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Baroness Neuberger seeks views on volunteering in the criminal justice system 

Baroness Neuberger, the Government’s independent volunteering champion, is asking third sector and statutory organisations for their views on volunteering in the criminal justice system.

Baroness Neuberger was appointed as volunteering champion in June 2007. She is working closely with Phil Hope, the Minister for the Third Sector, and reporting directly to the Prime Minister.

The main focus of her work has been to encourage public services to make better use of volunteers. She published her first report on health and social care in March and is now focusing on the criminal justice system. In June Baroness Neuberger will be talking to various third sector organisations and Government agencies with experience in this area, and will be asking them a number of questions, including:

1. What is the extent and variety of volunteering that currently happens in the criminal justice system?
2. Why should we promote volunteering within the criminal justice system? What is its value-added?
3. How do agencies promote volunteering? Do the agencies of the criminal justice system appreciate the value of volunteering?
4. What can the Government do to reduce the barriers to volunteering within the criminal justice system?
5. Can volunteering help to rehabilitate offenders?
6. How can people from a wide range of backgrounds be encouraged to volunteer within the criminal justice system?
7. How can the Government spread good-practice in volunteer management?

If you would like to provide feedback on these questions or any other issues around the use of volunteers in public services please email Baroness Neuberger or write to the address below by 1 September 2008.

Baroness Julia Neuberger
Office of the Third Sector
2nd floor, 35 Great Smith St
London, SW1P 3BQ