60 seconds with… the Criminal Justice Liaison and Diversion Team

We spoke to Sarah Spicer, Team Manager for the Criminal Justice Liaison and Diversion Team, to ask her a few questions about her work.

1. Tell us a bit about the CJL&D team.

Our team, formed in 2020 and commissioned by NHS England, is a collaborative partnership between LPFT and Lincolnshire Action Trust. We provide vital support across Lincolnshire’s custody suites and courts, and our aim is to engage with individuals at the earliest point in their criminal justice journey.

We offer signposting, advice and guidance, as well as liaison work and onward referrals. As an all-age service, we support people with a wide range of needs and vulnerabilities, from mental and physical health concerns to substance misuse, housing issues and homelessness. Our goal is to ensure that individuals receive the right support at the right time.

2. Can you explain what the team does for the Lincolnshire community?

We work with people during some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. By offering compassionate, tailored support, we help individuals access services that can make a real difference, whether that’s healthcare, housing or social support. Our work can help divert people away from the criminal justice system, reduce reoffending and empower individuals to make positive changes in their lives. It’s about giving people a second chance and helping them build a better future.

3. Who is the team made up of?

The CJL&D team is a diverse and skilled group of professionals. It includes:

• A Team Manager
• Registered Clinical Staff — including Registered Mental Health Nurses (RMNs), Registered General Nurses (RGNs) and Social Workers (SWs)
• Practitioners
• A Forensic Psychologist
• A Peer Support Worker

We’re also supported by a dedicated administrative team, including a Senior Administrator who leads our central hub. Together, we bring a wide range of expertise and lived experience to the service.

4. What would you say is the most enjoyable part of being in the team?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being part of the CJL&D team is seeing the positive impact our work has on people’s lives. Whether it’s someone engaging with support for the first time or making meaningful progress in their recovery, those moments of change are incredibly powerful.

We’re also lucky to have a strong, empathetic team culture. Everyone is committed to supporting each other and driving the work forward. Feeling valued, both within the team and by our wider partners, makes a real difference.