Criminal Convictions/Ex-Offenders
Ex-offenders in your organisation
There are large numbers of highly-skilled and motivated former offenders. By focusing on previous criminal conduct, society deprives itself of the opportunity to use the talents, skills and energies of these individuals.
People with criminal records often appreciate being given a second chance and are usually very committed, hardworking, and loyal volunteers.
You can be an example for other VIOs, showing them the benefits of having ex-offenders as volunteers.
Being open to involving people with a criminal record in volunteering is a valuable service to the community.
Addressing the potential risks: An assessment should consider:
When the offence occurred.
The circumstances involved.
Reactions of others.
The nature of the volunteer position. Does it present any realistic opportunities for the volunteer to re-offend?
Reducing risk: Assess factors that might decrease any perceived risk, including those already in existence, such as the level of supervision.
Information about volunteering opportunities to this target group could be offered to organisations involved with ex-offenders so that they know how to refer their clients to you. Initially, it may be a good idea to start by taking small steps, placing one ex- and learning from the experience.
Managing sensitive information about ex-offenders
Encourage volunteers to disclose convictions by creating an environment of trust in which they understand how and why such information would be used.
Wherever possible, follow best practice by asking the applicants about criminal convictions. You can do it directly, by asking potential volunteers to declare their criminal convictions on a self-declaration form, accompanied by a statement saying: ‘Information about criminal convictions is requested to assist the selection process and will be taken into account only when the conviction is considered relevant to the role’. You can also do it indirectly, by asking: ‘Is there anything that you feel we should know as an organisation to make sure you have the best experience of volunteering?’
Ensure there is adequate space for the applicant to give details of the offence(s).
Remember that unless this question is raised as part of the recruitment process or at interview, there is no obligation on the candidate to disclose a conviction.
Have an equal opportunities policy, incorporating a statement on the involvement of ex-offenders. Make sure to include a statement that unrelated convictions need not be disclosed or discussed.
Should you disclose sensitive information to other people?
There is some debate about whether fellow staff members and volunteers should be informed at the outset that a new volunteer is an ex-offender.
The answer to this question is not easily reached for the following reasons:
While it supports organisation transparency, it can also lead to problems, such as more pressure being put on the ex-offender to perform and closer scrutiny of their work.
It could also isolate the ex-offender and create a strained environment and relationships.
On the other hand, if colleagues are not informed at the outset and they find out by accident, there could be worse consequences. For example, ex-offenders may even leave the organisation, feeling that the relationship with others has broken down. Therefore, management and staff communications policies should be examined to guide the decision on which approach would be most suitable in the given circumstances of the case. It is also crucial that the volunteer is informed what information will be passed on and to whom.
Managing and supporting ex-prisoners/ex-offenders
To encourage the successful transition of an ex-offender to volunteering, the following measures need to be looked at:
Consideration needs to be given to developing senior management support. Their support is crucial; if an initiative is supported from the top, it will also be supported at the bottom.
The volunteer should be treated like any other person, and certainly, will not want to be singled out for any special attention. However, it is important to be sensitive to the history of the volunteer. For example, if they have not been active or participating in activities in a while, a little patience may be beneficial for everyone.
Many ex-offenders experience low self-esteem, and feel everyone is thinking the worst of them. It is important to treat the new volunteer like everyone else, creating a friendly and positive environment and providing clear instructions and expectations. • It might be a good idea to assign a ‘buddy’ to newly-recruited volunteer for the beginning of their volunteering experience to help them learn the ropes and to ensure that they are not overwhelmed or isolated.
Communicating effectively
Communicating without preconception is the first step towards creating a fruitful relationship. Ex-offenders having become institutionalised, may well have to re-learn day-to day communication skills.
Recruitment
Service providers for this targeted group should be made aware of your organisation and hold information and contact details about your services and volunteering opportunities. Many agencies are involved with the rehabilitation of offenders so think beyond the obvious (the Probation Service and Social Services) and remember to include social and health-care organisations, therapeutic services and local faith groups.
Suitable volunteering positions
When considering suitable positions for an ex-offender, carry out a risk assessment for each of the volunteering roles. It is vital that the risk of re-offending be fully assessed. This assessment should take into account, the nature of the offence and the sentence served together with the activities required within the volunteering role. Individuals convicted of sexual crimes will not be suitable to volunteer with children or vulnerable adults.
You will need to think carefully about other convictions that may prevent an ex-offender from working directly with your service users.
Treat each prospective volunteer from this targeted group as an individual - as you would any volunteer. Always ask them about their expectations and interests in relation to the volunteering opportunities offered through your organisation.
Scenario
Title: Criminal Convictions/Ex-Offenders
Background: As part of the probation conditions given to the offender they were ordered to attend the peer support group within the charity. The prospective volunteer was dealing with mental health problems due to historical abuse.
Volunteer Role: Hospitality
Support Provided to the Volunteer:
· As well as attending the peer support group, the charity provided a mentor to help support the volunteer.
· Over time various courses were held within the charity and the volunteer was then able to progress into further education.
Impact:
· After many years of dealing with mental health issues the volunteer become a valuable member of the voluntary community within the charity and also in the wider community. With the skills and experience gained through volunteering, they went on to start their own business at the same time as continuing to volunteer.