PAS needs volunteers

“I wanted to direct my legal studies towards areas of law in which I am genuinely interested. To this extent, the PAS has given me the opportunity to develop my knowledge with regard to penal law, criminal law, and human rights law. The work done for the PAS has provided me with a high level of responsibility. It has given me the chance to think about and provide solutions to many varied legal problems.”

The Prisoners’ Advice Service was formed after a discussion in 1990 between representatives of the Prison Reform Trust, Liberty, Justice, NACRO, Inquest and the Howard League for Penal Reform. This group found that they were constantly being overwhelmed by enquiries and requests for help from large numbers of prisoners in need of urgent legal advice. Difficulties identified included: poor living conditions, incorrect or unfair application of prison rules, bullying from fellow prisoners and prison staff, problems in maintaining contact with families, prisoners being located vast distances away from their homes and so on. The Prisoners’ Advice Service was launched as a registered charity in May 1991. Sixteen years later the organisation stands as the foremost specialist practitioner of prison law. 
 
The Prisoners’ Advice Service employs a managing solicitor and three legal caseworkers along with a development manager and a part-time telephone worker. We require volunteers to assist our casework team. Volunteer duties include sending general information to clients and other prisoners as directed by the legal caseworkers or senior solicitor, writing to clients with information about their specific cases and responding to general letters from prisoners. Duties also include basic admin work: photocopying, filing, typing etc. We require up to 15 volunteers at any one time. Our volunteers are expected to commit to one day a week for at least three months. An expense allowance is provided.

 If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at PAS please send an email to admin@prisonersadvice.org.uk. If you require advice concerning a prison matter please email advice@prisonersadvice.org.uk.

For more information please see the full job description here.