New challenges ahead

National Advisor Volunteers Russell Underwood has taken on a new challenge with his secondment to the role of Operational Policy Manager in Prison Services until the end of September.

During Russell’s secondment, the role of National Advisor Volunteers will be filled by Diane Hallot – a move that will ensure continuity and maintain the positive momentum established during the last few years.

“Diane was closely involved with the prison volunteering brief in the days before we had dedicated volunteer coordinators,” says Russell.

“She is known to many prison volunteers and their organisations and will be working hard to strengthen partnerships and move the prison volunteering agenda forward during my absence.”
 
During his secondment Russell will be exposed to many important issues facing the Department including prisoner transportation, staff safety and foundation skills.

“It’s a challenging and exciting time to take on this role. A change in Government presents us with an opportunity to think about what we do, how we do it and if it can be done differently or better. My team will be at the forefront of that thinking,” says Russell.

“It will be difficult to detach myself from prison volunteering until my return later in the year. Working on a daily basis with volunteers, chaplains, volunteer coordinators and the heads of our stakeholder organisations provides me personally with inspiration and hope that together we can, and do, make a difference.”