Volunteering
There’s a place for everyone as a CJS volunteer
Volunteering in the Criminal Justice System
Why volunteer?
Volunteering can help make a real difference –to individuals, our communities and to how the Criminal Justice System (CJS) is delivered.
What can I do?
There is a wide range of volunteering opportunities in the CJS, open to all,
regardless of background, age or skills. For example, you can:
• make communities safer by supporting the police as a special constable;
• build secure and confident communities as a Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator;
• help deliver justice as a magistrate;
• support victims and witnesses of crime as a Victim Support or Witness Service volunteer;
• help tackle crime and reduce re-offending as a youth offender panel member; or
• help offenders get their lives back on track as a prison visitor or mentor.
How much time does it involve?
How much time you want to devote is up to you and your personal circumstances, but it can also depend on the role. This can range from occasional help to several days a week. Please refer to individual agencies/organisations for further information.
What do I need?
In most cases formal qualifications are not required, just a willingness to devote time and effort.
What are the benefits for me?
Volunteering can be very rewarding. It can offer you:
• a sense of value and need;
• work experience and increased career options;
• new and improved skills;
• personal development and achievement;
• training opportunities;
• an opportunity to meet new people; and foremost
• a chance to make a difference.
Where can I find out more?
To find out more please visit the following websites, which offer just a few examples of agencies and external organisations
working with volunteers in the CJS:
Police service recruitment – www.policecouldyou.co.uk
Becoming a magistrate – www.magistrates.gov.uk
Neighbourhood Watch – www.neighbourhoodwatch.net
Victim Support – www.victimsupport.org.uk
Youth Justice Board – www.yjb.gov.uk
Police force websites (police cadet opportunities etc) – www.police.uk/forces.htm
National Association of Prison Visitors – www.naopv.com
Independent Monitoring Boards – www.imb.gov.uk
Clinks – www.clinks.org
PACT (Prison Advice and Care Trust) – www.prisonadvice.org.uk
SOVA (Supporting others through volunteer action) – www.sova.org.uk
Independent Custody Visiting Association – www.icva.org.uk
National Probation Service – www.probation.homeoffice.gov.uk
HM Prison Service – www.hmprisonservice.gov.uk
NACRO (crime reduction charity) – www.nacro.org.uk