On 1 April 2008, the Department launched its new volunteer policy and operating standards after a thorough review and consultation process, stretching back to March 2007.

The new policy is aimed at supporting the Department’s vision of a ‘professionalised prison volunteering service, built on the principles of community participation, diversity, self-improvement and value-added services.’

You can view the new policy in full on the Corrections website by visiting http://www.corrections.govt.nz/public/communityassistance/volunteers/ . If you don’t have internet access you can request a copy by telephoning 04 495 8428.

Volunteer coordinators

The introduction of volunteer coordinators in 2006/07, initially for a 12 month trial period, has proved a success and has been warmly received in all quarters. As a consequence, a number of volunteer coordinator positions are on track for establishment on a permanent basis from 1 July 2008.

A restructure of Prison Services is due to be completed by 1 July 2008. There will be three rather than five regions, Northern, Central and Southern. Each region is further divided into three areas. Volunteer coordinator positions will be aligned to the new Prison Services areas.

Simple but professional processes

The Department is committed to recognising the importance of volunteers by putting in place professional and unambiguous procedures. During the coming months we will be phasing in brief role descriptions and volunteer agreements to set out the Department’s expectations and what you can expect in return. Standard approval terms of two years will help to provide consistency and transparency.

The trial of a new prison entry access card for all approved volunteers will represent a significant step forward. Based on swipe card technology, it will record all your approval details and facilitate smoother access. It will also record all your visits as a volunteer, bringing an end to manual attendance sheets and the worry of getting a signature every time.

This will be piloted over the coming 12 months. Subject to a positive evaluation, we will be looking to implement across all prisons shortly after.

The new regions

Northern

Area 1: NRCF and Auckland
Area 2: ACRP and Mt Eden
Area 3: ARWCF and Spring Hill

Central

Area 1: Waikeria
Area 2: Tongariro/Rangipo and Hawke’s Bay
Area 3: Manawatu, New Plymouth and Wanganui

Southern

Area 1: Wellington, Rimutaka and Arohata
Area 2: Rolleston, Christchurch Men’s and Christchurch women’s
Area 3: OCF and Invercargill

Training that prepares and protects

All newly-appointed volunteers will be required to undertake mandatory induction training before commencing their duties. This is essential to ensure that all volunteers are properly equipped to undertake their duties; are fully aware of their rights and obligations with regard to health, safety and security and; understand the special requirements of the prison environment.

The Department will be working with volunteer organisations to ensure that induction training is available on a regular basis, and is delivered to a high standard, across the country.

Offsetting the costs of volunteering

The Department recognises that, for some, increasing fuel costs present a barrier to volunteering, particularly in rural areas. In recognition of this, the annual petrol voucher allowance for qualifying volunteers will increase to $150 from 1 July 2008.

Qualifying volunteers will be exempt from any tax liability on these payments.

Better representation for volunteers and their organisations

A key objective of the volunteer policy review was to achieve better representation for volunteers and their organisations. The Prison Volunteering Advisory Group (PVAG) was launched in February. This represents the primary conduit for meeting the Department’s commitment to consulting with volunteers and their organisations on policy and operational matters that impact on volunteering.

You can view the Terms of Reference for the Group and read notes from the first meeting by visiting http://www.corrections.govt.nz/public/communityassistance/volunteers/ 

Valuing and celebrating volunteers

New initiatives will be launched this year to celebrate the important contribution prison volunteers and their organisations make to prison life. Watch out for news soon of special events to mark Volunteer Awareness Week in June and International Volunteer Day in December.

Any questions?

Should you have any questions about the new policy, its implementation or likely impact, please feel free to contact Russell Underwood, National Advisor: Volunteers on (04) 495 8428 or email volunteering@corrections.govt.nz 

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