This briefing note summarises Justice Secretary Ken Clarke’s speech at the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies on 30^th June, and considers the impact on the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) working in the Criminal Justice System. Download at: Clinks Publications

CLINKS RESPONSE: to Nick Herbert’s speech

This briefing note summarises the key points from a speech made to the Policy Exchange on 23^rd June 2010 by the Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice, Nick Herbert. The Minister proposed a string of policies to strengthen the ‘chain of justice’ that will empower VCS organisations to play an increased role in reducing reoffending. Download at: Clinks Publications

CLINKS REPORT: Partnership working in the South West

Clinks held an Open Space event in The Hub, Verwood on 8^th June 2010. The event was commissioned by a multi-agency Steering Group that is currently exploring how to improve partnership working between Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) organisations and Statutory Sector agencies in the local Criminal Justice System across Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole. The event was attended by over 50 delegates from a wide range of partner agencies. Using the Open Space process delegates created an agenda for the day in relation to the question: “How can we make Dorset safer? What is and what isn’t working – and what can we do about it?” Download the full report and the Executive Summary at: ClinksPublications

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Vetting and Barring update

The Government, in its document “The Coalition: our programme for government” published in May, announced its intention to undertake a review of the scope of the Vetting and Barring Scheme. The introduction of individual registration has been suspended to allow the review to take place. Whilst final requirements on individuals to register with the Scheme will depend on the outcome of the review, it is important to note that the requirements introduced by the first phase of the Vetting and Barring Scheme in October 2009 will remain in place. These requirements are outlined in this briefing

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: new website launched

The new Government site ‘Your Freedom’ has been launched and provides the public with the opportunity to comment on which laws you feel are unnecessary. The site claims to capture the views of the public and allows you to influence government policy and decision making. The categories for discussion are Restoring civil liberties, Repealing unnecessary laws, and cutting business and third sector regulations. See what people are saying, and get involved at: Your Freedom

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: MoJ financial management

A recent National Audit Office (NAO) report found that "The financial management of the Ministry of Justice, both at its headquarters and its arm's length bodies, has improved but it falls short of established best practice in three significant areas. The Ministry does not have a consistent financial management approach, lacks a full understanding of the costs of its operational activities and policies and has yet to integrate its financial systems and processes, reducing its ability to monitor its overall budgetary position. Without improvements in these areas, the Ministry will not be able to make informed decisions on relative operational performance, affecting its ability to deliver the sustainable efficiencies that are needed in the current constrained spending environment." Read the full story at: NAO

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: new prison contracts awarded

Reuters have reported this week that a consortium, led by Serco, has won a tender to build and run two new prisons – Belmarsh West in London and Maghull in the North West. The consortium includes Clinks Members Turning Point and Catch 22 who will deliver resettlement services. On Belmarsh West, Serco said: “This is the first prison contract to be awarded in the UK to an alliance of the private and voluntary sectors. The prison is designed to be highly efficient and, as a local prison with a high remand population, Serco's focus will be to minimise the dislocation that short-term imprisonment can cause. Building on its innovative and successful alliance with leading voluntary sector partners, Turning Point and Catch22, Serco will deploy tried and tested methodologies and best-in-class technology to create an environment that most effectively and efficiently prepares those in our care for release.” Read statements from Serco, Catch 22 and Turning Point. In next week’s Clinks Light Lunch, we will feature a briefing with more information about prison consortia and VCS involvement.

COMMISSIONING: provision of employment support services

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) wishes to establish a framework agreement for the provision of employment related support services, helping people to select, train for, obtain and retain employment suitable for their ages and capacities. The framework competition will identify organisations (including consortia) that have the capacity and expertise to deliver not only the Work Programme but also other potential employment related support services contracts. This may also include contracts that may attract European Social Fund support. The Expression of Interest deadline is 30^th July 2010 at: ESF

COMMISSIONING: increasing employer engagement

NOMS is looking for an organisation that will work practically with employers and businesses in the capacity of champion, to drive policy and effect operational change for the increased employment of offenders. The £50,000 contract will be for a maximum of 18 months. For further information/discussion please contact Ame Dada at NOMS Procurement Directorate.

COMMISSIONING: Post Adoption Services

Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council is seeking expressions of interest for the provision of post adoption support services for birth relatives of adoptive children. The support could include the provision of support groups and a counselling service for birth relatives. In addition, services will also be commissioned for the counselling of adopted adults, specifically those who are actively seeking their birth parents. The contract value is £50,000 for between 1 and 2 years. The deadline for applications is 16th July at: WMBC

FUNDING: local and regional pots

Lots of funding for regional community projects this week, just click on your area to access the funding opportunity – talented young people in Stevenage, small orgs in Wigan, Rochdale and Bury, small orgs in Bradford and Berkshire, community organisations in Barking & Dagenham, Haringey, Havering and Redbridge, benefitting residents of New Cross Gate,

FUNDING: improving communities

The David Knightly Pride of Place Awards aim to fund projects helping to make local communities better places to live. Projects supporting community groups will be prioritised. Funding is not available for projects that are already underway. More info from Gillian Binks on 0161 445 6452

FUNDING: civil society

The David and Elaine Potter Foundation supports projects which will help alleviate the lack of educational and economic opportunity. The programme is particularly interested in funding five areas: Civil society, Human rights, Education, Research, and the Arts. Find out more at: The David and Elaine Potter Foundation

AWARDS: Charity Awards

Small and medium-sized charities that have made outstanding and valuable contributions to social welfare in the community are invited to the Guardian Charity Awards. Eligible charities must have been registered in the United Kingdom for more than two years and have an annual income of between £5,000 and £1.5 million. The closing date for receipt of applications is 16^th July 2010 at: Guardian Charity Awards

EVENT: alternatives to grant funding

'Alternatives to Grant Funding - Looking at Commissioning and Social Impact Bonds' is an Action for Prisoners Families forum [27^th July, Peterborough, free to APF members]. Sessions will be delivered by St Giles Trust and Social Finance, amongst others, and will cover Social Enterprise funding, Social Impact Bonds, commissioning and Specification Benchmarking and Costing (SBC). £30 per place for non-members. To book your place, email Sophie Moorcock

OPPORTUNITY: get free support

The Foundation for Social Improvement (FSI) is working on a new initiative called Donate28. The scheme will recruit private sector experts to undertake year long scholarships with small charities to improve their marketing, communications or advertising. To be considered, you need to be registered on the FSI Community. It is easy and free – just click the purple tab at the top of the FSI website

RESOURCE: referring service users

Revolving Doors Agency’s 'national service user forum' and 'young peoples’ forum' (18 years to 28 years old) bring together people from different areas of the country who have experienced mental health and other problems and have had contact with the criminal justice system. Forum members have the opportunity to use their experiences to influence change. They are seeking new Forum members, so please encourage your service users to join. They also welcome enquiries from organisations who may be interested in consulting or involving members of the Forum. For Forum membership criteria and a membership form, visit: Revolving Doors Agency

RESOURCE: ethical office and meeting space

The Ethical Property Company supports innovative and progressive organisations working for social change by taking care of their property needs. They offer ethical investors the chance to buy shares in the company and invest that money in setting up centres that provide affordable, well-managed and environmentally-friendly office space that brings organisations together under one roof. They offer a wide range of services including investments, short and long term office space, hiring a meeting room, joining in on events they organise in their centres, or consultancy and IT services. They are currently developing centres in Bath, Brighton, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds, London, Manchester, Oxford and Sheffield. Find out more at: Ethical Property Company

RESOURCE: identifying offenders with brain injuries

Headway supports people who have had a brain injury and has anecdotal evidence that brain injury survivors are disproportionately represented in the Criminal Justice System. Often their brain injury is unacknowledged and they do not receive appropriate support. Does your organisation ask if people have had a past brain injury and are you familiar with impairments survivors may have? For more information visit www.headway.org.uk

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Unlock looking for experiences

Whilst people with convictions are not automatically barred from becoming a magistrate, there are very few guidelines available which would give any indication as to whether you would be able to. Unlock approached those in the Ministry of Justice responsible for the recruitment of Magistrates, and were told that in the Advisory Committee Directions, it states that “the Advisory Committee will need to consider the nature and seriousness of the offence, how long ago it was committed, the penalty or order and any subsequent offences before a decision is made.” They were told that it really is a case of taking each application on its own merits and the AC making a decision. Have you, or do you know of anybody who has, tried to become a Magistrate? If so, email Chris Stacey

CLINKS MEMBER’S VACANCIES

Foundation Housing is looking for a Keyworker for the Doncaster Together Women Project. The closing date is 19^th July, details at: Foundation Housing. User Voice are looking to recruit a Head of Programmes and a Programme Manager [both London].The closing date is 16th August; get full details from Daniel Hutt. And Families Outside [Edinburgh] are looking for a Helpline Worker. The closing date for that position is 23rd July, details at: Families Outside

TIPS OF THE WEEK…

TIP OF THE WEEK I: Get a free kids ticket to shows in London’s West End when you buy a full-price adult ticket. The offer’s available for kids aged 5 – 16, for performances from Friday 13 – Friday 27 August. There are 31 shows participating, including Avenue Q, Dirty Dancing, The Lion King and Legally Blonde. Booking opens on Tuesday 13 July at: http://www.kidsweek.co.uk/how-to-book/

TIP OF THE WEEK II: You can get top price tickets to Dreamboats and Petticoats for just £10. They're usually £50 so you're saving a hefty £40. The offer's for Mon-Sat performances but excludes Sat evening. Use the code 'EXCLUSIVE' at: Ambassador Tickets

TIP OF THE WEEK III: The FA Tesco Skills Programme runs at 36 venues across England during school holidays, offering free football coaching for kids. Find your nearest venue and book at: FA Tesco Skills programme

TIP OF THE WEEK IV: Grab August’s issue of Health & Fitness magazine (£3.20) and on p.44 you'll find a voucher for a free 2-day pass at Nuffield Health fitness and wellbeing centres.

TIP OF THE WEEK V: Buy a £25 voucher for O Spa London and get £125 worth of treatments at any of their 5 London venues. Buy at: Lastminute.com

TIP OF THE WEEK VI:Enter a Prize Draw to get £300 off at London restaurant Nobu. All you have to do is ‘Like’ them on facebook before 16^th July and you’re entered – visit Nobu

TIP OF THE WEEK VII: The 4-star Hallmark Hotel Manchester, in South Manchester, is offering a nightly package of £59 per person, per night. This includes full buffet breakfast, 3 course dinner, spa treatments, and bottle of wine on arrival. Book by 31^st July by calling 0161 437 0511, quoting 'TZOO'.

Date Published:

16/07/2010

Source:

CLINKS