Working Together for a Fairer Criminal Justice System: How Clinks Can Support You
Across Dorset, voluntary organisations are doing incredible work supporting people affected by the criminal justice system. From grassroots projects in local communities to specialist services working with women, racially minoritised people or those with lived experience of the criminal justice system— these organisations are vital. Navigating the criminal justice landscape isn’t easy. With responsibilities split between devolved and non-devolved powers, new policy developments emerging regularly, and continued uncertainty about funding and criminal justice policy at both the UK and Wales level, staying informed and connected is more important than ever.
Clinks is the infrastructure organisation supporting the voluntary sector working in criminal justice in England and Wales. They champion the role of the voluntary sector — especially small and specialist organisations — in delivering services, influencing policy, and creating a fairer, more compassionate system. Clinks has over 500 members, ranging from large organisations through to unstaffed community groups, working across courts, prisons and the community to help people turn their lives around and support families and other significant relationships, and has established and trusted relationships within the voluntary sector and regular contact and influence with senior decision- and policy-makers in the UK government.
Their work in Dorset includes:
• Sharing timely and relevant information.
• Creating spaces to connect, such as our networking roundtables on key issues affecting the community & voluntary sector.
• Representing the voluntary sector’s voice to decision-makers, including the Governments of England and Wales, His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), and other statutory bodies.
• Supporting policy engagement around key areas such as youth justice, women in the criminal justice system, and future devolution.
If you’re part of a voluntary organisation in Dorset, whether you’re already working in the justice space or just starting to engage, there are lots of ways to connect with Clinks:
• Become a Clinks member to receive tailored news and updates.
• Attend events and forums to hear the latest developments and connect with others in the sector.
• Contribute your experiences to help shape policy responses and advocacy work.
• Use their resources to strengthen your knowledge, practice and influence.
They are especially keen to link with organisations that may not have engaged with Clinks before — particularly those led by people with lived experience, those working with racially minoritised communities, women’s services, and those in rural or under-represented parts of Dorset.
If your organisation works with or supports people in contact with the criminal justice system, Clinks would love to hear from you. The Area Engagement Lead for South West and South Central is Rachel Austin-Francis. Get in touch: rachel.austinfrancis@clinks.org