A warm welcome to the third edition of CORRvolunteer and I hope you enjoy this issue.

Many thanks to those who took the time to circulate and respond to our ‘Review of Volunteer Policy – Consultation Document’. We have since refined our policy proposals and submitted them to our senior management team for endorsement.

A number of recommendations seek approval for further work so, although we are likely to have a revised volunteer policy shortly, this will not in itself represent a final position. What it will provide is a stable foundation (and a mandate) upon which to build. As always, we will keep you advised of progress.

As we move towards the end of 2007, it is perhaps pertinent to reflect upon some of the progress we have made during the year. Although there is so much still to do, it has been pleasing to observe the Regional Volunteer Coordinators and Chaplains working together to support, build and facilitate prison volunteers. I know from your feedback, just how much their efforts are appreciated.

The volunteer policy review has dominated the agenda this year. However, it is the launch of CORRvolunteer – that has helped to open doors and remove barriers. Your inspirational stories of working with prisoners and their families have had a profound effect. They have raised the profile of prison volunteering to a new level and reinforced that our prison volunteering community is an inclusive, and not an exclusive, one.

Thank you all.

Russell Underwood
National Advisor: Volunteers

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