the commissioning of prison-based arts projects through the Dynamic Purchasing System.

Last month Clinks met with representatives from His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) and the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) for the quarterly commissioning engagement forum; a space which was created to provide regular discussion and feedback on commissioning rounds that will involve the voluntary sector working in criminal justice. See our earlier blog for more details on the purpose of these forums and how you can feed into them in the future.

Emma Kidger, Clinks Sector Support, Members and Networks Manager, reflects on the progress of a commissioning forum that Clinks established in partnership with MoJ and HMPPS in late 2021.

Christopher Stacey, Clinks Director of Support and Development, summarises which organisations will be providing prison family services across England and Wales from October this year.

Olivia Dehnavi, Clinks Senior Policy Officer, outlines how women's voluntary sector organisations can apply for grants for women's services as part of the Ministry of Justice's £24 million investment to support women in or at risk of contact with the criminal justice system.

Natalie Maidment, Clinks Development Officer, summarises the development of the newly launched probation grants process, and the opportunities for voluntary organisations to register and apply for upcoming grants.

Christopher Stacey, Clinks’ Director of Support and Development, summarises the developments of the future prison education service, and the opportunities for voluntary organisations to contribute

The feedback we've given to the government on the commissioning of services for people in prisons to maintain and develop their relationships with families and loved ones.

Richard Oldfield recommends that there should be a large-scale adoption of grants as the funding mechanism for some of the services; simplification of contracts; and a system which obliges large entities to include more specialised smaller organisations in their bids.

Jess Mullen summarises the commissioning principles we've submitted to the government which we believe would best enable the voluntary sector to deliver services in the future probation model.