Singapore Prison Service Volunteer - Secular
Help offenders learn important skills and improve their education. You can contribute and help out at various activities for offenders, ranging from enrichment programmes to academic tutoring.
Last updated 24 February 2026
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Requirements
Commitment
Varies depending on the specific programmes
Age
21 years old and above
What is the Role of SPS Secular Volunteers?
As an SPS volunteer, you will contribute to the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates by facilitating non-religious skills training and workshops. Your role will involve providing inmates with essential life skills and personal development opportunities. Volunteer activities include:
Skills Training and Workshops – Facilitate programmes such as anger and emotion management, financial planning and public speaking. These workshops help inmates develop prosocial values and prepare for their reintegration into society.
Enrichment Programmes – Lead or assist in activities such as art therapy, facilitation skills training and reading clubs, which foster personal growth and positive engagement.
Academic Tutoring – Tutor inmates preparing for national examinations (G.C.E. 'N', 'O', and 'A' Levels). Support them in their weakest subjects, provide mentorship and help them achieve academic success.
Family-Based Activities – Participate in programmes aimed at strengthening family bonds and support networks - crucial elements in ensuring successful reintegration.
You will work through partner organisations including The Salvation Army, Agents of Change, Facilitators Network Singapore, Singapore Chess Federation, Centre For Fathering, Cornerstone Community Services, Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) and others, each offering unique programme focuses.
What Training Will You Receive?
To ensure you are well prepared for your role, you will undergo comprehensive training:
Initial onboarding: New volunteers attend a half-day Prison Volunteer Training, held monthly on Saturday mornings. This session orientates you to the prison environment, covering key dos and don'ts. Interactive role-plays equip you with practical skills for engaging effectively with inmates.
First-year development: From 2025, all new SPS volunteers will need to complete a training package within their first year. This package includes e-learning modules on restorative practices and working with various offender profiles, plus a full-day classroom lesson on befriending.
Mentorship support: New volunteers will have the opportunity to shadow experienced volunteers, gaining hands-on learning alongside formal training.
Ongoing growth: After completing initial training, you'll have access to developmental courses at your convenience, allowing continuous skill enhancement. Your partner organisation may also offer additional training specific to your programme.
Why Join the SPS Secular Volunteer Programme?
Volunteering with SPS offers a unique opportunity to make a direct impact on rehabilitation and reintegration efforts in Singapore:
Create tangible impact – Help equip inmates with necessary skills and knowledge for successful integration. Your involvement helps them become responsible, contributing citizens, reducing recidivism and strengthening community safety.
Grow through meaningful experiences – Volunteering provides you with the chance to connect with diverse individuals and gain insights into their unique life stories. This experience fosters empathy, patience, and emotional intelligence, helping you grow while making a meaningful difference.
Build valuable skills and connections – Work alongside other volunteers and interact with Singapore Prison Service staff. Develop communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Expand your network within a community committed to change.
How Do You Sign Up?
You can begin your volunteering journey in two ways:
Option 1: Contact one of the partner organisations directly through their websites or social media pages to learn about specific programmes.
Option 2: Email PRIS_Volunteers@pris.gov.sg to inquire about available opportunities across all partner organisations.
FAQs
What is the expected commitment as a SPS volunteer?
The commitment depends on the frequency of the programme and the size of the volunteer pool for each agency. You can discuss with the agency you are under. Ideally, volunteers should commit to at least one year of service.
What training will I receive as a new SPS volunteers?
There will be a session to onboard new SPS volunteers. These sessions are typically held once a month on a Saturday morning. The volunteering journey can only begin after completion of the training.
From 2025, all new volunteers joining SPS as volunteers will also be scheduled to undergo a package of e-learning topics such as restorative practice and working with various offender profiles, and a full day befriending classroom lesson. You are encouraged to complete this training package within a year after onboarding.
Additionally, arrangement can also be made for new volunteers to tag along with more experienced volunteers when they first start their volunteering journey.
Do I need special qualifications or experience to volunteer?
Most of the schemes do not require specific professional qualifications. The most important qualities are empathy, patience and approaching others without judgement. SPS provides the necessary training to prepare volunteers for their roles and to help them understand the correctional environment and rehabilitation process. The agency you are attached to may also provide additional training to equip you to deliver your content effectively.
I believe deeply that anyone with the motivation to change deserves a second chance. It is an honour to walk alongside offenders as they search for their own strength, rebuild their purpose, and fight for a new future.— Lin Weisheng Lance
After many years of supporting Inmates, I get a deep reward connecting at a human level understanding there fears and struggles and desires to change. Seeing change over time in how they connect to a purpose to become an active member of society with is deeply rewarding.— Richard Jones
