Newsletter – 29 January 2026
THIS NEW MEMBER HELPS MUMS IN PRISON…
From Laura Abbott Professor of Maternal Health and Criminal Justice University of Hertfordshire / The Lost Mothers project: University and research project examining women’s experiences of separation of their newborn babies in prison. Our Lost Mothers project worked with Birth Companions and Clean Break theatre company and since 2012 I have been a volunteer with the charity Birth Companions. Wish to collaborate to work on co-produced research with lived experience teams and would like to link with members who have shared passion for policy change, supporting those with lived experience in the CJS and establish greater connections. l.abbott@herts.ac.uk
…THIS MEMBER HAS IN-PRISON WORKSHOPS
From Samantha Denham Social Value Manager Ego Technology Ltd: We provide data sanitisation for IT assets, as well as responsible recycling. We have an industries workshop in HMP Hindley, and are soon to open in HMP Lancaster Farms, where men are provided with meaningful work and encourage a strong work ethic. The men are also offered training whilst in custody, and through the gate support upon release. This is a new project though have worked alongside HMP Hindley for 4 years engaging with men in custody and breaking down barriers. We joined the Network to work collaboratively to raise awareness and support for prison leavers, including opportunities for employment within the IT and waste sectors and am intrigued to see where the network can take us. samdenham@egotechnology.co.uk
FREE FUNDING CONSULTS…
From David Whitfield The Grants4Growth Team 0800 464 7747: We are opening a limited number of free 1-to-1 consultations this February to help you build a structured, sustainable funding plan. We will identify your growth constraints (capacity, process, or evidence); determine if a structured bid programme is right for you and move from “ad hoc” to “consistent” results. If we aren’t the right fit, we’ll tell you. This disciplined approach has helped secure long-term stability for Better Communities Bradford (£600k) and Bradford Community Radio (£650k) and fellow CN member Arkbound £95,000. Slots are limited and will close once February is full.
JUSTICE SELECT COMMITTEE
The Corbett Network was invited this week to give evidence to the House of Commons Justice Select Committee on Rehabilitation and Resettlement. Represented by CEO David Apparicio, the session focussed on employment and then on disclosure of criminal offences. David spoke about the work of the Network and about the vital role which the voluntary sector plays in employment outcomes for prison leavers. He called for more financial support for our sector. Three members also spoke: Alex Clarke from Working Chance was eloquent about issues facing women while the section on criminal records heard from Penelope Gibbs of Transforming Justice and Paula Harriott from Unlock. We hope the committee took on board the impact and funding needs of the sector. https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/4080f3f6-7436-497ea21d-d26181777c12
FREE IPHONE
I have upgraded to a new phone so am offering my Iphone XR. It works perfectly is reliable and is sent in its original box with three chargers, a car charger plus a useful pink folder holding phone, cc and other cards. However this phone needs a sim card. If you would like to take up this offer, please email and tell me who you need it for.
MAJOR POLICING OVERHAUL
The Home Office is overhauling policing in England and Wales with a focus on professional standards and faster response times. All officers must now hold a formal licence to stay on the force. They must prove competence in key areas, specifically tackling violence against women and girls. The licence requires on-going training; fail to keep skills up to date or face removal. A phased rollout ensures a single, clear standard across all 43 regional forces. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is targeting “everyday crime” (like shoplifting and phone theft) with strict new metrics. Police must reach emergencies within 15 minutes in cities and 20 minutes in rural areas. The Home Secretary pledges to get officers to spend more time on the streets, cutting “red tape” and “unnecessary admin” which prevents them leaving their stations.
CRUCIAL CAMPAIGN WIN 1…
From Level Up (feminist community campaigning for gender justice): After 6 years of fighting, we’ve changed the law. The Sentencing Act now mandates that courts must consider pregnancy and motherhood when deciding on bail. No more “automatic” remand for pregnant women.This victory is for Aisha Cleary, Brooke Leigh Powell, and every mother trapped in the system. 1 in 3 pregnant women in prison are currently held on remand—this change will save lives. www.welevelup.org
…AND NO NAME OR SHAME
Government scraps plans to name and shame people on community payback schemes after a letter signed by 20+ organisations and experts to the Justice and Education Secretaries called for this change. It amplified the voices of children and young people who have experienced having a parent in prison or on probation. All in the prison reform sector welcomes this decision and look forward to the switch from incarceration to the expansion of community sentences,
SENTENCING BILL UPDATE
From Mark Day, Deputy CEO, Prison Reform Trust: The sentencing bill, implementing recommendations from David Gauke’s independent review to alleviate the prison capacity crisis, has passed its report stage in the House of Lords. This update covers PRT-supported amendments that were successfully passed, as well as significant proposals rejected by the government. The bill had its report stage debate in the House of Lords. Our blog provides an update on key amendments supported by PRT which were passed during the debate. It also highlights other important amendments which were tabled by peers but were not agreed to by the government. https://lnkd.in/ewugCDhu
ENDING SHORT SENTENCES
From Pavan.Dhaliwal, CEO Revolving Doors: The Government’s Sentencing Bill adopts many of our recommendations set out in last year’s Sentencing Review submission. It marks a major step forward by ending most short prison sentences — an expensive, ineffective approach that has trapped thousands in cycles of crisis and crime. Our research shows that evidence-led community alternatives are far more effective at tackling the root causes of reoffending and building safer communities. Read Preventing the Revolving Door report: https://lnkd.in/eWfMcjxb
BUILDING FUTURES
From Social Pantry: Last week, we launched The Opportunity Network, a new business collective dedicated to improving employment outcomes for prison leavers. The atmosphere was incredible, filled with collaboration and fresh ideas. People Director, Liam, chaired the session focused on sharing experiences and building more accessible pathways into meaningful work. Thanks to everyone who joined us—your passion and commitment made for a truly inspiring launch. liam@socialpantry.co.uk
CELEBRATING 900!
From Beverly Brooks, CEO Recruitment Junction: Our Newcastle and Durham team has now supported over 900 people with convictions into work — and the number is already climbing fast so that 900 is looking a lot more like 900➕ with placements already reaching double figures this month and no signs of it stopping… beverley.brooks@therecruitmentjunction.com
CONTAINERS TO HOUSES
From Jonathan Ley, Founder Make Time Count Today: We are launching “Homes within Reach” (https://www.homeswithinreach.co.uk). The goal is to utilise people in prison to convert shipping containers into low-cost houses targeting the ever increasing need for social housing. We are looking to work with local authorities to identify underutilised urban spaces that could be converted into community housing. Fello members, if you would like to learn more or would like to support this initiative, please contact jonathan.m.ley@maketimecount.today
PRISONERS SING ‘MY WAY’
From David Hurst Operations Manager, Liberty Choir UK: Our Choir has been approved to deliver our programme at HMP Guys Marsh and the partnership has already sparked interest from other prisons, building on the national recognition of Liberty Choir’s work, including the Longford Prize 2025. The programme will work with up to 25 men each week, helping them prepare for release, rehabilitation, or transition to Category D through singing, community, and positive social connection. Men arrived at the first session anxious and unsure; by the end, they were fully engaged and reluctant to leave. As the team exited the prison, “My Way” echoed from the wings — a powerful close to day one.davidhurst@libertychoir.org
CLINK CELEBRATES PROGRESS
From Donna Marie Edmunds, CEO The Clink Charity: Our events team were proud to cater for the 30th anniversary of Progress, a cancer charity, at the impressive Guildhall in Central London. Guest of Honour, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, was kind enough to name check The Clink Charity and Clink Events as an organisation that embodies second chances and the positive change that can be made when systematic inequalities are acknowledged and overcome. As someone with lived experience of both the criminal justice and care systems, Wes in many ways embodies our mission. dmedmonds@theclinkcharity.org
JOB BARRIERS FOR WOMEN
From Natasha Finlayson, CEO Working Chance: Women with convictions face barriers to accessing stable employment, even when they have the right skills for the job. Our written evidence to the Mayor of London’s Economy, Culture and Skills Committee was cited in their recent report on employment in London after prison, highlighting how barriers like understaffed jobcentres, employer prejudice, and low self-belief can stop women from accessing work they are qualified for. See how we contributed: https://lnkd.in/euMH32YA
From Dan Whyte, DRWM: A landmark moment for our ‘Working Week’ proposal currently under consideration by HMPPS. Together with heerLuxe and InsideOutAlliance, we’ve launched a ‘Corporate Merch Pilot’ at HMP Downview to commercialise a prison workshop and test whether business merchandise can be produced inside custody. Our business case shows how companies could commission women in prison—using their training and skills—to produce branded sweatshirts and T-shirts to commercial standards. Why shouldn’t these women be able to start contributing positively to society now? dan@dwrm.org.uk
HEADING UP CLINKS
Dr. Summer Alston-Smith will join Clinks as CEO on 16 March. With over 20 years of experience across the criminal justice and voluntary sectors—most recently at Advance— Dr Summer is a proven leader in strategic innovation and VAWG advocacy. A forensic psychologist by training, she brings a powerful blend of operational depth and a commitment to equity and inclusion. The Network looks forward to working with her
IPP MOVEMENT AT LAST
The Criminal Cases Review Commission has referred five men serving Indeterminate Sentences for Public Protection (IPP) to the Court of Appeal. A legislative change now allows people on IPP licences in the community to be considered for licence termination more quickly. Interim Chair Dame Vera Baird said the men were sentenced between 2002 and 2010 when they were teenagers and noted a shift in the Court of Appeal’s recognition that young offenders mature significantly over time. Matthew Booth, received an IPP at 15 for wounding offences. Although he served over six years, he was recalled four times for licence breaches, including failing to declare a relationship. Recently released, he said no child should receive an IPP. Dame Vera agreed, arguing the sentences punish people for what they might do rather than what they have done, creating “hopelessness.”
DIARISE 2026 NETWORK DATES
NATIONAL NETWORKING MEMBER CONFERENCE:
Wednesday April 29, Leathersellers Livery Hall London 11.30 am – 4.30 pm
ZOOM SESSIONS – All Thursdays from 12.30-1.30 pm
March 19 : Speaker : newly appointed CEO of New Futures Network at the MoJ
May 14
July 9
September 30
November 12
December 10
CONTINUE THE JOURNEY!
We hope you’ll continue the journey with us by renewing your membership. It takes only a couple of minutes to stay connected and the £60 annual fee breaks down to just £5 a month— about the same as grabbing a coffee at Starbucks, but with the added benefit of being part of a supportive network. We don’t want you to miss out on: Bi-weekly Newsletters. Interactive Zoom sessions. Regional meetings. Flagship National Networking Conference, Keeping your logo on our website and importantly, staying in touch with fellow members. We will keep your spot open for two more months, but if we don’t hear from you by then, we’ll (reluctantly) move your membership to inactive. We’re here to help so if you are experiencing any issues with renewing, please contact support@corbettnetwork.com.