Valuing Volunteering in the Criminal Justice System
"I’ve worked with volunteers from many organisations and agencies. I’ve always found them really helpful ... It makes a big difference to prisons to involve someone [from the community] who cares, is interested, and has the time to listen to them [prisoners].” – Custodial Manager, HMP Brixton
Are you involved with a prison volunteering project? Would you like to contribute to research on how prisons should better support and involve volunteers?
Volunteering sends a powerful message to people in custody: that their efforts to build a more positive identity and desist from crime are supported by the community outside prison, which stands ready to welcome them back. Our 'Valuing Volunteering in the Criminal Justice System' project will investigate the current state of prison volunteering and produce a handbook with recommendations for NOMS and prison staff.
Prisons Minister Andrew Selous said: "Volunteers play a huge role in our society and their work in our prisons is invaluable. I want governors to have a full understanding of the skills that volunteers can bring, which is why I have asked Clinks to look at this area in detail. The work of a volunteer can help offenders turn their lives around for good. Putting rehabilitation at the heart of the prison system will reduce reoffending, cut crime – and make our streets safer.”
We want to find out:
- What are the benefits of quality volunteering programmes in different kinds of prisons?
- Where are the current examples of good practice, and where are there gaps?
- What are the key factors that support and hinder effective volunteering in prisons?
- What specific actions by prison staff and managers would support the development of more effective volunteering?
If you have experience of prison volunteering programmes, and would like to contribute, please get in touch here
Tell us about a project here
Read the blog 'The unique contribution of volunteers in prison' here
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