The church could play a bigger part in making a difference to the lives of those leaving prison and seeking not to re-offend.

That was the key message at the first national conference on engaging churches in the rehabilitation of offenders which has taken place in St Albans.

The conference at Hatfield House was organised by the Diocese of St Albans Penal Affairs Group, and attended by more than 140 criminal justice experts.

The Head of the National Offender Management Services, Michael Spurr, explained that by the end of the year, the new arrangements for the probation service would see private and social sector providers providing probation services inside prisons and beyond the gate, through Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs).

He said: "I would expect CRCs to seek support from voluntary groups and churches. Churches are already working in prisons and have community links outside and are a great source of support for individuals and offenders who want to change."

"There is evidence that supporting people in that way works."

Another major change in the probation service will be the extension of support and supervision to those on shorter sentences. 

Churches are already engaged in various ways either independently or in coalition with other voluntary agencies in the lives of those in our prisons, those who have recently been released or their families. 

New projects discussed could involve meeting prisoners at the gate and providing a path for them to avoid the temptations and bad choices that lead to re-offending. 

The purpose of the conference was to also promote the formation of groups around the country looking at issues in penal affairs and criminal justice across a broad coalition of concerned individuals. St Albans Diocese has had such a group since 2008.

The conference was also addressed by Lord Carlile of Berrihew, CBE, QC, former chairman of the Howard League and Juliet Lyon CBE, Director of the Prison Reform Trust.