Official Prison Visitors assist the Prison Service to achieve its statement of purpose by providing a humanitarian contact, which helps to keep the prisoner in touch with the outside world.
What?
Officially appointed Prison Visitors are independent volunteers recruited by prison establishments on behalf of the Prison Service, who visit prisons in order to offer friendship to prisoners. They are neither paid civil servants, nor is there a faith dimension to their role.
Any prisoner may apply for an Official Visitor, whether he/she has visits from family members or friends or not. Official Prison Visitors visit all categories of prisoners, whatever their circumstances.
Prison Visitors are encouraged to operate in such a way that they are included in the general life of the prison, meeting needs which are quite distinct from Probation or Chaplaincy.
Who?
Candidates must be of good character. They should not hold any employment or office liable to cause embarrassment or conflict of interest in relations with prisoners or members of staff. Members of Independent Monitoring Boards and Local Review Committees are not eligible. Most Official Prison Visitors are between the ages of 21 and 70 but there is some flexibility. All appointments are at the discretion of the Governor.
