What board members say
Members of the Board describe how they feel about their involvement with CRI.
Sir Peter Woodhead KCB, Chair
Sir
Peter Woodhead, former Prisons Ombudsman and current Chairman of the CRI
Board, has a passion for rehabilitation.
"As Prisons Ombudsman, I was very concerned about the large number of people who were released from prison and then were back inside within a couple of years. I felt this failure was partly related to what had happened to them in prison, and partly due to the lack of aftercare in the community. There is a vital need for prisoners to be more effectively prepared for living in the community and CRI fulfils a significant role both inside and out of the prison walls.
"We provide services which help people to change and break out of a pattern
of repeated offending and substance misuse: I am delighted to be involved
in this vital work, which is having a really positive impact on reducing
crime. CRI works with people in a dynamic, enthusiastic and motivational
way. Our services really make a difference and help people realise their
potential for change."
Robert Wright FCCA
Robert
Wright is Head of Financial Management and Accounting at the Department
of Culture, Media and Sport, and also Head of the National Lottery Distribution
Fund.
"Whilst on secondment to a prison, I had been shocked by the very low level of literacy, numeracy and interpersonal skills of the majority or prisoners. This made me start to realise that action could be taken to help people improve their skills and behaviours with the potential to break free from criminal activity.
"I have learned a great deal from my involvement with CRI. I’ve gained insights that have influenced my own career and my understanding of how Boards function and it is very satisfying to be part of an energetic Board that provides effective direction and governance to CRI.
“I have huge admiration for the staff who deliver services on the front line. They really make a difference. The success of CRI is down to the motivation and determination of its staff and it is exciting to be part of an organisation that is constantly looking for new ways of delivering innovative services."
