Published on 21 Aug 2025

Enabling spiritual wellbeing behind bars: Social Services Accreditation for Prison Chaplaincy Aotearoa

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2 ALICE 1x1 PORTRAIT 1
Alice Palmer Consultant Contact me
30 STU 1x1 PORTRAIT 1
Stuart Beresford Senior Consultant Contact me

Allen + Clarke helped the Prison Chaplaincy Aotearoa (PCA) translate generic social sector standards into meaningful policies for their prison-based spiritual services. Our collaborative approach ensured the documentation reflected both regulatory requirements and practical chaplaincy realities, securing their essential Level 2 Accreditation.

Our workshops empowered PCA staff to contribute directly to policy development, creating practical, fit-for-purpose documents. We successfully bridged the gap between generic standards and PCA's specialist prison-based services.

This project demonstrated our ability to navigate complex regulatory requirements while honouring faith-based services in a prison environment.

Making sense of standards in prison

PCA provides religious and spiritual support across 18 prison sites nationwide. When their operating agreement with the Department of Corrections required Level 2 Social Sector Accreditation, they faced a documentation challenge. 

The challenge wasn't just creating policies - it was making community-focused standards relevant within prison walls. How could concepts like 'client participation in decision-making' apply when working with prisoners who have severely restricted freedoms. PCA needed updated documentation that demonstrated compliance while honouring their unique role. 

We focused on two key strategies to deliver success: 

  • Website Generic Icons 1200x1200 GREEN 31 Interactive workshops with different PCA stakeholder groups to define how generic standards applied to prison chaplaincy.
  • Website Generic Icons 1200x1200 GREEN 31 On-site documentation development with PCA offices for immediate access to staff expertise and existing materials.
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Creative solutions for unique challenges

For the client-centred services standard, we focused on demonstrating PCA's values of compassion and respect, showing how they match prisoners with chaplains based on faith and background. This included mapping the process for handling referrals for chaplaincy support. 

We adapted complaints procedures to align with prison operations while maintaining proper recording and resolution processes. 

We collated the new and re-developed operational policies and procedures into accessible manuals, supporting staff to access the information they need to ensure safety and compliance. 

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Benefits beyond compliance

Our work delivered tangible value beyond the paperwork:

  • The documentation accurately reflected PCA's unique environment while meeting MSD's requirements, securing their essential contract. 

  • The process improved operational clarity by explicitly defining how social sector standards apply to prison-based chaplaincy. 

  • Staff and volunteers gained certainty about appropriate procedures, enhancing service quality. 

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Interconnected coloured pathways forming abstract network diagram