As we approach the end of another year, we can look back with some pride at the progress we have made in supporting and valuing the role of community volunteers in our prisons.

February saw the launch of the Prison Volunteering Advisory Group, a forum for advising and consulting on all policy and operational matters impacting on volunteering. This forum has helped to strengthen partnerships with our key volunteering stakeholder organisations and their input has been hugely important in moving the prison volunteering agenda forward.

April saw the Department launch its new Volunteer Policy and Operating Standards following a thorough review and consultation period stretching back to March 2007.

June brought with it a series of special events to celebrate Volunteer Awareness Week, involving over 700 volunteers and staff.

In December we launched our first Volunteer Recognition Awards to commemorate International Volunteer Day. These unique awards, arising from nominations from prison staff, were made to individual volunteers and teams who had made an outstanding contribution to the rehabilitation and welfare of prisoners during the year. You can read more about the award ceremonies elsewhere in this newsletter.

These were just some of the highlights this year and give us grounds for optimism as we move into 2009.

Thank you all for your hard work and dedication during the year. To those volunteers who will be visiting our prisons over the Christmas and New Year period, a special thank you.

May I take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.

Harry Hawthorn
General Manager, Prison Services

Previous Next Show Contents