Bryn Hall, Senior Engagement & Development Officer for Wales, explains how Clinks can support voluntary organisations working in criminal justice in Wales.
Across Wales, 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.
But 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.
WHO ARE CLINKS?
Clinks is the infrastructure organisation supporting the voluntary sector working in criminal justice in England and Wales. We champion the role of the voluntary sector – especially small and specialist organisations – in delivering services, influencing policy, and creating a fairer, more compassionate system.
We have 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. We have established and trusted relationships within the voluntary sector and regular contact and influence with senior decision and policy makers in the Welsh and UK governments.
In Wales, our work is focused on building strong networks, sharing up-to-date information, and ensuring voluntary organisations have a voice in shaping policy and practice – both within Wales and at a UK level.
Meeting our sector’s need for infrastructure support | Clinks
HOW WE SUPPORT THE SECTOR IN WALES
Our work in Wales includes:
- Sharing timely and relevant information through emails to our Wales network, briefings, policy updates and resources.
- 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 Welsh Government, His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) in Wales, and other statutory bodies.
- Supporting policy engagement around key areas such as youth justice, women in the criminal justice system, and future devolution.
We know that small and specialist organisations are often closest to the communities most affected by the system – but can also be the most stretched and isolated. Clinks is here to support you, make sure you’re heard, and help amplify your vital work.
OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED
If you’re part of a voluntary organisation in Wales – 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 & join our network to receive tailored news and updates.
- Attend our events and forums to hear the latest developments and connect with others in the sector.
- Contribute your experiences to help shape our policy responses and advocacy work.
- Use our resources to strengthen your knowledge, practice and influence.
We’re 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 Wales.
WHY IT MATTERS
Being a Clinks member means you’re not on your own. You’ll have access to:
- The latest criminal justice developments including those relevant to Wales.
- A stronger collective voice when engaging with government and criminal justice agencies.
- Opportunities to collaborate and learn from others facing similar challenges.
- Support to navigate the complex and changing landscape of criminal justice in Wales and beyond.
LET’S CONNECT
If your organisation works with or supports people in contact with the criminal justice system, we’d love to hear from you. You can:
- Visit our Wales webpage: clinks.org/our-work/wales
- Get in touch with me directly: bryn.hall@clinks.org